Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson signed a 4-year contract extension worth $140 million ($35 million per year), including $88.7 million due at signing. This makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the history of the NFL.
The 2022 Offensive Player of the Year is considered by many to be the best wide receiver in the NFL when healthy and his numbers have proved as such. He is the youngest player to ever lead the league in yards and receptions, also having the most receiving yards for any player in their first 4 seasons.
Justin Jefferson Gets His Bag
He only played in 10 games in 2023, still having over 1000 yards and 5 touchdowns.
This deal sets a new market for elite wide receivers, leaving us to wonder if Justin Jefferson’s status as the top-paid receiver will last long or if someone else will surpass him. There are a few possibilities as to who can do just that.
Ja’Marr Chase
Justin Jefferson’s former college teammate at LSU has been fantastic since being drafted 3rd overall by the Bengals in the 2021 NFL Draft. In three seasons, Chase has compiled over 3700 yards and 29 touchdowns, being voted into 3 straight Pro Bowls with an All-Pro selection as a rookie.
Chase has been the main guy for QB Joe Burrow and helped lead his team to the Super Bowl in his first season. There have been some hiccups regarding injuries to both himself and Burrow, but they’ve proven that they can compete with the best teams in the NFL and will look to continue this when everyone is healthy and refreshed.
Cincinnati picked up Chase’s fifth-year option and will look to extend him. It hasn’t yet been determined whether he’ll demand equal or exceeding pay to Jefferson, but you have to imagine that the Bengals will take care of him.
Projection: Four years, $140.5 million
CeeDee Lamb
The former Oklahoma Sooner was drafted by the Cowboys in 2020 with the 17th pick. He, like Chase, has gotten off to a blazing start to his career. Lamb is a three-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro selection, also leading the NFL in receptions in 2023.
Lamb has lived up to his jersey number, the #88 being of legendary status in Dallas history. However, the team’s success hasn’t been as impressive as Chase’s. The Cowboys have been amongst the best offenses in the NFL, scoring more points than anyone. They look great until January, as they only have 2 playoff wins since Dak Prescott was drafted and named the starter in 2016.
The lack of playoff success could be something Jerry Jones could consider in contract negotiations, especially with his top pass catcher and signal caller.
However, there’s no doubt that Lamb deserves to be paid amongst the best in the league, as he’s played like it since entering the NFL.
Projection: Four years, $140.1 million
Tyreek Hill
As we speak, the Miami speedster is already locked into a four-year, $120 million deal. However, talks started after the 2023 season regarding Hill’s deal and he might want some readjustment in the wake of Jefferson’s new deal.
Hill has been one of the NFL’s most dangerous and productive players every year. His speed makes him a matchup nightmare with anybody, no matter how good they might be. Even with Hill suggesting he will retire in 2025, you’d have to imagine Miami would want to retain him for as long as possible.
Projection: A restructured deal that would cancel out the last three seasons of the current contract, making it effectively a four-year, 140 million-dollar deal
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