Many NFL teams conducted their minicamps this week, marking the end of their offseason programs. A relatively lengthy wait until training camp awaits them, but a number of important developments have taken place on the contract front in recent days. In case you missed anything from the past week, here is a quick recap:
- Vikings, Jefferson Agree To Historic Extension: The most impactful domino at the receiver position fell when Justin Jefferson and the Vikings agreed to a four-year, $140MM extension. The $35MM annual average value of the pact is the highest in league history for a non-quarterback and it moves the top of the WR market even higher. Both the total ($110MM) and full (roughly $89MM) guarantees put Jefferson in a tier of his own regarding up front compensation. The 24-year-old is now under contract through 2028 as a continued foundational piece of Minnesota’s offense. The pace of Jefferson negotiations was a talking point this offseason, and the lack of a deal enticed teams to make sizable trade offers. The Vikings turned down outside interest, though, and a record-breaking deal is now officially in place.
- 49ers Extend McCaffrey: No guaranteed money remained on Christian McCaffrey’s 49ers pact, which prompted an OTA absence and the request for a new deal. An agreement has now been reached, with the reigning Offensive Player of the Year securing a two-year, $38MM extension. McCaffrey is on the books through 2027 as a result of the pact, one which includes $24MM guaranteed and represents an $8MM raise across the next two years compared to what he was originally owed. Since arriving via trade in 2022, the former Panther has thrived in San Francisco. He will now continue to operate as the team’s top rushing threat as well as a key component of their passing game. As his Carolina extension did, meanwhile, McCaffrey’s new pact has moved the financial bar higher at the running back position.
- Browns Confirm Stefanski, Berry Extensions: Earlier this offseason, signs pointed to the Browns extending both head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry. The team has now officially inked the pair to new deals, paving the way for consistency on the sidelines and in the front office unlike that which has been seen for much of the time under the ownership of Jimmy and Dee Haslam. Cleveland has gone to the postseason twice in Stefanski’s four-year HC tenure, and he has earned Coach of the Year honors both times. Berry has been in place for the same duration, and his record of player acquisition (with the rather notable exception of Deshaun Watson) has generally been well-regarded. Expectations will be high for the pair for the foreseeable future.
- Steelers Reunite With Sutton: Following his release from the Lions related to a domestic violence arrest, cornerback Cameron Sutton drew interest from the Steelers. The feeling has proven to be mutual with the sides reuniting via a one-year contract. Like many deals signed at this time of year, the pact is worth the veteran’s minimum and does not include any guaranteed money. Sutton, 29, spent his first six years with the Steelers before playing in Detroit in 2023. He will provide at least experienced depth or a starting-caliber option for Pittsburgh’s CB room, one led by Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson. Sutton faces the possibility of a suspension regardless of how his legal case plays out, but when on the field in 2024 he will be in a familiar territory.
- Commanders Cut McManus: Not long after it was learned Brandon McManus is the subject of a sexual assault lawsuit, the veteran kicker was let go by the Commanders. McManus faces allegations related to an incident on a team flight when he was a member of the Jaguars, and Jacksonville has also been named in the suit. Both Jags coach Doug Pederson and Commanders coach Dan Quinn have denied knowledge of the allegations prior to when they became public. McManus signed a one-year deal with Washington in March, and half of his $1.5MM signing bonus has already been paid out. His release came just before the second half was due, which could lead to a dispute with the Commanders. In any case, McManus’ NFL future will no doubt be tied to the outcome of the lawsuit and the ongoing investigation related to it.