There’s a plethora of superstars in the common-day NFL, but there are few better than Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson. At just 24 years old, Jefferson has a claim to being the best receiver in the league.
With being one of the best players in the NFL, Jefferson is going to want a lot of money. He hasn’t been quiet about it either. What has Jefferson said?
Justin Jefferson Wants To Break the Bank
Jefferson was born June 16, 1999, in St. Rose, La. He attended Destrehan High School, where he became a three-star prospect, according to 247Sports. He committed to and played for LSU.
In 35 career college games, Jefferson started 27 games, catching 165 passes for 2,415 yards and 24 touchdowns. He was later drafted with the 22nd overall pick by the Vikings in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Since being drafted, Jefferson has become a three-time Pro Bowler, two-time second-team All-Pro, one-time first-team All-Pro, and one-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He’s played in 60 career games, catching 392 passes for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns.
“I want to break the bank, and I want to be a part of an organization that wants me and to really give me what I deserve,” Jefferson said to Adam Schein on SiriusXM.
“I feel like eventually, the #Vikings will do what they need to do to have me in the building, but I don’t really know at this very moment, only time will tell.”@JJettas2 updates @AdamSchein on his contractual situation.
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📷 https://t.co/YSXEJxNd65 pic.twitter.com/MaQ0lmOOMZ— Mad Dog Sports Radio (@MadDogRadio) February 7, 2024
“I don’t really know at this very moment. Only time will tell,” Jefferson said. When he was drafted, Jefferson signed a four-year, $13.12 million rookie contract. The contract was fully guaranteed and included a $7.1 million signing bonus.
While 2023 was the last year of his initial rookie contract, the Vikings picked up his fifth-year option, extending his contract into the 2024-25 season at the cost of $19.7 million. He will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025 when he is 26 years old.
MORE: PFN’s WR Rankings for the 2023 NFL Season
Since Jefferson will likely want to be the highest-paid receiver in the NFL, it’s pretty simple to figure out how much money he’ll want. The highest-paid receiver in the NFL is currently Tyreek Hill, who makes $30 million per year. He’s followed up by Davante Adams with $28 million per year and Cooper Kupp with $26.7 million per year.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!