ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith believes Justin Jefferson’s big payday is well-deserved.
The 24-year-old Minnesota Vikings player signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the organization on Monday.
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Jefferson is one of the elite receivers in the NFL and will now earn an annual salary of $35 million.
He surpassed Philadelphia Eagles receiver AJ Brown as the league’s highest-paid non-quarterback, according to the NFL Network.
The new deal ends months of speculation about the Minneapolis first-round pick’s future.
Jefferson’s contractual situation broke down while filming ESPN’s First Take on Monday.
Lead analyst Smith interrupted the NBA conversation to address the Vikings star.
“He deserves every penny,” Smith told host Molly Qerim and co-star Shannon Sharpe.
“He’s only 24 years old, he’s an absolute stud and a star in this league.
“And he’s widely recognized as the best in the game. He’s certainly one of the top two or three.”
Jefferson has surpassed 1,000 yards in every season of his NFL career.
He has missed 6 games in 2023 with a hamstring injury but is fully fit for the upcoming campaign.
“This brother is the real deal,” Smith added.
“Having lost Kirk Cousins and being a rookie QB, you need his greatness on that football field.
“The Minnesota Vikings did the right thing and Justin Jefferson deserves every penny.”
Jefferson will receive $89 million fully guaranteed at signing, according to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero.
“The time has finally come,” Jefferson said in a video posted by the Vikings on Monday.
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“The deal I’ve been waiting for since I was a child.
“Throughout my career, people doubted me. I wasn’t highly recruited.
“Not being the first receiver off the draft board. This whole journey was not easy for me.
“To receive the gift of playing football at the highest level is a blessing. It’s an honor.”
The Vikings begin the 2024 NFL season on September 8 against the New York Giants.
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