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The Minnesota Vikings have exercised the fifth-year option on wide receiver Justin Jefferson’s contract, locking him in through the 2024 season, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Jefferson was the team’s first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he has already proven to be a star in the league. In his first three seasons, Jefferson has amassed an impressive 4,825 receiving yards and 28 total touchdowns while playing in every game.
The decision to exercise the option was not a surprise to anyone, as the Vikings have made it clear that extending Jefferson to a long-term deal is a top priority for them. An extension would likely reset the top of the wideout market, and it will be interesting to see what kind of numbers will be involved in such a deal.
Currently, Tyreek Hill has the highest average-per-year contract at $30 million, while A.J. Brown has the most guaranteed money in his deal at roughly $56.4 million.
Without an extension, Jefferson will be making $19.7 million on the fifth-year option. While that is a substantial sum, it is clear that the Minnesota Vikings see Jefferson as a cornerstone of their offense for years to come. With his explosive playmaking ability and his strong work ethic, Jefferson quickly became a fan favorite in Minnesota.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals have also made a move regarding their first-round pick from the 2020 NFL Draft. The team has picked up the fifth-year option on quarterback Joe Burrow’s contract. Burrow was the first overall pick in the 2020 draft and quickly proved to be one of the NFL’s best passers.