Star players at the wide receiver position have received massive contract extensions this offseason, and today, Justin Jefferson became the latest to sign.
On Monday morning, it was announced that Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a four-year, $140 million contract extension with $110 million guaranteed, which makes him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL.
Following the news, some NFL stars reacted to Jefferson’s new contract and what it means for the wide receiver market, which has exploded in recent weeks.
NFL Stars React to Justin Jefferson’s New Deal
Jefferson has officially set the market for the WR position with his new deal. He’s now not only the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL, but his new contract pays him more than any non-quarterback in league history.
Something that once was a dream is now my reality. There are so many people that I can sit here and thank but you all know who you are that helped me along the way. But we ain’t stopping here…. There’s more to be done… SKOL!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/q2Q6YUPAWH
— JJETS✈️ (@JJettas2) June 3, 2024
Jefferson is one of several wide receivers to get paid this offseason. Star players such as A.J. Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, and Nico Collins have each signed lucrative contract extensions. After signing their extensions, all six are now in the top 10 in highest average salary at the position.
With the WR market exploding, many players around the league have started to take notice. This includes New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, who spends his Sundays shutting down the opposing team’s best player at the position.
The WRs really having a field day😅 Sheeeeeeeeeeesh
— SAUCE GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) June 3, 2024
Other players took to social media to congratulate Jefferson on the new contract, including Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons.
“Well deserved!!” said Parsons, who is eligible for a new contract himself and could one day set the new record for the highest-paid non-quarterback.
🤝 well deserved!! https://t.co/MYSUNSHT3U
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) June 3, 2024
Another notable congratulatory message came from Tyreek Hill, who could now be looking to get back to the negotiating table with the Miami Dolphins after seeing Jefferson reset the market.
Hill entered this offseason with the highest average annual salary at the position. Yet, after all of the other big deals being signed, his $30 million per year salary ranks fourth.
JJettas that’s well deserved
— Ty Hill (@cheetah) June 3, 2024
Hill isn’t the only elite wide receiver who could potentially sign a new contract before the season starts, however. While players such as Brandon Aiyuk and Tee Higgins are entering contract years, Dallas Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb figures to be next, which was Chad Johnson’s initial reaction to the news.
Lamb & Chase up next 🙏🏾 https://t.co/IlUiPL7Agf
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) June 3, 2024
Overall, NFL players are ecstatic for Jefferson. Not only is he signing a life-changing contract that is very well deserved, but his contract should help other elite players at the position get paid.
Jefferson’s contract also further reset the market for a WR position that has become extremely valuable in today’s NFL. With him now making $35 million per year, it’s only a matter of time before a wide receiver starts making more, with an average annual salary of $40 million.
