The guys throwing the ball are the highest-paid players in the NFL. The guys catching the ball reel in some major paydays, too.
Wide receiver is one of the most valuable positions in the league. An elite receiver can change the complexion of an entire offense, and that allows them to demand a sizable salary.
The price for a No. 1 receiver has soared in recent years, surpassing $30 million annually. A handful of players have set the bar, and that bar has gone even higher.
With a number of marquee names on the free agent market this offseason, here are the NFL’s most expensive receivers based on their annual averages for the 2024 season, total contract value and guaranteed money, per Spotrac.
NFL’s highest-paid receivers: Annual value
1. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings: $35,000,000
2. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys: $34,000,000
NFL
3. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles: $32,000,000
4. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions: $30,002,500
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly> Chicago Catch-Up newsletter.
T-5. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins: $30,000,000
T-5. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers: $30,000,000
7. Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins: $28,250,000
8. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders: $28,000,000
9. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams: $26,700,000
10. DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles: $25,000,000
NFL’s highest-paid receivers: Total contract value
T-1. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders: $140,000,000
T-1. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings: $140,000,000
3. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys: $136,000,000
4. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions: $120,010,000
T-5. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins: $120,000,000
T-5. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers: $120,000,000
7. Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns: $100,000,000
8. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles: $96,000,000
9. Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans: $92,000,000
10. Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins: $84,750,000
NFL’s highest-paid receivers: Total guaranteed money
1. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings: $110,000,000
2. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys: $100,000,000
3. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles: $84,000,000
4. D.J. Moore, Chicago Bears: $81,525,000
5. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions: $77,000,000
T-6. Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins: $76,000,000
T-6. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers: $76,000,000
8. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams: $75,000,000
9. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins: $72,200,000
10. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders: $65,670,000