:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73385577/1756568476.0.jpg)
The Minnesota Vikings have made a historic move by signing wide receiver Justin Jefferson to a monumental extension. This contract, valued at a staggering $140 million over the next four years, with $110 million guaranteed, catapults Jefferson to the pinnacle of the NFL's highest-paid wide receivers. Notably, Jefferson's ambition was to be the highest-paid wide receiver and to secure the title of the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league.
Jefferson’s new contract pays him one million more ($35M) per season than San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa, and Jefferson tops Bosa if fully guaranteed money by roughly $700,000. Wow.
The 24-year-old deserves every penny. Last season, he surpassed 1,000 yards receiving in ten games, playing primarily with backups.
Jefferson rewrote the record for the most guaranteed money for the top wide receivers. His $88.7 million is more than $36 million more than the second-placed Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins:
1. Justin Jefferson: $88.7m
2. Jaylen Waddle: $76M
3. Tyreek Hill: $52.5m
4. A.J. Brown: $51m
5. Calvin Ridley: $47m
Again, Jefferson’s production at his age is an outlier. He is six years younger than Hill.
So, what does this mean for Brandon Aiyuk? As someone who considers Aiyuk to be one of the top receivers in the NFL, I think he’s more likely to be in the mid-50s or low-60s when it comes to guaranteed millions. Here’s a look at the top five wideouts and how much they make annually:
1. Jefferson: $35m
2. Brown: $32m
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown: $30m
4. Hill: $30m
5. Jaylen Waddle: $28.3m
Aiyuk’s range always felt like it would be anywhere between $25 and $30 million annually. That doesn’t change with the Jefferson deal. Waddle, one year younger than Aiyuk, might provide the best framework for a contract. However, it’s worth pointing out that Waddle’s deal is frontloaded, and the 49ers generally spread their cap hit over the entire four years and add void years.
Jefferson’s deal sets the bar for any wide receiver— player, at that—but Waddle is the player we should keep an eye on when it comes to a potential Aiyuk extension.
Loading comments...