Will the Vikings Sign Justin Jefferson To A Contract Extension? Fantasy Football Outlook

The simple answer is yes, the Minnesota Vikings must sign Justin Jefferson to a contract extension. Crafting a deal worthy of his achievements would be tricky. It wouldn’t make sense if the Vikings did not lock up the reigning Offensive Player of the Year early. He is coming off a season with 128 receptions for 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns. He hasn’t missed a game in his first three seasons and has been an All-Pro every year. Those achievements earned him the second-best spot in the NFL’s fantasy football rankings for the 2023 season, whether for standard, PPR, or dynasty formats.

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Jefferson has increased his receptions and receiving yards every year, making him one of the most dominant players in the league. Therefore, he deserves top dollar for his next deal. The former LSU standout is set to earn a $2.39 million base salary in 2023. Even his $19.743 million fifth-year option in 2024 is way below his capabilities.

As his way of putting pressure on Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Jefferson hasn’t participated during voluntary OTAs. He might skip their mandatory minicamp on June 13-14 to maintain his leverage. Skipping the minicamp will result in a little over $49,000 fine. It’s a small price compared to what he can get during his contract extension.

How Much Will Justin Jefferson Earn in His Next Contract?

There are several factors the Vikings must consider for Jefferson’s massive payday. First, Tyreek Hill’s contract with the Miami Dolphins elevated the wide receiver market’s ceiling. Jefferson deserves a deal equal to or higher than Hill’s $30 million annual average value. In terms of total guarantees, Cooper Kupp gets a guaranteed $75 million from his three-year, $80.35 million extension. That deal amounts to $26.7 million annually, which the Vikings can use during the contract negotiations.

Likewise, making Justin Jefferson the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league also makes sense. Three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald is the current benchmark, averaging $31.6 million annually after the Los Angeles Rams added $40 million to his existing contract.

With all things considered, Jefferson’s camp hopes to get a deal done before the July training camp. Meanwhile, the Vikings would like to push the deadline a few months back and have it done before the 2023 regular season starts.

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