The Minnesota Vikings have just made Justin Jefferson not only the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL but also the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history based on average annual value.
Jefferson, who can now swim in $110 million guaranteed, received a 4yr/$140 million deal.
The $35 million per year average makes him the richest wide receiver in the NFL with several others still waiting in line.
One of those wide receivers still waiting for a new deal is Dallas Cowboys star WR CeeDee Lamb. Lamb and Jefferson’s agents work for the same agency, and reports say they were playing off of each other’s negotiations.
Let’s talk about what this means for all parties involved.
What Does This Mean for Justin Jefferson?
Jefferson has to be a very happy man this morning.
Wouldn’t you be if you woke up with a $110 million deposit into your bank account?
Wouldn’t you be if you have security in your career for the next four years and you receive an amount of money that can change life for your family for generations to come?
Jefferson surpasses 49ers’ star DE Nick Bosa ($34 million per year) as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league by a full $1 million per year.
It’s well-deserved. Since being drafted 22nd overall from LSU in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jefferson has posted 392 receptions for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Most of the stats he has put up rank at least top-three in the league so the money is justified.
What Does This Mean for the Vikings?
In short, it means they have locked up one of the best young players in the NFL at a premium position for the next four years.
It also means they retain one of the most dynamic weapons in the league to help transition rookie franchise QB J. J. McCarthy to the NFL game.
McCarthy, the presumed Vikings QB1, will battle with veteran and former #1 overall pick Sam Darnold for the right to lead the Minnesota offense.
HC Kevin O’Connell was reported “all-in” on McCarthy during the draft process.
Having one of the best wide receivers to throw to can do wonders for a rookie quarterback’s development, and that’s what O’Connell and the Vikings are hoping for.
What Does This Mean for Lamb?
Even though Lamb has not signed a deal, I guarantee he is smiling along with Jefferson this morning.
It feels like the best-case scenario for Lamb and his agent, and considering the proximity of the players and their agents, it could have been Lamb’s plan all along.
Jefferson is widely considered the best wide receiver in the league, and definitely in the top-2 awaiting contracts at this time along with CeeDee.
The top news for CeeDee is obviously the large payday that is coming.
There was speculation as to how much annual salary Lamb (his agent, rather) was requesting.
Many were guessing around the $32-$33 million range that AJ Brown received from Philadelphia but the bar Jefferson just set means Lamb will be closer to that $35 million.
Good news for Lamb. Not so good news for the Dallas Cowboys.
What Does This Mean for the Cowboys?
The easy thing to do is yell at the front office for not getting a deal done sooner with Lamb.
Fans will say their nonchalance in contract negotiations is the reason Justin Jefferson has set the market.
I’m not sure how much effect Jefferson’s negotiations had on the Cowboys, but it just feels like this was Lamb’s plan all along and his agent halted negotiations waiting for this exact moment.
It’s a win for Lamb and yet another offseason loss taken by the Cowboys’ front office.
The only bright spot for the Cowboys is Jefferson’s deal got done just one day before Lamb and the rest of the team were set to begin mandatory workouts.
Jefferson’s payday should prompt Lamb and the Cowboys to move faster to get a deal done.
If a deal gets done today, it will prevent CeeDee from having to hold out of camp waiting for his deal.
If a deal doesn’t get done today or tomorrow, I find it highly unlikely that Lamb would show up to camp.
Let’s cross our fingers that CeeDee and the Cowboys strike a deal today now that the largest “leaf” has fallen from the contract tree.
