As Justin Jefferson’s Big Offseason Looms, Another WR Gets Paid

Jun 7, 2022; Thousand Oaks California, USA; Los Angeles Rams receiver Cooper Kupp (10) catches the ball during minicamp at Cal Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday evening, yet another wide receiver received a big pay day. This one was probably more deserving than any other though as the contract goes to Los Angeles Rams star receiver, Cooper Kupp. A week before his 29th birthday, Kupp and the Rams agreed on an extension worth around $80 million over three years, putting him under contract through the 2026 season, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. He will be 33 years old in the final year of said deal.

Though the Rams made their blockbuster trade to add QB Matthew Stafford last winter, there are few players that were as key to LA’s Super Bowl run in 2021 as Kupp. He won the triple crown for receivers, leading the league in receptions (145), receiving yards (1947) and touchdowns (16). He is the first receiver to accomplish the feat since Steve Smith in 2005 and just the fourth in NFL history, joining Smith, Sterling Sharpe (1992), and Jerry Rice (1990).

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This is an important contract that will have reverberating effects throughout the league, but it is especially pertinent in Minnesota Vikings circles. Following the 2022 season, the Minnesota Vikings will have an opportunity to offer their own star receiver, Justin Jefferson, a shiny new contract extension.

During his second NFL season, Jefferson built off his record-breaking rookie year to record an astounding slash line of 106 receptions, 1606 receiving yards, and 10 TDs. Assuming he puts together a similar season in 2022, he should command an unprecedented amount of money from his extension, and Kupp’s deal only provides more evidence for that.

Jefferson’s deal becomes even more valuable given his age. As alluded to earlier, Kupp will play the majority of his contract in his 30s. Contrarily, Jefferson is only entering his age-23 season in 2022. An additional four years still only puts him in his mid-20s, and with no past injury history, it’s safe to assume (knock on wood) that he will remain extremely effective as a receiver throughout those years and beyond.

Regardless, Jefferson is going to receive quite a bag in spring 2023, and it is in part because of Cooper Kupp.

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