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Justin Jefferson Rumors: Vikings WR Could Set NFL Record for Non-QB in Next Contract

Scott Polacek

Justin Jefferson is entering the final season of his contract, but the Minnesota Vikings are reportedly preparing to offer him a record-setting contract.

"When this deal gets done, and I think it will eventually get done, it is expected to make Justin Jefferson the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history," ESPN's Adam Schefter said on Wednesday's SportsCenter.

"So it will be a landmark type of a deal, and I think some of the other wide receivers are waiting to see where the Justin Jefferson deal comes in before they do a deal because they know the size and scope of this deal that the two sides have been working on throughout the course of the offseason."

The San Francisco 49ers made pass-rusher Nick Bosa the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history ahead of the 2023 campaign with a five-year, $170 million extension.

Schefter's report suggests Jefferson will make more than the $34 million per year that Bosa makes on his deal, which would also put him well ahead of his fellow wide receivers. According to Spotrac, A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles makes the most per year among all wide receivers at $32 million.

That Jefferson would be in line for such a deal comes as no surprise.

After all, he is just 24 years old and already has a resume that includes an Offensive Player of the Year, All-Pro first-team nod and three Pro Bowl selections through four seasons. He led the NFL in catches (128), receiving yards (1,809) and receiving yards per game (106.4) in 2022.

Injuries are the only thing that have slowed him down to this point, as he was limited to 10 games last season.

There will be plenty of players and teams paying attention to his deal, though, as there are a number of star wide receivers who are entering the final year of their current contracts.

CeeDee Lamb, Brandon Aiyuk, Stefon Diggs and Tee Higgins are among those who could become free agents next offseason. What's more, Ja'Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle could hit the market after the 2025 campaign and are eligible for an extension.

Jefferson could set the market for all of them.

   

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