Predictions are circulating that the Minnesota Vikings’ wide receiver Justin Jefferson is poised to shatter the NFL’s wide receiver contract record by a whopping $30 million. The recent extension of tight end T.J. Hockenson by the Vikings set a precedent, hinting that the team may soon redefine the market once more with Jefferson’s deal.
According to a projection by Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report, Jefferson is expected to not only secure the largest contract for a wide receiver in NFL history but surpass the previous benchmark by $30 million. Ballentine anticipates a five-year agreement worth $170 million for Jefferson, set to be inked over the summer.
The Vikings’ decision to part ways with Kirk Cousins positions them well financially, creating ample cap space for such a lucrative deal. However, the uncertainty surrounding the team’s quarterback situation raises questions about Jefferson’s decision timeline, as he may prefer to know who will be throwing him passes before committing.
Dan Graziano of ESPN previously reported in March that Jefferson is almost certain to become the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history. Graziano noted that the deal would likely exceed $30 million annually, raising the question of how much more it could surpass.
As of now, the largest wide receiver contract remains Davante Adams’ five-year, $140 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Tyreek Hill’s four-year, $120 million contract with the Miami Dolphins holds the record for the highest annual average salary for a wideout.
If Ballentine’s projection holds true, Jefferson’s potential contract would eclipse Adams’ by $30 million in total value and surpass Hill’s annual average by $4 million. Moreover, Jefferson could set a record for the most guaranteed money ever received by a wide receiver, potentially surpassing Cooper Kupp’s $75 million guarantee.
Jefferson’s leverage in negotiations is further bolstered by the Vikings’ lack of a franchise quarterback following Cousins’ departure to the Atlanta Falcons. Additionally, the team’s draft picks give them flexibility to secure a top quarterback prospect, possibly influencing Jefferson’s decision.
While it remains unclear who the Vikings’ top draft choices are, Jefferson’s preferences are also undisclosed. However, it’s reasonable to expect the team’s management to consult with him on the decision-making process ahead of the upcoming draft.
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