A Closer Look at the Minnesota Vikings’ Biggest Offensive Contracts – Where They Stand Today
Over the past few years, the Minnesota Vikings have made significant investments in their offensive core, handing out large contracts to a number of key players. Some of these deals made headlines at the time for setting new benchmarks, either for the franchise or across the entire NFL. But with the ever-changing nature of player markets and team priorities, how do those contracts stack up now? Are the Vikings still leading the way in salary commitments, or has the rest of the league caught up—or even passed them by?
To understand where Minnesota stands in 2025 when it comes to paying its offensive stars, we need to take a look at the average annual value (AAV) of each major contract and compare it to others around the league at the same position. Some of the numbers may surprise you, especially considering the dynamic nature of NFL salary trends and how performance, positional importance, and market demand have shifted in recent years.
Let’s examine where some of the Vikings’ biggest offensive contracts rank today.
Justin Jefferson – Wide Receiver
No discussion about Minnesota’s offensive spending can begin without highlighting Justin Jefferson, the team’s electrifying wide receiver. In 2024, Jefferson signed what was, at the time, a record-setting contract extension. The deal not only reflected his elite production but also his status as one of the NFL’s premier playmakers.
At the time of the signing, Jefferson became the highest-paid wide receiver in league history, commanding an AAV well over $30 million. This move was expected, given his consistent dominance on the field since entering the league in 2020. His performance not only made him the face of the Vikings’ offense but also a market-setter for wideouts across the NFL.
Now, with other receivers signing lucrative extensions in 2025 and beyond, Jefferson’s contract, while still among the most substantial, may not sit at the absolute top anymore. Players like Ja’Marr Chase and CeeDee Lamb, among others, have either signed or are expected to sign comparable or even larger deals. Even so, Jefferson’s contract still comfortably places him in the top three highest-paid receivers in the NFL.
T.J. Hockenson – Tight End
When the Vikings acquired T.J. Hockenson from the Detroit Lions, many saw the move as a significant investment in a multi-faceted offensive weapon. Hockenson followed up his trade with impressive performances, prompting Minnesota to lock him down with a long-term deal.
Hockenson’s extension made headlines when it was signed, reportedly placing him at or near the top of the tight end salary rankings. His contract reflected not only his receiving ability but also his role in the run game and his leadership in the locker room.
While new deals for players like Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Mark Andrews may shift the rankings over time, Hockenson’s AAV remains among the league’s top five at the tight end position. His value is still seen as strong, especially considering his all-around contributions to the team’s offensive versatility.
Brian O’Neill – Offensive Tackle
Another major piece of Minnesota’s offense who received a substantial payday was Brian O’Neill, the team’s standout right tackle. Known for his consistency and durability, O’Neill earned a contract extension that placed him among the top-paid players at his position when it was finalized.
At the time, O’Neill’s deal was viewed as a necessary move to protect the Vikings’ quarterback and solidify the offensive line for years to come. While the market for tackles has since continued to rise—with left tackles often commanding even more than their right-side counterparts—O’Neill’s contract still ranks within the top 10 for right tackles in terms of average salary.
Though newer deals may have leapfrogged his in dollar amount, O’Neill’s contract remains a solid representation of Minnesota’s commitment to offensive line stability.
Garrett Bradbury – Center
The Vikings also made an effort to secure the interior of their offensive line, re-signing Garrett Bradbury, their former first-round pick at center. Bradbury’s second contract was far more modest than the blockbuster deals of his teammates, but it still represented a notable commitment by the team to keep him in purple and gold.
At the time of his extension, Bradbury’s deal placed him roughly in the middle tier of starting centers in the league in terms of AAV. Since then, contracts for top-tier centers have continued to rise, but Bradbury’s salary still reflects his value as a reliable, if not elite, piece of the offensive line. He remains an important part of the unit’s chemistry and communication, even if his contract doesn’t make headlines.
Alexander Mattison – Running Back
Following the departure of longtime starter Dalvin Cook, the Vikings made a financial commitment to Alexander Mattison, who had served as Cook’s backup for multiple seasons. Mattison’s new deal was far from the top of the running back market but was still a show of faith in his potential to take on a bigger role.
In the current NFL climate, running backs are rarely rewarded with massive contracts unless they’re truly game-changing. Mattison’s deal put him in the lower to middle tiers of RB salaries—not an overpay, but certainly not a market-setter. With the league-wide devaluation of the position, his deal aligns with the general trend of teams spreading running back duties across multiple players instead of relying on one workhorse.
Kirk Cousins – Former Quarterback
While Kirk Cousins is no longer with the Vikings as of 2025, it’s important to acknowledge the impact his contract had on Minnesota’s cap structure in recent seasons. Cousins was consistently among the top 10 highest-paid quarterbacks during his tenure with the team, thanks in part to a string of short-term, fully guaranteed deals that reset parts of the quarterback market.
His contracts often drew both praise and criticism—praise for their structure and flexibility, criticism for the cap strain and limitations they sometimes placed on roster-building. Cousins’ deals were significant at the time, and even now, they continue to shape how teams approach veteran quarterback negotiations.
Shifting Landscape of NFL Contracts
What’s clear from examining the Vikings’ spending is how quickly the NFL’s salary landscape evolves. A contract that once seemed monumental can appear merely average just a year or two later. As new stars emerge and old ones reset the market, teams must constantly balance between locking in core talent and maintaining financial flexibility.
The Vikings, for their part, have generally done well to secure key contributors on offense without dramatically overextending themselves. Their biggest deals—like those for Jefferson, O’Neill, and Hockenson—were rooted in strong production and positional value. Others, like Mattison’s and Bradbury’s, were more strategic and measured.
As long as those players continue to perform and stay healthy, Minnesota’s current contracts should age reasonably well. But as always in the NFL, tomorrow’s blockbuster could turn today’s highest-paid player into just another name on a growing list of big-money deals.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings have taken bold steps over the last few seasons to invest heavily in their offensive foundation. From record-breaking deals for stars like Justin Jefferson to strategic re-signings along the offensive line, the team’s financial strategy has been clear: retain talent, reward production, and build around a stable offensive core.
While some of these contracts once topped the charts and now rank slightly lower due to market shifts, most still reflect a strong return on investment. With younger stars looking for paydays and future cap decisions looming, the Vikings’ front office must continue navigating this high-stakes balancing act.
In an NFL defined by short windows of opportunity and rapid change, Minnesota’s efforts to remain competitive through smart, timely deals will ultimately determine their staying power at the top of the NFC.
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