Justin Jefferson’s four-year $140 million extension ($35M AAV, $110M guaranteed) made him NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback.
Minnesota maintains $15 million current flexibility but projects $36 million over next season requiring aggressive restructures.
Brian O’Neill carries $26 million cap charge after 2023 restructure pushed guarantees into future.
JJ McCarthy’s season-ending meniscus surgery delays $21.85 million rookie contract impact as Sam Darnold departed to Seattle on three-year $110.5M deal.
Minnesota Vikings player biography and net worth information available for complete roster.
| Quarterbacks (QB) | Running Backs (RB) | Wide Receivers (WR) |
| J.J. McCarthy | Aaron Jones | Justin Jefferson |
| Sam Howell | Jordan Mason | Jordan Addison |
| Brett Rypien | Ty Chandler | Rondale Moore |
| Max Brosmer | Zavier Scott | Jalen Nailor |
| Mike White | Tre Stewart | Jeshaun Jones |
| C.J. Ham (FB) | Tim Jones | |
| Jeff Wilson Jr. | Lucky Jackson | |
| Christopher Brooks | Thayer Thomas | |
| Silas Bolden | ||
| Tai Felton | ||
| Dontae Fleming | ||
| Robert Lewis | ||
| Myles Price | ||
| Robbie Chosen | ||
| River Cracraft | ||
| David Bell | ||
| Javon Hargrave | ||
| Andrew Van Ginkel |
Jefferson-O’Neill Lead Cap Charges
Jefferson’s extension features $88.7 million fully guaranteed at signing creating $27.5M annual value. O’Neill’s restructured deal balloons to $26M this season before declining to $18M next year.
| Player | Position | Cap Hit | Contract Value | Through |
| Brian O’Neill | RT | $26M | $92.5M (5yr) | 2026 |
| Jonathan Greenard | EDGE | $22.3M | $76M (4yr) | 2027 |
| TJ Hockenson | TE | $16.65M | $66M (4yr) | 2026 |
| Justin Jefferson | WR | $15.7M | $140M extension (4yr) | 2028 |
| Aaron Jones | RB | $7.0M | $7M (1yr) | This season |
| Byron Murphy | CB | $7.2M | $27.65M (2yr) | 2026 |
| Harrison Smith | S | $6.6M | $13.25M (2yr) | 2026 |
| Blake Cashman | LB | $5.6M | $10M (2yr) | This season |
| JJ McCarthy | QB | $5.5M | $21.85M rookie (4yr) | 2028 |
| Dallas Turner | EDGE | $5.2M | $21.5M rookie (4yr) | 2028 |
Jefferson’s back-loaded structure features $15.7M current charge rising to $29.2M (2027), $33.2M (2028) creating cap flexibility during McCarthy’s rookie window. His $110M guaranteed protects investment through age 29.
McCarthy’s meniscus surgery August 2024 ended rookie season before taking snap. His $21.85M fully guaranteed contract ($12.7M signing bonus) provides cost-controlled quarterback through 2028 fifth-year option decision.
Darnold Departure Creates QB Uncertainty
Sam Darnold’s March exit to Seattle ($110.5M over three years, $55M guaranteed) after career-best 4,319 yards forced McCarthy immediate promotion. Injury shifted timeline accelerating Nick Mullens ($2.5M) and Jaren Hall ($1M) backup roles.
Darnold’s Vikings Resurgence: One-year $10M prove-it deal produced Pro Bowl alternate season (35 TDs, 12 INTs) earning $110.5M Seattle payday. His departure cost Vikings third-round compensatory pick yet avoided $33M+ extension bidding war.
McCarthy’s Delayed Timeline: #10 overall pick’s rehabilitation extends into current season creating uncertainty whether returning Week 1 or midseason. His development pace determines Minnesota’s competitive window around $15.7M Jefferson charge.
Jefferson’s $10M Net Worth Foundation
Twenty-six-year-old receiver built $9-10 million wealth through $27M career earnings including $13.1M rookie contract plus $14M extension bonuses through current season.
| Player | Est. Net Worth | Career Earnings | Key Brands |
| Justin Jefferson | $10M | $27M+ | Nike, Bose |
| Brian O’Neill | $15M-$22M | $98M+ | Regional deals |
| TJ Hockenson | $12M-$18M | $48M+ | Nike partnerships |
| Jonathan Greenard | $8M-$12M | $24M+ | Emerging brands |
| Aaron Jones | $15M-$22M | $42M+ | Local partnerships |
Jefferson’s endorsement portfolio with Nike, Bose, Pepsi generates $3M+ annually supplementing $35M football salary.
His 5,899 career yards through four seasons averaging 1,475 yearly justifies record non-QB compensation establishing $140M+ career earnings projection.
O’Neill accumulated $15-22M through $98M career total spanning seven seasons. His 2021 extension ($92.5M over five years) made him NFL’s sixth-highest tackle creating long-term protection piece despite recent restructures pushing charges forward.
Next Season Cap Crisis
Minnesota projects $36M over next season (28th NFL) requiring multiple restructures. Jefferson’s $29.2M escalation combines with O’Neill’s maintained $18M creating elite talent cost.
Restructure Candidates: O’Neill ($26M), Hockenson ($16.65M), Greenard ($22.3M) conversions can free $30-40M short-term while adding 2027-2029 charges.
Extension Priorities: McCarthy health determines quarterback spending. Harrison Smith retirement ($6.6M saved) creates safety depth hole requiring $8-10M replacement.
FAQs
Who is Minnesota’s highest-paid player?
Brian O’Neill carries $26M cap hit after 2023 restructure. Justin Jefferson’s $35M AAV surpasses him in contract value though current $15.7M charge ranks fourth on roster behind O’Neill, Greenard ($22.3M), Hockenson ($16.65M).
What is Justin Jefferson’s contract worth?
Jefferson signed four-year $140M extension ($35M AAV, $110M guaranteed, $88.7M at signing) making him highest-paid non-QB. His deal features $15.7M current charge rising to $33.2M by 2028.
How much cap space do Vikings have?
Minnesota maintains $15M current but projects $36M over next season requiring restructures. O’Neill, Hockenson, Greenard conversions provide temporary relief adding future charges.
What happened to JJ McCarthy?
McCarthy’s August meniscus surgery ended rookie season before debut. His $21.85M four-year contract ($12.7M signing bonus) provides cost-controlled QB through 2028 with rehabilitation determining return timeline.
