Back in June, the Minnesota Vikings and superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson inked a new contract that made Jefferson the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver. In fact, he’s the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history. Let’s examine Jefferson’s lucrative deal and how it stacks up against his peers.
How Much Money Does Justin Jefferson Make?
After negotiating with the Vikings for quite some time, Jefferson ultimately signed a four-year, $140 million extension with $110 million guaranteed.
Jefferson’s $35 million annual salary tops San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa’s $34 million as the highest for any non-QB in NFL history. Also, the deal included $88.743 million due at signing, the highest non-QB guarantee at signing in NFL history.
“I would not be in this position if not for my family and their support. I’m so thankful for them instilling a foundational gratitude and competitive fire within me,” Jefferson said. “I’d like to thank the Wilf family, Kevin O’Connell, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and the entire Vikings organization for believing in me and trusting me to help lead this team.”
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
The Vikings received calls from multiple teams wanting to trade for the superstar wide receiver, but they had no intention of trading him.
“From the moment I arrived in Minnesota, Justin has consistently proven to be one of the best players in the NFL on and off the field and we are excited about having him as a cornerstone of our team for a long time to come,” Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said.
Jefferson’s patience paid off, as just before the start of the 2023 season, he turned down an offer that would’ve paid him $28 million per season. Now, he’s making $35 million annually instead.
The NFL’s second-highest-paid WR behind Jefferson is Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb, who signed a four-year extension worth $136 million. The deal includes $100 million guaranteed, plus a wide-receiver record $38 million signing bonus. Lamb is the second-highest-paid non-QB in NFL history, behind only Jefferson.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Wide Receiver Rankings
Jefferson, the NFL’s best wide receiver, averaged 98 catches, 1,474 yards, and 7.5 touchdowns over his first four seasons in Minnesota. In 66 career games, he has totaled 425 receptions for 6,430 yards and 35 touchdowns.
He’s a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time first-team All-Pro.
Jefferson has picked up right where he left off this season, recording 33 catches for 531 yards and five touchdowns through six games and playing a crucial role in Minnesota’s 5-1 start.