The NFL’s Highest-Paid Wide Receivers

The guys throwing the ball are the highest-paid players in the NFL. But 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.

The NFL’s Highest-Paid Receivers: Annual Value

1. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings: $35,000,000
2. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles: $32,000,000
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions: $30,002,500
4. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins: $30,000,000
5. Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins: $28,250,000
6. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders: $28,000,000
7. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams: $26,700,000
8. DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles: $25,000,000
9. Nico Collins, Houston Texans: $24,250,000
10. D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks: $24,000,000

The 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. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions: $120,010,000 4. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins: $120,000,000 5. Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns: $100,000,000 6. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles: $96,000,000 7. Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans: $92,000,000 8. Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins: $84,750,000 T-9. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams: $80,100,000 T-9. Keenan Allen, Chicago Bears: $80,100,000

The NFL’s Highest-Paid Receivers: Total Guaranteed Money

1. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings: $110,000,000
2. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles: $84,000,000
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions: $77,000,000
4. Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins: $76,000,000
5. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams: $75,000,000
6. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins: $72,200,000
7. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders: $65,670,000
8. Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns: $60,000,000
9. D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks: $58,200,000
10. Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers: $58,100,000

The Bears, on the other hand, have been making moves this offseason. They added more veteran help on offense, signing running back D’Andre Swift, wide receiver Keenan Allen, and tight end Gerald Everett. They also signed blossoming star cornerback Jaylon Johnson to an extension. The home run came in the draft, where they took quarterback Caleb Williams first overall and wide receiver Rome Odunze eight picks later. The Bears now have an offense that could become the most exciting in franchise history.

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The Patriots, meanwhile, are entering their fifth season since Tom Brady left the franchise. They will be starting over with a quarterback they drafted, Drake Maye, who was picked third overall in this year’s draft. But is he ready to start in New England?

Drake Maye

Let’s check out the odds that Maye starts for the Patriots next season, via FanDuel Sportsbook, as of June 2.

PATRIOTS WEEK 1 STARTING QB

Jacoby Brissett, -350 (bet $10 to win $12.86 total) Drake Maye, +255 (bet $10 to win $35.50 total)

Not only is the veteran Brissett favored to start in New England next season, he’s the considerable favorite to start.

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In terms of other Maye betting props, at FanDuel, he’s at +2000 to win Offensive Rookie of the Year (tied for sixth on the oddsboard) and at +1100 to lead all rookies in passing yards (fifth on the oddsboard).

His Over/Under passing yard total is set at 2,650.5.

The Patriots’ Over/Under win total for this season is set at 4.5, the lowest in the NFL.