Minnesota Vikings contract structure could prove to be hurdle in Justin Jefferson deal

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Justin Jefferson could be on the verge of becoming the highest paid receiver in the NFL. But let’s put an emphasis on could.

There’s no doubt he’s worth a deal with so many gorgeous zeroes. This former LSU star and 2020 first rounder earned All Pro in his first three seasons. However, he did 2022 with lots of breathless exclamation marks. Jefferson caught 128 passes for 1,809 yards, leading the league in both categories.

So if you’re the Vikings, give Justin Jefferson his money right? But there could be a sticking point and why Justin Jefferson is a no show at Minnesota’s OTAs. According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Vikings insist on structuring a contract with injury guarantee caveats. With this clause, the money won’t become fully guaranteed until the season the player earns it.

PFT reported that the Vikings didn’t force the injury clause on quarterback Kirk Cousins. A source gave PFT the “we’ll see” comment on whether the injury clause impacts what happens with Justin Jefferson.

Top 10 highest paid receivers headed into the season

1. Dolphins Tyreek Hill: $30 million
2. Raiders Davante Adams: $28 million
3. Cardinals DeAndre Hopkins: $27.3 million
4. Rams Cooper Kupp: $26.7 million
5. Eagles A.J. Brown: $25 million
6. Bills Stefon Diggs: $24 million
6. Seahawks D.K. Metcalf: $24 million
8. 49ers Deebo Samuel: $23.9 million
9. Commanders Terry McLaurin: $23.2 million
10. Bears D.J. Moore: $20.6 million

There’s a chance that Justin Jefferson may do better than highest paid receiver. Maybe his contract is so huge that he’ll become the highest paid non-quarterback in the league. For context, the top 14 on the pay list are quarterbacks. Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is 15th with an annual salary of $31.6 million followed by Tyreek Hill’s $30 million. Steelers star TJ Watt is 18th at $28,02 million with Adams and Hopkins coming next.

Justin Jefferson could be highest-paid non-QB in NFL

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently reported that the Vikings plan to “prioritize” negotiating an extension for Justin Jefferson. And, given how receivers’ contracts are swelling, it seems reasonable to expect Jefferson to surge past Aaron Donald.

“Because wide receiver—that market has gone up to $30 million with Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, all of those guys,” Fowler said. “Jefferson is considered by many around the league as the very best receiver in the NFL. So, are we talking, you know, Aaron Donald money, $31 million per year? We’ll see.”

And if you don’t think that Justin Jefferson is worthy of a significant salary jump, consider these stats. In his first three seasons in the NFL, Jefferson caught 324 passes for 4,825 yards and 25 scores. He’s just under averaging a 100 yards receiving per game. If he maintains 96.5 throughout his career, he’ll set an NFL record.

The phrase ay the man comes to mind.