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Howie

Vikings exercise 5th-year option on Justin Jefferson

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By Craig Peters

EAGAN, Minn. — Vikings leadership has said multiple times they envision Justin Jefferson being with Minnesota for the long haul.

The team opted to exercise the fifth-year option on the 2020 first-round pick Tuesday, meaning he'll be under contract at least through the 2024 season.

The move buys additional time for the Vikings to work out a longer-term deal with the three-time Pro Bowler and 2022 First-Team All-Pro.

Jefferson has increased his production every season, going from 88 receptions for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie to 108 catches for 1,616 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2021.

Last season, he led the NFL with 128 receptions, 1,809 yards and 106.4 receiving yards per game, setting Vikings single-season records for catches (topping Cris Carter) and receiving yards (topping Randy Moss).

Fifth-year option salaries are determined by the player's position, the spot from which they were drafted and performance benchmarks, including making two Pro Bowls during a player's first contract.

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