The NFL’s Shift Towards a Pass-Centric Approach
The NFL MVP has never been awarded to a wide receiver, but team-builders around the league are showing the football world that the value of an elite pass-catcher is almost priceless in this era. With Justin Jefferson inking a four-year, $140 million deal this week, the league’s shift towards a pass-centric approach has made wide receivers the most valuable asset in the NFL after the quarterback.
“This is my personal opinion: If they ask me, invest in guys that touch the ball and score touchdowns,” 49ers offensive line coach Chris Foerster said Wednesday.
The Trend of Valuing Wide Receivers
Five of the top eight highest-paid non-quarterbacks are now wide receivers, including A.J. Brown (three years, $96 million, $32 million average), Amon-Ra St. Brown (four years, $120 million, $30 million average), Tyreek Hill (four years, $120 million, $30 million average), and Jaylen Waddle (three years, $84.75 million, $28.25 million average). With CeeDee Lamb and Ja’Marr Chase poised to join the $30 Million Club in the near future, league executives are treating wide receivers like face of the franchise-type players in the team-building process.
The Impact on Team-Building
General managers and coaches have traditionally built around the franchise quarterback, with the left tackle or blindside protector also viewed as an essential piece of the offensive puzzle. While most team-builders continue to prioritize the offensive line, it appears some coaches and scouts prefer playmakers over protectors when allocating resources to upgrade the team.
Quarterbacks are still crucial, but wide receivers are gaining importance.
The Importance of Playmakers
“If a guy can’t get open, if a guy can’t catch the ball and run, that’s where we have a problem,” Foerster admitted. The potential of a dynamic pass-catcher to light up the scoreboard is hard to resist in a league where scoring matters more than ever.
Wide receivers are becoming the most valuable asset in the NFL.
The Future of the NFL
Since 2020, 27 wide receivers have been picked in the first round, and playmakers like Chase, Waddle, Lamb, and Jefferson have topped the list as blue-chip players. With Brandon Aiyuk, DeVonta Smith, Garrett Wilson, and Chris Olave just below the elite receivers, teams are willing to utilize prime draft capital and significant salary cap space to draft, develop, and retain game-changers on the perimeter.
The NFL draft is becoming a hotspot for wide receiver talent.
