Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings have entered the record books. The wide receiver became the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league after reaching a new deal.
The 2022 Offensive Player of the Year agreed to a four-year, $140 million extension with $110 million guaranteed. He will also receive more than $88 million due at signing.
The Vikings locked Jefferson, who is still in the last year of his rookie deal, by breaking the bank for him.
The team even tried to offer him a huge deal before the start of last season.
Such a move is unsurprising as the former LSU standout just recorded the most receiving yards in league history through his first four seasons.
He missed seven games last year but still reached 1,000 receiving yards.
"Justin has consistently proven to be one of the best players in the NFL on and off the field and we are excited about having him as a cornerstone of our team for a long time to come," general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in a statement.
"He is the living embodiment of our culture with his joyful dedication to process and our goals."
For his part, Jefferson feel more motivated to do more for his team.
Jefferson will earn around $35 million annually based on the new contract.
He is now the highest-earning non-quarterback player, surpassing San Francisco 49ers' Nick Bosa $34 million from his extension last season.
Fifteen QBs will earn more than him next season.
The highest salary by a quarterback is owned by his former LSU teammate Joe Burrow, who earns $55 million per season.
Are wide receivers the second-best-paid position in the league?
Here are the highest-paid players from other positions:
1. Defensive End
The distinction for highest-paid DE goes to Bosa, who signed a five-year, $170 million contract extension, including $122.5 million guaranteed last season.
The deal made him the highest-paid DE not only last year but all of NFL history.
2. Defensive tackle
Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs earns $31.7 million annually, the richest among all defensive tackles.
3. Edge rusher
Jacksonville Jaguars' Josh Allen is the highest-paid offensive linebacker coming into the new season.
4. Offensive lineman
Penei Sewell of last season's breakout team, Detroit Lions, earns $28 million annually.
5. Safety
Antoine Winfield, Jr. anchors the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense to the tune of a $21.03 million salary.
6. Linebacker:
Baltimore Ravens' Roquan Smith stands above all linebackers with his $20 million earnings for 2024.
7. Tight end
Travis Kelce is a household name over at tight end as he earns $17.1 million as one of the main guys of the Kansas City Chiefs.
8. Running back
It is only fitting that MVP candidate Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers gets the bag and is the highest-paid player in his position with $16 million.
9. Kicker
Baltimore Ravens' Justin Tucker and Philadelphia Eagles' Jake Elliott are tied with $6 million.
10. Fullback
The 49ers have another entry in this list. Kyle Juszczyk, who earned $4.6 million in 2024, is the highest-earning fullback.
11. Punter
Seattle Seahawks Michael Dickson - $3.68 million.
12. Long snapper
Indianapolis Colts' Luke Rhodes - $1.62 million.
Related article: Justin Jefferson's Contract Extension Sends Shock Waves Into WR Market
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