Minnesota Vikings' standout wide receiver, Justin Jefferson, is poised to become one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in NFL history
but he's not letting contract negotiations distract him as the 2023 NFL season gets underway.
Jefferson, at 24 years old, understands his value but is taking a patient approach to his contract situation.
"Of course, I would want a contract to be done," Jefferson told reporters, adding, "But at the end of the day, it is all up to (the Vikings) and what the ownership wants to do with that."
Vikings' General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has publicly expressed support for Jefferson and the intention to secure a deal eventually.
While some players prefer to wrap up contract negotiations before the regular season begins to avoid distractions, Jefferson leaves the timing in the hands of the team, saying, "It's up to them."
Jefferson has made history with his remarkable performance as a wide receiver, averaging an astonishing 96.5 receiving yards per game over his first 50 career appearances.
His 4,825 receiving yards in his first three seasons set an NFL record. In the previous season, Jefferson led the NFL in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809) and was honored as the league's Offensive Player of the Year.
Reflecting on his unique situation, Jefferson noted, "I've done something that no one has ever done in the history of the game.
So my situation is a little bit different than everyone else's." Despite potentially addressing contract matters two years early, he entrusts his agent with negotiations and keeps his focus on the field.
Currently, Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins holds the highest average salary per year for wide receivers at $30 million, a figure Jefferson could surpass.
While Jefferson has a guaranteed salary of just under $2.4 million this season, he is set to earn $19.7 million in 2024 under his fifth-year option
which the Vikings exercised last summer. The possibility of franchise tagging Jefferson in 2025 remains if a deal isn't reached.
Next offseason could offer more flexibility if the Vikings allow quarterback Kirk Cousins to become a free agent.
Jefferson acknowledges the business side of the NFL and would like to continue working with Cousins, the only starting quarterback he's known in the league.
He said, "Of course, I would love to have Kirk and continue my journey with Kirk."
The Vikings kick off their 2023 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.