Jefferson aims to 'break the bank' on extension
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is eyeing a big payday ahead of a possible contract extension.
"I want to break the bank and be a part of an organization that wants me and (is willing) to give me what I deserve,"Jefferson said on the "Schein on Sports" show on Mad Dog Sports Radio.
The Vikings superstar and the club engaged in discussions regarding a contract extension prior to the start of the 2023 campaign. The two sides opted to table negotiations until the end of the season after failing to strike a deal.
Jefferson is slated to play out the the fifth and final year of his rookie contract in 2024, which includes a $19.7-million salary, according to Spotrac. The 2022 first-team All-Pro wideout is confident that Minnesota will do right by him during the next round of negotiations.
"Eventually the Vikings will do what they need to do to have me in the building," he said.
The 24-year-old receiver recorded 68 receptions for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns after missing seven games due to a hamstring injury. It was a slight drop in production for Jefferson, who paced the league with 128 catches for 1,809 yards a year prior.
Jefferson isn't quite sure what his fate will be if he's unable to secure a new deal.
"I'm not really too sure at this very moment," he said when asked about a scenario in which the Vikings don't meet his demands. "I definitely am grateful for what Minnesota has done for me. I definitely wouldn't be in this situation if they didn't pick me."
Jefferson has been the focal point of the Vikings' offense since he was taken in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He's set a historic pace by racking up 392 receptions for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns in 60 career games.
The LSU product could eclipse the $30-million average salary of Tyreek Hill, the league's top-paid receiver, in his next deal. Fair compensation is important to Jefferson, but he's keen to remain in the place he's called "home" since entering the league.
"With everything I have gave to the organization, of course I would want to stay," he said.
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