Just two years into the NFL, Justin Jefferson has proved to be the best wide receiver from his draft class. With 196 receptions that went for over 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns in the past two seasons for the Minnesota Vikings, Jefferson has proven his worth game after game. And following the 2022 season, he will be eligible for a contract extension that would tie him to the organization well into the future.
After an offseason filled with receivers getting huge contracts, Terry McLaurin of the Washington Commanders has his name added to the list. According to Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet), the deal is worth up to $70 million. With at least $50 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $28 million.
http://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1541858750922989568?s=20&t=_tuf-65KlgHVThC-_8QehQ
Last year, McLaurin recorded 77 receptions for a total of 1,053 yards and 5 touchdowns. Compared to Jefferson’s 108 receptions for 1,616 yards and 10 touchdowns, it seems likely that McLaurin’s contract will be the floor for the young Vikings’ receiver in future contract talks.
And it seems that the price tag will only increase in Kevin O’Connell’s new offense.
The New HC has the Magic Touch
O’Connell was brought on to fill the vacated head coaching position after the Wilf’s cleaned house in Vikings management during the offseason. Previously, O’Connell was the Los Angeles Rams’ OC last season when his team won the Super Bowl. The hire was a no brainer after the historic season of Ram’s receiver, Cooper Kupp.
A candidate for NFL MVP last season, Kupp was an absolute stud in the Rams’ offense. Garnering 2,425 yards and a whopping 22 touchdowns, it was obvious that the plan was getting Kupp the ball as much as possible. But even knowing where the ball would go, defenses were left dumbfounded. And it’s been made clear by O’Connell, that Justin Jefferson will be featured similarly in the Vikings’ offense. By the numbers alone, it’s easy to see how Jefferson will benefit from O’Connell’s presence.
If Kupp’s performance in O’Connell’s offense is any indication, the Vikings offense will take a huge leap next season. In the new pass-first offense Jefferson will not only thrive in his third season, but could be an MVP candidate like Kupp. If Jefferson’s performance leads to a bigger payday, then the Vikings should be more than happy to pay the man.
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