Justin Jefferson has ended months of contract uncertainty after signing a record-breaking $140 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
Jefferson was entering the final year of his rookie contract in Minnesota and he was in no rush to sign an extension as the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year bet on himself and bargained for the best possible deal.
But the 24-year-old - the 22nd overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft - has ended the uncertainty surrounding his future by signing a four-year, $140m extension. The deal, which was first reported by NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, averages out at $35m per year, with $110m in guarantees.
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Jefferson, a three-time Pro Bowler, becomes the best-paid wide receiver in NFL history. His deal dwarfs the $120m four-year deal the Detroit Lions handed to Amon-Ra St. Brown in April, and it is the same value as Devante Adams' contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, but Adams' deal is spread over five years.
Jefferson released a video on social media confirming the news. He said: "The time has come. The deal I was waiting for ever since I was a little kid.
"[I have] been doubted my whole career, not being highly recruited, not being the first receiver off the draft board. This whole journey wasn't easy for me.
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"First of all, I want to thank the man above. Without God, this wouldn't be possible at all. To be given a gift to play football at the highest level, it's a blessing and an honor.
"My mom and dad, thank you. This is a journey for all of us and you [are] still with us every step of the way. To my brothers, y'all are everything, y'all made me who I am today. This is a new step on our journey and a new step in life. Always dreamt of this moment and now to share it with all of y'all, it's a blessing.
"[Head coach] Kevin O'Connell, [general manager] Kwesi [Adofo-Mensah], [Vikings owners] the Wilfs, I appreciate y'all for giving me this opportunity.
"Last but not least, thank you to the fans. You all set the tone, you set the mood, y'all set the energy and I'm definitely excited to set that energy for five more years. This is the start of it, but we ain't done yet."
O'Connell was delighted after the Vikings finally got the deal over the line. He said: "Justin is an exceptionally talented player and an incredible person that I am honored to coach and have as a team captain. His positive energy and love for the game shows up every single day as he works to be the best at his craft.
"As coaches, we will do our part in helping him maximize his ability. I'm grateful to the Wilfs, Kwesi, Rob Brzezinski and our staff for ensuring one of the brightest stars in professional sports will continue his career as a Minnesota Viking."
LSU product Jefferson has passed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his four seasons in the NFL and he led the league with 128 receptions for 1,809 yards in 2022. His 2023 campaign was hindered by a hamstring issue, but he still racked up 1,074 yards and five touchdowns in just nine stars, confirming his status as one of the most electric playmakers in the game.
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