Having solidified himself as one of the best receivers in the NFL from the moment he stepped on the field, Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson has finally been paid as such.
Following his major extension, what kind of money is Jefferson making?
What Is Justin Jefferson’s Salary?
Following a handful of other wide receiver extensions, Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million deal that averages $35 million per year. The contract included $110 million guaranteed for practical purposes and $88.7 million fully guaranteed at signing. There was also a $36.9 million signing bonus.
With a year left on his deal before the big money starts flowing in, Jefferson will have a $1.125 million base salary in 2024 and a signing proration of $7.387 million. He will have a cap hit of $8.5 million.
Jefferson is arguably the best receiver in the NFL, and he’s now the highest-paid receiver in the league — and it’s not particularly close.
MORE: Who Are the NFL’s Highest-Paid Wide Receivers?
Jefferson makes $3 million more than the next highest receiver, A.J. Brown, who makes $32 million per year. They’re followed by Amon-Ra St. Brown ($30.002 million), Tyreek Hill ($30 million), and Jaylen Waddle ($28.25 million).
Jefferson’s $35 million annual salary tops San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa’s $34 million as the highest for a non-QB in the NFL. Furthermore, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal includes $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 in a statement following his new deal, which keeps him in Minnesota through 2028.
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
“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!!!!!!!”
After 2024, Jefferson’s new deal will start to bring in a lot of money. His base salary will be $1.17 million in 2025, but that will jump to $24.99 million, $29.25 million, and $33.24 million in 2026, 2027, and 2028, respectively. Jefferson will also have a $7.387 million signing proration each year.
Additionally, Jefferson’s cap hits will go from $15.3 million in 2025 to $39.1 million, $43.39 million, and $47.3 million from 2026-28.
What Is Jefferson’s Net Worth and Career Earnings?
While Jefferson will make most of his money in his new deal, his current net worth is approximately $9 million. In terms of career earnings, though, he’s made $13.298 million, not including the signing bonus from his new deal.
Most of that money comes from his rookie contract. Taken No. 22 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jefferson earned a four-year deal worth $13.12 million. The deal included a $7.1 million signing bonus, and the contract was fully guaranteed.
In addition to his NFL contracts, Jefferson has signed a handful of endorsements that have also brought in some money. Those deals include Under Armour, Campbell’s Soup, Angelus, Optimum Nutrition, Courtyard Hotels, Lids, Sleep Number, and Little Caesars.