Prior to the start of voluntary OTAs, Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is reportedly in contract negotiations.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Justin Jefferson was not present at Minnesota Vikings facilities on Monday, the first day of organized voluntary offseason activities, and contract negotiations were underway.
In 2023, the All-Pro receiver was also absent from optional offseason programs due to negotiations for a new contract. He didn’t reach an agreement on an extension when he reported for the required minicamp in June of last year and played in the previous season.
The focus of Jefferson’s negotiations will move to Minnesota’s required minicamp, which takes place from June 4-6, assuming he misses the remaining voluntary programs this month. Will an agreement be reached prior to minicamp? If not, would he report for duty this season without having a signed extension?
Headshot of Justin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson, wide receiver, MIN, #18; 2023–2024 season; 1,074 yards; 107.4 yards per yard; 100 targets
68 Rec 5 TD
Jefferson is looking for a long-term, lucrative extension.
Jefferson, who is nearing the end of his rookie contract with five years left, will be paid $19.7 million in 2024 if the Vikings exercise his fifth-year option. The first four years of his contract have brought in $13.3 million for him.
In his four seasons, Jefferson—a three-time All-Pro and the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year—has established himself as possibly the game’s best wide receiver. Since the Vikings selected him with the 22nd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, he has greatly exceeded the terms of his rookie contract and is owed one of the highest non-quarterback contracts in the league.
Will the Vikings and Justin Jefferson agree on terms for a contract extension? (Reporter Jeffrey Becker)
Will the Vikings and Justin Jefferson agree on terms for a contract extension? (Reporter Jeffrey Becker)
Stakes rise with QB uncertainty and the A.J. Brown deal.
The increased ambiguity surrounding Minnesota’s quarterback position has raised questions about his negotiations. After six seasons with the Vikings, Kirk Cousins left in the offseason to sign with the Atlanta Falcons. In the April draft, Minnesota traded up to select quarterback J.J. McCarthy of Michigan. He is the expected quarterback of the future and will face competition from Sam Darnold for the starting position in the fall.
After underperforming as the third overall draft pick in 2018, Darnold has been demoted to the role of backup quarterback in the NFL. McCarthy may or may not be able to start for the NFL. Jefferson’s inclusion in the starting lineup would be extremely beneficial to whoever is selected this autumn. Minnesota’s top priority is to get him signed to a long-term contract.
“We believe he’s the best receiver in the league, and he should be compensated as such,” general manager of the Vikings Kwesi Adofo-Mensah refuted trade rumors involving Jefferson in February.
A.J. Brown signed a three-year, $96 million contract with $84 million in guaranteed money with the Philadelphia Eagles in April. This deal set a new standard for wide receiver contracts, which Jefferson will undoubtedly try to surpass.
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