The Minnesota Vikings and star wide receiver Justin Jefferson have agreed to a contract extension, the franchise announced Monday. The deal is worth $140 million with $110 million guaranteed, according to an NFL Network report, making Jefferson the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
The 24-year-old will remain in Minnesota through the 2028 season.
“I wouldn’t be in this position if it weren’t for my family and their support. I am so grateful that they instilled a foundational gratitude and competitive fire within me,” Jefferson said in a statement. “I would 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. To all my teammates and coaches, from the beginning as a kid in Louisiana to the NFL, thank you for always being there for me and encouraging me. Lastly, to Vikings fans everywhere, you will continue to get my best every day. SKOL!”
Since entering the league as a first-round selection in 2020, Jefferson ranks sixth in receptions, second in yards and is tied for 11th in touchdown receptions despite missing seven games last season. He has earned Pro Bowl nods in his first three seasons, including First-Team All-Pro honors in 2022, after leading football in both receptions (128), yards (1,809) and yards per game (106.4). .
Jefferson is just the fifth player in NFL history (along with Michael Thomas, Mike Evans, AJ Green and Randy Moss) to surpass 1,000 yards in his first four seasons.
“We are thrilled to sign Justin and I want to thank him, his family, his representation, our team, specifically Rob Brzezinski and Emily Badis, and the Wilf family for helping bring this monumental contract to fruition,” said Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. in a statement. “From the moment I arrived at Minnesota, Justin has consistently proven himself to be one of the best players in the NFL on and off the field and we are excited to have him as a cornerstone of our team for a long time to come. He is the living embodiment of our culture with his joyful dedication to the process and our goals. We couldn’t be more excited for Justin and his family.”
Minnesota finished 7-10 last season, third in the NFC North division. His lackluster season was partially due to injuries, as Jefferson missed significant time and veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 8. Cousins has since signed with Atlanta The Falcons and the Vikings drafted Michigan signal-caller JJ McCarthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
This story originally appeared on NBCNews.com read the full story
