The NFL wide receiver market has seen a significant increase in recent years, with players signing lucrative contracts. Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings recently signed a $140 million deal, setting a new record for the largest contract by a wide receiver in NFL history in terms of total and annual average value. In fact, five of the top ten largest wide receiver contracts in league history have been signed in 2024, with players like AJ Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jaylen Waddle, and Nico Collins securing deals this offseason.
Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 largest NFL wide receiver contracts based on annual average value:
1. Justin Jefferson: $35M
Justin Jefferson, who was drafted 22nd overall in the 2020 draft, holds the NFL record for the most receiving yards in a player’s first four seasons with 5,899. He has also recorded the most games with 100+ receiving yards in his first four seasons, setting a new NFL record.
2. AJ Brown: $32M
AJ Brown had an impressive season last year, recording six consecutive games with 125+ receiving yards, breaking a record in NFL history. He also set the Eagles single-season franchise record for receiving yards in 2022.
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown: $30M (tie)
Amon-Ra St. Brown has recorded 15 games with over 100 receiving yards in his career, breaking the Lions’ record for most such games in a player’s first three seasons. Since joining the league in 2021, he has put up impressive numbers.
4. Tyreek Hill: $30M (tie)
Tyreek Hill is the only player in NFL history to have multiple seasons with over 1,700 receiving yards. He has also recorded 28 touchdown receptions of 50+ yards, the most of any active player.
5. Jaylen Waddle: $28.3M
Jaylen Waddle set the NFL single-season record for receptions in 2021. Despite missing four games, he ranks among the top receivers drafted in 2021 in yards, receptions, and touchdown catches.
6. Davante Adams: $28M
Davante Adams has been a consistent performer since 2021, recording multiple games with 120+ receiving yards and a touchdown catch. He has 95 receiving touchdowns since entering the league in 2014.
7. Cooper Kupp: $26.7M
In 2021, Cooper Kupp came close to breaking Calvin Johnson’s NFL single-season receiving yards record. He also had a successful season, winning the Super Bowl and being named Super Bowl MVP.
8. DeVonta Smith: $25M
DeVonta Smith is one of three receivers to win the Heisman trophy. He has set records for the Eagles, including the single-season reception record.
9. Nico Collins: $24.3M
Nico Collins joined an elite group of Texans receivers by surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in a season. He has shown his potential with multiple games of over 190 receiving yards.
10. DK Metcalf: $24M
DK Metcalf made history by becoming the fastest player in Seahawks history to reach 1,000 receiving yards. He is one of three players in NFL history to achieve specific milestones in his first five seasons.
These contracts highlight the value that top wide receivers bring to their teams and the competitive nature of the NFL market. Fans can expect to see more record-breaking deals as the league continues to evolve. Stay tuned for more updates on the National Football League and your favorite players.
