Justin Jefferson makes NFL history, ties another mark

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Jefferson makes incredible NFL history, ties another mark against Eagles

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 9/14/23

Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson made incredible NFL history before the end of the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles on "Thursday Night Football."

With less than two minutes left in the second quarter, Jefferson caught a four-yard pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins, giving the fourth-year wideout 5,000 career yards. Jefferson ties Hall of Famer Lance Alworth for the fewest games needed to hit the incredible milestone.

With 5,032-career receiving yards at the half, WR Justin Jefferson ties Lance Alworth (1962-66) for fewest games needed to reach 5,000 receiving yards in a career at 52.#MINvsPHI pic.twitter.com/CWEe91QxIk
— Vikings Communications (@VikingsPR) September 15, 2023

Meanwhile, Jefferson also joins a different exclusive group, including another Vikings standout, Hall of Famer Randy Moss. Jefferson is now the second player in NFL history to reach 5,000 career receiving yards before the age of 25. Jefferson turned 24 in June.

The only players in NFL history with 5,000+ career receiving yards prior to turning age 25:

Justin Jefferson
Randy Moss pic.twitter.com/ODXEjlc3TV
— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2023

Fastest to 5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ pic.twitter.com/C1piMrKEL0
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 15, 2023

Jefferson is coming off a career year, leading the league in receptions (128), yards (1,809) and yards per catch (106.4). The former first-round pick is seemingly only getting started, with three Pro Bowls and an All-Pro nod entering his fourth pro season.

Already arguably the best receiver in the NFL, Jefferson will soon cash in. Jefferson has one year remaining on his rookie deal with Minnesota and is eligible for free agency after the 2024 campaign. The Vikings will do all they can to prevent that, but it will be pricey.

Considering the potential cost of a Jefferson contract extension, one might point to the recent deals signed by Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill in 2022 as possible comparisons. Adams signed a five-year, $140 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, while Hill inked a four-year, $120 million deal with the Miami Dolphins.

Jefferson is likely to get more than both Adams and Hill. Whether or not the money comes from the Vikings remains up for debate. However, one thing is for sure: Whoever pays the electric playmaker, Jefferson has earned it.

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