Justin Jefferson’s Contract Shows Value in Packers WRs

The Green Bay Packers are going to be competing against Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson for a long time. After weeks of speculation about his future, Jefferson and the Vikings agreed to a historic extension.

Jefferson agreed to a four-year, $140 million deal, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. There are only 15 quarterbacks in the league who will be making more annually than the Minnesota star.

It is a contract that he has certainly earned with his performance. The NFL and Vikings record books have been re-written by the LSU star, who has dominated since being selected No. 22 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.

But, it can certainly be argued that committing that much money to a wide receiver isn’t ideal when it comes to roster construction. Other than quarterback, pass rusher and offensive line are likely more important than wide receivers. Just take a look at the Kansas City Chiefs and how much money they have allocated to wide receivers during their last two Super Bowl runs.

That has led to an interesting fact shared by Andrew Brandt. Brandt used to work with the Packers and shared a wild bit of information. Jefferson will be making nearly 3x of what the entire Green Bay wide receiver depth chart will make in 2024. He is earning $35 million while the 10 Packers pass catchers are earning $12.5 million.

The Packers had the youngest roster in the NFL in 2023 and could have the same distinction in 2024. The weapons around quarterback Jordan Love are all on rookie contracts, as the elder statesmen of the group, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, are entering their third seasons in the NFL.

Their entire wide receiver depth chart is made up of rookies, second or third-year players. None of them were first-round picks, while two were selected on Day 2. Five are Day 3 selections, while the last four players are undrafted free agents.

Despite the lack of experience, this is a deep and talented group the Packers have. They may not have the name recognition of Justin Jefferson, but they can play. Saving that kind of money at wide receiver has allowed them to spend elsewhere, putting together a strong roster overall.

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