Jefferson has been eligible to secure a contract extension with the Vikings since the conclusion of the…
Jefferson has been eligible to secure a contract extension with the Vikings since the conclusion of the 2022 season. While he hasn’t shown any inclination to leave Minnesota, he has hinted at seeking a deal that goes beyond simply setting a new standard for wide receivers.
Heading into the 2023 regular season, Jefferson was asked if he sought advice from other players who underwent similar contract negotiations. He responded by emphasizing the uniqueness of his situation, having achieved something unprecedented in the history of the game. Acknowledging that he was entering discussions about his contract two years ahead of schedule in his fourth year, he deferred to his agent to handle the complexities, maintaining his focus on the field.
As of now, Tyreek Hill holds the title of the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL with a $30 million average annual salary. Nick Bosa, the highest-paid non-quarterback, secured a $34 million average annual salary through a five-year, $170 million extension with the San Francisco 49ers in September.
In addition to Jefferson’s contract situation, the Vikings face decisions at quarterback this offseason, with Kirk Cousins becoming a free agent after recovering from a torn Achilles. While Cousins expresses a desire to stay in Minnesota, the organization must make a decision before the onset of free agency on March 13.
Jefferson, on a trajectory towards the Hall of Fame in his first four seasons, leads the NFL in receiving yards per game (98.3), ranks second in receiving yards (5,899), and stands sixth in receptions (392) since 2020. The 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year is set to earn $19.7 million in the upcoming season, marking the final year of his rookie contract.
