In June 2024, 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 topped 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)
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.
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, here is where Jefferson ranks among the highest-paid receivers in the league based on avverage annual value of their contracts:
- Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals: $40.25 million
- Jefferson, Vikings: $35 million
- CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys: $34 million
- DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh Steelers: $33 million
- Garrett Wilson, New York Jets: $32.5 million
Jefferson, arguably the NFL’s best wide receiver, has totaled 495 receptions for 7,432 yards and 40 touchdowns in 77 games across his first five seasons. He’s a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro.
In the 2024 NFL season, Jefferson played all 17 games and had 103 receptions for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 14.9 yards per reception.
Vikings vs. Falcons Week 2 SNF Preview
The Vikings will host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2 on Sunday Night Football. Minnesota started the season 1-0 after a thrilling comeback win against the Chicago Bears, where their young quarterback J.J. McCarthy emerged as a star.
The Falcons came close to defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1 but unfortunately lost 23-20 after their kicker, Younghoe Koo, missed a game-tying attempt.
Penix has looked great so far, but going against Brian Flores’ defense will be a tough challenge for him. However, he has players like Drake London, Bijan Robinson, Darnell Mooney, and Kyle Pitts to make things easier for him.
As for the Vikings, they’ll need consistency from McCarthy, who threw for 143 yards and two touchdowns on his NFL debut.
