News
4/25/23
2 min read
Vikings Pick Up WR Justin Jefferson's Fifth-Year Option
In a move with little suspense, the Minnesota Vikings have officially picked up wide receiver Justin Jefferson's fifth-year option, the team announced on Tuesday.
Because he's made multiple Pro Bowls, Jefferson's option will pay him just over $19.7 million. The Vikings' decision to pick up Jefferson's option comes as the Tuesday, May 2 deadline for teams to exercise fifth-year options for players selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft nears.
>> READ: Fifth-Year Option Explained
Minnesota no doubt will try to sign Jefferson to a long-term extension at some point in the near future. However, the wide receiver market has gotten more expensive in recent seasons. Tyreek Hill's $30 million per year salary leads all wide receivers in Average Annual Value (AAV).
Top-5 Wide Receiver Contracts by AAV
| Player | Year Contract Was Signed | Contract Length | AAV |
| Tyreek Hill | 2022 | 4 Years | $30,000,000 |
| Davante Adams | 2022 | 5 Years | $28,000,000 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | 2020 | 2 Years | $27,250,000 |
| Cooper Kupp | 2022 | 3 Years | $26,700,000 |
| A.J. Brown | 2022 | 4 Years | $25,000,000 |
Assuming Jefferson resets the market with his long-term extension, there will be little doubt he earned it. He's been All-Pro and made Pro Bowl teams in his first three seasons. Jefferson led the league during the 2022 season with 123 catches, 1,809 receiving yards and 106.4 yards per game, which helped him win Offensive Player of the Year.
The former LSU wideout has recorded at least 1,400 receiving yards in his first three seasons. The Vikings will lean even more on Jefferson this coming season as the team released long-time running mate Adam Thielen this offseason.
