Justin Jefferson Rumors: 'No Reluctance' About Playing for Vikings on New Contract

Amid rumors about guaranteed money being a sticking point in Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings working out a new contract, the star wide receiver is not concerned about staying with the organization that drafted him in 2020.

Per ESPN's Kevin Seifert, Jefferson has "no reluctance" about playing with the Vikings as the two sides continue to discuss a long-term deal.

Jefferson has been eligible to sign an extension with the Vikings since the end of the 2022 season. He's never given any indication that he wants to leave Minnesota but has indicated he could be looking for a deal that goes beyond setting a new benchmark for wide receivers.

Before the start of the 2023 regular season, Jefferson was asked if he sought advice or information from other players who have gone through similar contract talks with their team:

"I'm in a different situation. 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. Of course, I'm going into my fourth year, trying to talk about contract two years early. There's so many different parts that go in towards it. That's why I leave it up to my agent and just keep my mindset on the field."

Tyreek Hill is currently the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL with a $30 million average annual salary. The highest-paid non-quarterback is Nick Bosa with a $34 million average annual salary after he signed a five-year, $170 million extension with the San Francisco 49ers in September.

In addition to Jefferson's contract, the Vikings have to figure out what they are doing at quarterback this offseason. Kirk Cousins is set to become a free agent coming off a torn Achilles.

Cousins has expressed hope that he can stay in Minnesota, but the organization has to make a decision with free agency set to begin on March 13.

Jefferson is on a Hall-of-Fame track through his first four seasons. He ranks first in the NFL in receiving yards per game (98.3), second in receiving yards (5,899) and sixth in receptions (392) since 2020.

The 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year will earn $19.7 million next season in the final year of his rookie contract.