Netflix’s Receiver docuseries includes many key pieces of information about the upper echelon of wide receivers in the NFL, with Justin Jefferson topping the pile as the highest-paid of them all. One of the shocking reveals in Receiver is just how much the Minnesota Vikings star earns to play football, with his talents putting him out of the financial reach of the other athletes who also play his position. Every NFL superstar in Netflix’s Receiver is incredibly well paid, but Jefferson’s earnings raise the bar even further and could change the landscape of the league going forward.

The wide receiver position is one of the most indispensable in the NFL, with many teams holding tight onto a superstar like Jefferson if they’re fortunate to find one. Receiver demonstrates what it takes not only to be an NFL wideout but also how those at the top of the hierarchy got there and snagged the huge contracts they were offered by their respective teams. However, NFL contracts can be quite confusing, so it can take a little while to fully understand how they’re structured.

Justin Jefferson’s Record-Breaking NFL Contract Explained

Jefferson’s contract is record-breaking

Jefferson was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft, with the receiver being selected 22nd overall. The 2023 season was Jefferson’s last playing under his rookie contract, which is typically worth far less than the contract of a veteran player. In June 2024, the Vikings signed their star player to a four-year extension worth a potential total of $140 million (via NFL). However, only $110 million of this figure is guaranteed, with the remaining $30 depending on certain player incentives.

Jefferson signing the contract means he now has an average yearly salary of $35 million, and he also received a hefty signing bonus of an additional $89 million. His new deal means he’s under contract with the Minnesota Vikings through the 2028 NFL season. While Jefferson could technically be traded to another team before this contract reaches its end, it’s perhaps less likely because the team that trades for him would also need to account for his enormous contract.

How Justin Jefferson’s Contract Compares To Other NFL Players

Jefferson is the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL

Jefferson is now the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history. However, going into the 2024 season, there are a handful of other receivers who aren’t that far behind (via ESPN). For example, the Philadelphia Eagles are currently paying AJ Brown $32 million for the year, which only narrowly misses out on the top spot. The Miami Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle comes in third, as he’s about to make $28.3 million for the upcoming NFL season.

Perhaps most impressive, Justin Jefferson is the highest-paid NFL player who isn’t a quarterback. The importance and rarity of an NFL-caliber quarterback often mean they land huge contracts, but Jefferson has proven to be so vital to the Vikings’ plans that the team has taken unprecedented steps to keep hold of him. Even other prolific pass-catchers like the Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce don’t make anywhere near the amount of money Jefferson is set to make. So, Netflix’s Receiver was right to contextualize how much Justin Jefferson’s contract is worth.

Source: NFL, ESPN