Key Takeaways:
– Justin Jefferson, the Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, aims to secure a quarterback-like contract.
– Rumors suggest that Jefferson seeks a deal providing an annual average of $40 million and guaranteed money close to $100 million.
– Jefferson’s camp reportedly turned down a deal exceeding $30 million per year previously.
– NFL insiders believe Jefferson’s demands could pressure the Vikings into a groundbreaking fully guaranteed contract for a wide receiver.
In a potentially historic development, Justin Jefferson, the highly-rated wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, has signalled his intention to secure a salary comparable to those of top-tier NFL quarterbacks. The wide receiver continues to make waves in the NFL with his unparalleled performances and strategic contract negotiations.
Breaking into Quarterback Stratosphere
According to Armando Salguero from Outkick, Justin Jefferson has hinted at his hefty financial aspirations for his next contract. The senior NFL writer detailed that Jefferson is purportedly seeking an annual average of $40 million. If Jefferson succeeds, he’d stand among the highest earners in the league, a position typically reserved for quarterbacks.
While the insider sources couldn’t confirm whether negotiations are still at that level, Jefferson’s ambitious move could redefine the perspectives on non-quarterback salaries in the NFL. This inclination towards comparable pay is also reflected in his demand for fully guaranteed money nearing $100 million.
Previously Rejected Offers
Despite a close-shave negotiation with the Vikings’ General Manager, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that Jefferson declined a deal exceeding $30 million annually. The revelation came during the opening of NFL free agency and has since shone a light on the progressive negotiations in the NFL.
Even though Jefferson’s camp remained unsatisfied with the significant offer, the recent actions from wide receivers A.J. Brown and Amon-Ra St. Brown could stir the dynamics in future negotiations. Their new deals surpass the previous $30 million benchmark, pushing the league average and Vikings’ offer under scrutiny.
Jefferson’s Persistence Could Make History
While Jefferson’s contract demands might seem high, the player’s consistent performance could justify the call for better terms. Jefferson has maintained a remarkable average of 98.7 receiving yards per game over the past four seasons, the highest in the NFL.
Undeterred by the challenging nature of these negotiations, Jefferson could pioneer a path for wide receivers. Offering a fully guaranteed contract might lead to a reduction in the player’s annual average requirement of $40 million, potentially saving the Vikings money while meeting Jefferson’s demands.
However, the Vikings’ ownership has exhibited hesitance in sanctioning such large sums to a non-quarterback player. Vikings announcer Paul Allen pointed to an outdated policy within the team’s organization that limits guarantees beyond the first year of the contract for players other than their quarterback, Kirk Cousins.
To accommodate Jefferson’s demands, the team might need to reconsider their policies and make an exception, something they have not done before. As the negotiations unfold, NFL landscapes watch closely, perhaps anticipating a monumental shift in contract negotiations, particularly for the wide receiver market.