The Minnesota Vikings recently made headlines by securing tight end T.J. Hockenson to a groundbreaking extension, hinting at their potential to redefine the market once again with wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
According to Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report, Jefferson is poised not only to claim the title of the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history but also to surpass the previous record by a staggering $30 million.
Ballentine forecasts a five-year contract worth $170 million for Jefferson, expected to be finalized over the summer.
Financially, the Vikings are well-positioned to offer Jefferson a groundbreaking deal, especially after parting ways with Kirk Cousins, which will create ample cap space in the coming seasons.
However, the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback situation could play a significant role in Jefferson’s decision-making process, as he awaits clarity on who will be throwing him the ball.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano previously reported that Jefferson is all but guaranteed to become the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history.
While Davante Adams currently holds the largest deal for a receiver with his $140 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, Jefferson’s projected contract would exceed Adams’ by $30 million in total value and boast a $4 million higher annual average salary than Tyreek Hill’s deal with the Miami Dolphins.
In addition to potentially setting a new standard for annual salary, Jefferson could also break records in terms of guaranteed money. Cooper Kupp’s $75 million guaranteed on a three-year, $80.1 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams serves as a benchmark, but Jefferson’s anticipated deal is likely to surpass this figure, given the trend of NFL players seeking higher guarantees in their contracts.
With three Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro nod in just four seasons, Justin Jefferson likely possesses significant bargaining power to secure a landmark deal from the Minnesota Vikings.
However, the departure of Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons in free agency, coupled with the Vikings’ draft position, has further bolstered his leverage.
Minnesota holds the 11th and 23rd overall picks in the upcoming draft, which they could potentially combine with a future first-round selection to maneuver into the top five and select a potential franchise quarterback.
Trade discussions with teams such as the New England Patriots, Arizona Cardinals, and Los Angeles Chargers, who hold picks 3-5, could offer the Vikings an opportunity to make a move.
While it remains uncertain whom the Vikings prioritize as their top quarterback prospects, names like J.J. McCarthy from Michigan and Drake Maye from North Carolina are likely to be available within the top five picks, according to mock drafts by ESPN insiders.
As for Jefferson’s preferences, they remain undisclosed to the public. However, it’s reasonable to assume that the Vikings’ coaching staff and front office will at least seek input from Jefferson before making any decisions leading up to the draft on April 26.
