Justin Jefferson Wants To Get PAID, Doesn't Care Which Team

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Minnesota Vikings superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson wants to get paid, and it doesn't sound like he cares which team is willing to do it. Jefferson is coming off the worst season of his NFL career, due entirely to injury. 

After not missing a single game in his football career from college to the NFL, the wide out missed seven games in 2023. Despite playing in only 10 contests – one of which he left injured in the first quarter – he still posted over 1,000 yards receiving for the fourth-straight season. 

As a former first-round pick, Jefferson is still on his rookie deal. All NFL first-round picks get a four-year deal with a fifth-year team option. Obviously, the Vikings exercised Jefferson's option. 

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at Ford Field.

(Lon Horwedel/USA TODAY Sports)

But, he's due for an extension this offseason. If Minnesota doesn't sign him to a long-term contract, he hits unrestricted free agency next year. 

According to Jefferson, there are two things he's looking for: a TON of money and a team that really wants him. It's hard to argue that 32 NFL teams really want Justin Jefferson. Which one is willing to "break the bank" for him is the question. 

Three NFL wide receivers recently received contracts with at least $70M in guaranteed money: Cooper Kupp, Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs. 

Davante Adams currently has the highest total value contract ($140M) for a wide receiver, according to Spotrac.com. 

It's hard to find a comparison for Jefferson, though, because he's so unique. He has almost 6,000 yards receiving in four seasons and 30 touchdowns. 

One guy who's carefully watching Jefferson's negotiations is Bengals wide out Ja'Marr Chase. The Bengals drafted Chase one year after the Vikings drafted Jefferson. The Bengals could extend Chase before the Vikings extend Jefferson, hoping to set the market for a star wide receiver rather than having to match the Vikings number. 

Perhaps the Vikings want the Bengals to set the market. But, it sounds like Jefferson wants to be the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. 

That's probably going to happen. The question is when… and for which team? 

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to Outkick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named “Brady” because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.