How the Justin Jefferson deal affects the NFL going forward

“Justin has earned this contract,” Minnesota Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a press release, “and we are thrilled he will remain a Minnesota Viking for a very long time.”

This is how the announcement came that wide receiver Justin Jefferson had penned a record extension worth $140 million with $110 million guaranteed, a historic deal in the sport.

While this may prove huge for the Vikings, the ripples in the water extend all across the NFL, with plenty of teams set to rethink how they pay their players. In this piece, we take a look at the Dallas Cowboys, and how recent comments from the owner proved to be prescient given the dominoes that soon started to fall.

What are Justin Jefferson’s contract details?

It is understood that the former LSU star signed a four-year contract extension worth $140 million with $110 million guaranteed. That deal means that the 24-year-old is now the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.

As well as this, it has also been reported that Jefferson received $88.743 million as a signing on fee, which would also be the highest amount paid to a non-QB in the history of the sport.

This signing, as mentioned, changes the landscape of the sport for non-QBs, and puts significant weight on the side of the players when it comes to negotiating contracts.

Which players could sign contract extensions with the Cowboys?

The Cowboys are in a curious position. Owner Jerry Jones said previously that he wanted to see “more cards played” when it came to signings. Now, with the Jefferson deal, it seems that his wishes have been answered.

The Cowbys could, if things continue as they are, end up handing over to Dak Prescott anything between $55 million and $60 million per season, with Lamb and Micah Parsons each earning about $35 million (The Athletic). This adds up to approximately $125 million annually for just three players. Although it is widely anticipated that the NFL salary cap is set to rise, it currently stands at $255.4 million per team for this season.

While Dallas holds its minicamp on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, CeeDee Lamb is not expected to attend and was not there for OTAs, with his contract the talking topic in the corridors of the AT&T Stadium.

Lamb was tight-lipped when asked back in February about a new deal, saying “I can’t give you no numbers right now, but I’ll tell you this, one of the top paid receivers for sure, if not the (highest-paid WR). That’s always the goal.” Now, with the new Jets deal, the goalposts just got even wider...