Vikings agree to extension with Justin Jefferson

Eagan, Minn. (June 3, 2024) – The Minnesota Vikings announce the team has agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension with wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The deal will keep Jefferson with the Vikings through the 2028 season.

Jefferson, despite missing seven games last season, reached 1,074 receiving yards, joining WRs Michael Thomas (2016-19), Mike Evans (2014-17), A.J. Green (2011-14) and Randy Moss (1998-2001) as the only players in NFL history to have four straight seasons of 1,000 receiving yards to start their careers. The three-time Pro Bowler also set the NFL record for most receiving yards (5,899) in a player’s first four seasons. In 2022, Jefferson finished the regular season leading the NFL in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809), setting franchise records while becoming the youngest player in NFL history to lead the league in both categories in a single season.

The St. Rose, La., native was selected First-Team All-Pro in 2022 by The Associated Press and was named to the Second Team in 2020 and 2021. Jefferson, who was voted the No. 2 player in the NFL in the Top 100 Players of 2023, was also named the AP’s NFL Offensive Player of the Year for 2022, joining Vikings Legends quarterback Fran Tarkenton (1975) and running back Adrian Peterson (2012) as the only Minnesota players to win the award.

Originally selected by the Vikings in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft, Jefferson has played in 60 career games (57 starts) and has totaled 392 career receptions (10th in team history), 5,899 career receiving yards (eighth in team history) and 30 career receiving touchdowns (tied for ninth in team history). He is just one of eight players who rank in the top 10 in each of the three categories in Vikings history.

STATEMENTS FROM MINNESOTA VIKINGS

“I would not be in this position if not for my family and their support. I’m so thankful for them instilling a foundational gratitude and competitive fire within me. I’d like to thank the Wilf family, Kevin O’Connell, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the entire Vikings organization for believing in me and trusting me to help lead this team. To all my teammates and coaches from the very beginning as a kid in Louisiana, all the way to the NFL, thank you for always being there for me and pushing me. Lastly, to Vikings fans everywhere, you’ll continue to get my very best each and every day. SKOL!” – Justin Jefferson

“We are elated to sign Justin and I want to thank him, his family, his representation, our staff, specifically Rob Brzezinski and Emily Badis, and the Wilf family for helping complete this monumental contract. From the moment I arrived in Minnesota, Justin has consistently proven to be one of the best players in the NFL on and off the field and we are excited about having him as a cornerstone of our team for a long time to come. He is the living embodiment of our culture with his joyful dedication to process and our goals. We couldn’t be more excited for Justin and his family.” – Kwesi Adofo-Mensah

“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.” – Kevin O’Connell

“Over the first four seasons of his career, Justin entrenched himself as the best wide receiver and one of the most electric players in the NFL. He is a special talent, a committed teammate and an excellent representative of the Vikings. Justin has earned this contract, and we are thrilled he will remain a Minnesota Viking for a very long time.” – Mark & Zygi Wilf

(Photo Credit Vikings.com)