GM Breaks Silence On Vikings Stand To Re-sign Justin Jefferson…

What Will It Take for the Vikings to Re-sign Justin Jefferson?

Once again, it’s time to discuss Justin Jefferson’s contract situation as major NFL media has highlighted his absence from the Minnesota Vikings’ voluntary OTAs.

Vikings fans have been through this before. Last offseason was filled with similar speculation without a deal being reached. With Kirk Cousins set to hit free agency, there were constant concerns about Jefferson’s willingness to play with a new quarterback. This cycle will persist until Jefferson signs an extension with Minnesota.

Despite the noise, I’m not worried about the Vikings’ ability to re-sign Jefferson. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has consistently indicated that the team plans to extend him. Although he can’t make absolute statements, his comments have been as reassuring as possible under the circumstances.

For Jefferson, his primary leverage is threatening not to play if the Vikings don’t offer a suitable deal. The wide receiver franchise tag is projected to be $24.8 million in 2025, increasing to $29.7 million in 2026 if tagged twice. Tagging him a third time would cost $42.8 million in 2027, averaging about $32.5 million per season. This is a bargain for the NFL’s best receiver. However, a long-term extension would be beneficial for both sides, providing Jefferson with security and the team with financial predictability.

https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1792636172491010427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1792636172491010427%7Ctwgr%5E01805ffec65d41c048f2ec99bdf310f5e25a9904%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fzonecoverage.com%2F2024%2Fminnesota-vikings-news%2Fwhat-will-it-take-for-the-vikings-to-re-sign-justin-jefferson%2F

Comparisons to Other Contracts

To gauge what kind of deal Jefferson might get, let’s look at a few significant contracts:

1. The Highest-Paid WRs:

• Amon-Ra St. Brown and A.J. Brown recently signed lucrative contracts. St. Brown’s four-year, $120 million extension with $77 million guaranteed is a direct comparison given his age and career stage.
• St. Brown’s contract has rolling guarantees, making his full 2026 salary and part of his 2027 salary guaranteed over time.
• A.J. Brown’s contract, although labeled as making him the highest-paid receiver, won’t fully reflect this until 2027, given its structure and the projected cap increase.

2. The Highest-Paid Non-QB:

• Nick Bosa holds this title with a five-year, $170 million extension. His deal has significant guarantees early on, setting a high benchmark for non-QB contracts.

3. A Recent QB Deal:

• Jared Goff’s recent contract offers insight into structure. Goff, while not an elite QB, secured substantial guarantees into the third year of his deal, a structure Jefferson’s camp might look to emulate.

Projecting Jefferson’s Contract

Considering these contracts, Jefferson is likely to aim for a deal surpassing Bosa’s in terms of yearly average but aligned with the market’s current trends. Here’s a projection:

Projected Deal:

• Length: Four-year extension
• Total Value: $144 million
• Average per Year: $36 million
• Total Guarantees: $109 million, with $87.5 million fully guaranteed

Structure:

• Signing Bonus: $53 million, combining his 2024 salary and the first year of the new deal
• Option Bonuses: $16 million in the second year, $30 million in the third year
• Salaries: $1.125 million in 2024, $1.17 million in 2025, $26.2 million in Year 4, and $34 million in Year 5
• Per-Game Roster Bonuses: $500,000 annually

This contract would be reported as a four-year, $144 million extension, with a substantial portion guaranteed, though slightly less than Bosa’s fully guaranteed amount.

Did the Vikings Hurt Themselves by Waiting?

Despite speculation, waiting hasn’t significantly increased Jefferson’s projected cost. A June 2023 estimate put his price tag at $35 million per year, with only a slight increase since then.

Jefferson’s camp likely seeks higher up-front guarantees and more secure rolling guarantees. Nevertheless, his deal will set a new standard for non-QBs, reflecting his elite status.

For the Vikings, securing Jefferson is crucial to building a strong team around a new quarterback like J.J. McCarthy. The investment will undoubtedly be worth it, ensuring they retain one of the NFL’s top talents.