The Minnesota Vikings can breathe a bit easier with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson locked in for another season. But the question of extending his contract looms large, and according to former Vikings general manager Jeff Diamond, a deal might be in the works before free agency kicks off on March 13.
WOW: Former #Vikings GM Jeff Diamond predicts Justin Jefferson’s extension to be 5 years $172.5M, $50M signing bonus and $125M guaranteed 🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/A80UKBsg1r
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 26, 2024
Diamond, in a piece for 33rd Team on January 24, predicted an extension in the ballpark of $172.5 million over five new years, spanning from 2025 to 2029. However, the negotiations might dance around the $175 million mark, with agents eyeing a $35 million annual average in new money, ultimately settling at $34.5 million per year.
The anticipated deal could feature a hefty $50 million signing bonus and a solid $125 million guaranteed. Diamond believes Jefferson aims to clinch the title of the “highest-paid non-quarterback” in the NFL, surpassing the likes of Aaron Donald for average annual salary and Nick Bosa for guaranteed money.
If this prediction pans out, Jefferson would not only outshine Tyreek Hill as the highest-paid wideout in NFL history in terms of annual value but also trump Davante Adams for the largest total value.
Justin Jefferson vs the Detroit Lions (2 games)
18 Catches
333 Yards
2 Touchdowns
Both Knees still intact ✅✅✅ https://t.co/OGCeYNeK4p pic.twitter.com/UnllJ3EMYC— DripMasterFlex 🕷️ (@DripMasterFlex1) January 25, 2024
At 24, Jefferson boasts an impressive record, hitting over 1,000 yards for the fourth consecutive season, even with a seven-game stint on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, among other setbacks. The icing on the cake for a contract extension? It could alleviate the Vikings’ cap burden in 2024 by approximately $10 million.
With the Vikings holding just under $30 million in cap space, per Spotrac, and a roster to shape, securing Jefferson’s future seems not just a desire but a necessity for the franchise.
With standout wide receiver Justin Jefferson signed for a second season, the Minnesota Vikings may relax a little. However, the issue of extending his contract is a significant one, and prior to the start of free agency on March 13, a deal may be in the works, per former general manager Jeff Diamond of the Vikings.
WOW: Former #Vikings general manager Jeff Diamond believes Justin Jefferson’s contract deal will last five years. $172.5M, $50M guaranteed, plus a signing bonus 🤯🤯snapchat.com/A80UKBsg1r
Jan. 26, 2024 — MLFootball (@_MLFootball)
In a post written on January 24 for 33rd Team, Diamond projected an extension in the neighborhood of $172.5 million spread over five additional years, from 2025 to 2029. Negotiations, however, may hover around $175 million, with agents hoping to bring in $35 million on average annually in new business before agreeing to $34.5 million annually.
The expected contract may include a healthy guaranteed sum of $125 million in addition to a sizeable signing bonus of $50 million. According to Diamond, Jefferson wants to become the NFL’s “highest-paid non-quarterback,” surpassing players like Aaron Donald in terms of average yearly compensation and Nick Bosa in terms of guaranteed money.
If this prediction comes true, Jefferson would surpass Davante Adams for the highest total value as well as surpass Tyreek Hill as the highest-paid wideout in NFL history based on annual value.
Detroit Lions vs. Justin Jefferson (2 games)
333 yards, 18 catches, and 2 touchdowns
✅✅✅ Both knees are still in tact.The picture on Twitter is https://t.co/OGCeYNeK4p/UnllJ3EMYC.
— January 25, 2024, DripMasterFlex 🕷️ (@DripMasterFlex1)
Despite missing seven games due to a hamstring injury and other setbacks, Jefferson, 24, has an outstanding record and is hitting over 1,000 yards for the fourth straight season. The cherry on top of an extended contract? It might relieve about $10 million of the Vikings’ 2024 cap burden.
As the Vikings have a roster to assemble and little less than $30 million in salary space, according to Spotrac, ensuring Jefferson’s future appears to be more than just a wish for the team.
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