Record extension for Vikings star expected to be announced 'very soon'

Since contract rumors began swirling and heating up surrounding Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, it felt more like a "when" rather than an "if" he'd sign a massive new deal prior to the season. But with Week 1 just on the horizon and no new deal in place, that outlook started to get a bit cloudy.

Fortunately, for both Jefferson and Vikings fans, it appears that the news of the wideout's new contract could be coming sooner than later. As The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported, not only Jefferson's contract expected to be announced "very soon," but even if it hadn't, there were "no concerns" he'd miss games if he didn't have a new deal.

"Jefferson has practiced all of training camp, trusting the team will give him a contract that could make him the highest-paid non-QB player in the league. (I’m sure [Nick] Bosa and [Chris] Jones also hope to take the title.) Good news for Kirk Cousins, I learned there are no concerns that if a deal isn’t reached Jefferson would miss games. Based on my conversations, this is looking to be a contract that will be announced (and celebrated) very soon."

Jefferson's contract should become the new high-water mark in the NFL for non-quarterbacks, as Russini stated. This means that the previous title of "highest-paid wide receiver" going to Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill, who earns an average of $30 million annually, will be awarded to Jefferson. In terms of just how much annual and guaranteed money Jefferson receives, that'll be an interesting topic to monitor, but after Hill received $52.353 million guaranteed and A.J. Brown earned $56.4 million, don't be shocked if Jefferson trumps both of those players.