MINNEAPOLIS – Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson was all smiles on Tuesday. While his parents were present, he came into contact with the media for the first time after signing a contract four-year extension with the team being worth a reported value of $140 million ($110 guaranteed).
On his big payday, WCCO wondered how his new contract compares to other notable Minnesota athletes. It’s definitely in the top five, but far from the top overall.
Based on data from Sportrac, here are the largest active contracts signed by a player with a Minnesota team:
- Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves: $245 million over five years
Edwards signed in the summer of 2023, cementing his status and importance as a superstar with the team. His contract is tied for the fourth highest in the NBA. - Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves: $221 million over four years
His contract ranks seventh overall in the NBA. It should be noted that this is his second major addition to the team. He has already completed a five-year, $158 million extension from 2019-2023. - Carlos Correa, Twins: $200 million over six years
While the contract is large in itself, it currently ranks only 22nd in Major League Baseball. - Justin Jefferson, Vikings: $140 million ($110 million guaranteed)
Jefferson is the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
All four athletes are still in their 20s, meaning they still have eight- to nine-figure contracts on the horizon.
Towns and Edwards are on pace to become Minnesota’s highest-paid athletes of all time.
The current leader is Twins legend Joe Mauer with $218 million. Second place is Kevin Garnett. He earned more than $200 million during his years with the Timberwolves and nearly $344 million during his entire NBA career.
