Justin Jefferson, a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, is on pace to break several single-season NFL records in 2023.
Whether or not he accomplishes those goals, Minnesota appeared to have erred by not extending him prior to Week 1.
Short contract negotiations took place between Jefferson and the Vikings’ front office this summer, but no real progress was made.
Minnesota isn’t in a hurry to extend the All-Pro receiver because his contract is still under team control through 2024 and he can be placed on waivers in 2025.
Contract with Justin Jefferson: $4,175,00,000 in 2023; $19,743,00,000 in 2024.
However, long-term waiting might end up costing Minnesota millions of dollars.
The salary cap has skyrocketed in response to the NFL’s yearly revenue increase.
Wide receivers have benefited greatly from the salary-cap boom, although quarterbacks have benefited the most.
Jefferson’s price tag increases as time goes on.
Kirk Cousins’ and Jefferson’s prospects in Minnesota were discussed by ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.
As it relates to the Vikings’ No. Seifert wrote that it’s easy to imagine Jefferson wanting to add “additional multipliers” to their initial offer to the Vikings.
San Francisco 49ers defense dominates to start week three of the 2023 NFL season.
Jefferson has shown in his age-24 season why he ought to be one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL. Jackson is currently averaging career highs in receiving yards per game (154.5), receptions per game (10), yards per target (12.4), and yards per catch (15.5) despite the fact that he hasn’t scored a touchdown in his first two regular-season games.
In 52 games, Justin Jefferson has 344 receptions, 5,134 receiving yards, and 25 touchdowns.
Jefferson’s salary would have likely been the starting point for negotiations during training camp, at $30 million or more annually.
With more total guarantees ($80+ million) than any wide receiver in NFL history, however, and at the salary camp’s rapidly rising rate and increased importance of wide receivers, that figure may rise to $32 million per season.
Minnesota doesn’t have to close the deal quickly.
The franchise tag in 2025 would prevent Jefferson from exploring free agency, and his 2024 cap hit is still more than $10 million lower than some of his peers.
Having said that, the Vikings are aware that reaching a deal as soon as possible is in their best interests.
If not, the cost will continue to rise.