Headlined by the record-setting $35 million-per-year contract extension signed by Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson, the NFL vast receiver market has exploded.
With the market now reset, who’re essentially the most underpaid receivers relative to their manufacturing?
For this train, we’ll solely take a look at wideouts now not on their rookie offers. So which means Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase and New York Jets standout Garrett Wilson, who might quickly be atop the market, will not be included.
(All contract figures are from Spotrac.)
1. Mike Evans | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | $20.5 million
The five-time Professional Bowler has been Mr. Constant for his total 10-year profession within the NFL. Regardless of the revolving door the Buccaneers have had at QB, Evans has by no means did not amass 1,000 yards receiving in a season.
A perennial top-10 receiver, Evans is likely one of the biggest gamers in staff historical past and knocking on the door of turning into a first-ballot Corridor of Famer.
That is why it is shocking to see gamers similar to Houston Texans WR Nico Collins and Indianapolis Colts WR Michael Pittman, Jr. making thousands and thousands greater than him although the pair has posted solely three 1,000-yard seasons mixed. Evans turns 31 on Aug. 21, however he’s nonetheless enjoying at an elite degree because the No. 1 choice in Tampa Bay’s offense.
“It’s extremely uncommon to stick with one staff your total profession,” Evans stated after re-signing, per the staff’s web site, “and that is one thing that was a purpose of mine and that is one step nearer to one in every of my largest objectives.”
2. Amari Cooper | Cleveland Browns | $20 million
Cooper is in the same state of affairs to that of Evans. Whereas not as elite because the Tampa Bay star, he’s actually higher than gamers getting paid comparable quantities, similar to Jacksonville Jaguars WR Christian Kirk and Carolina Panthers WR Diontae Johnson (Every has just one season over 1,100 yards receiving; Cooper has 5.)
Even at 31, Cooper can present explosive outcomes. Final season, he went off for 451 yards receiving and three TD catches over the ultimate three video games, together with a 265-yard efficiency in Week 15.
Displaying no indicators of decline, Cooper posted a career-best 1,250 yards receiving through the 2023-24 marketing campaign.
3. Darius Slayton | New York Giants | $6 million
In a lackluster offense, Slayton has logged just one season below 700 receiving yards. He is not a groundbreaking participant, however with receivers similar to Jacksonville’s Gabe Davis making $13 million a 12 months with worse stats, the Giants have Slayton on an eye-opening deal.
Within the offseason, the staff adjusted the previous Auburn standout’s contract, giving him new incentives.
“I am happy,” Slayton stated, per ESPN.com’s Jordan Raanan. “We simply adjusted my contract this 12 months just a little bit. Simply tried to make it just a little bit extra profitable. Enterprise is enterprise and I am right here.”
4. Mike Williams | New York Jets | $10 million
Following an ACL tear final season with the Los Angeles Chargers, Evans signed a prove-it deal in free company with the Jets. As a Charger, Williams was arguably the NFL’s finest jump-ball receiver and a dynamic deep risk, averaging over 15 yards per catch 4 instances.
His 6-foot-4 body may very well be crucial within the rejuvenation of Aaron Rodgers, who had his finest years in Inexperienced Bay with gamers of comparable types (Davante Adams and Jordy Nelson).
In the event that they each are absolutely recovered from accidents, Rodgers and Williams might have stellar seasons working collectively this fall.
