• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

The 25 Highest-Paid NFL Wide Receivers

A ranking of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL for the 2025-26 season.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) participates in drills during training, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at the Kettering Health Practice Fields outside of Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.

Elite NFL wide receivers can greatly impact a team’s success in a season. The best at their position command salaries rivaling the salaries of every position on the field other than quarterback.

Ja’Marr Chase of the Bengals signed a record extension right before St. Patrick’s Day. The extension makes him the highest-paid wide receiver at $40.3 million annually.

The reigning triple-crown winner—he led the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, only the fifth player to do so since 1970—signed a four-year, $161 million extension, including $112 million guaranteed.

He became the latest player to take the title of highest-paid non-QB ever after Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby briefly held the title.

The Vikings’ Justin Jefferson is second at $35 million in AAV. The former LSU teammate of Chase signed a 4-year, $140 million contract extension last June. He earned $88.7 million at signing last summer.

Third is Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb, who has an AAV of $34 million. Lamb will earn $136 million over four years, but on March 4th, he agreed to restructure his contract to clear up $20 million in Dallas’s cap space.

New Steelers receiver D.K. Metcalf is fourth, earning $33 million annually. Traded to Pittsburgh from Seattle after a frenzied start to free agency, Metcalf signed a four-year, $132 million extension on March 9th.

Eagles superstar A.J. Brown wraps up the top five at $32 million annually. Brown signed a three-year, $96 million contract extension with the Eagles last April. The deal will keep him with the Super Bowl champs through his 33rd birthday.

The top 11 highest-paid receivers all earn over $25 million a year.

The Highest-Paid Wide Receivers

Here is the full list of the top 25 highest-paid NFL receivers by average annual value. The list was compiled using data from Spotrac.

RankPlayerTeamAverage Annual Compensation
1Ja’Marr ChaseCincinnati Bengals$40.3 million
2Justin JeffersonMinnesota Vikings$35 million
3CeeDee LambDallas Cowboys$34 million
4D.K. MetcalfPittsburgh Steelers$33 million
5A.J. BrownPhiladelphia Eagles$32 million
6Amon-Ra St. BrownDetroit Lions$30.002 million
T-7Tyreek HillMiami Dolphins$30 million
T-7Brandon AiyukSan Francisco 49ers$30 million
9Tee HigginsCincinnati Bengals$28.8 million
10Jaylen WaddleMiami Dolphins$28.3 million
11D.J. MooreChicago Bears$27.5 million
12DeVonta SmithPhiladelphia Eagles$25 million
13Nico CollinsHouston Texans$24.3 million
14Michael Pittman Jr.Indianapolis Colts$23.3 million
15Calvin RidleyTennessee Titans$23 million
16Terry McLaurinWashington Commanders$22.8 million
T-17Davante AdamsLos Angeles Rams$23 million
T-17Chris GodwinTampa Bay Buccaneers$22 million
19Stefon DiggsNew England Patriots$21.2 million
20Mike EvansTampa Bay Buccaneers$20.5 million
21Christian KirkHouston Texans$18 million
22Deebo SamuelWashington Commanders$17.55 million
23Jerry JeudyCleveland Browns$17.5 million
24Courtland SuttonDenver Broncos$15.2 million
25Cooper KuppSeattle Seahawks$15 million

Related lists:

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

ESPN Draws Highest ‘MNF’ Doubleheader Audience Since 2015

Buccaneers–Texans and Chargers–Raiders averaged 13.5 million viewers.
Brian Flores

Brian Flores Says NFL Arbitrator Is Stalling in Discrimination Case

A new filing says the arbitrator has done nothing for a year.
Tush Push

Why Fox’s Dean Blandino Is ‘Done’ With the Tush Push

The NFL rules analyst outlines why the play should be banned.

$3.8 Billion Commanders Stadium Deal Approved Despite Late Drama

A decisive final vote on the stadium followed some last-minute snags.

Featured Today

Adriunna Brown

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
Sep 13, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Oracle Park.

Dodgers Pitcher Clayton Kershaw Retiring After 18 Seasons

Kershaw is fourth all-time in career earnings for a pitcher.
Kawhi Leonard
September 16, 2025

A Timeline of the Kawhi Leonard-Clippers-Aspiration Saga

Investigations into the Clippers’ business dealings with Leonard date back years.
Lionel Messi
September 18, 2025

Messi Near New Deal to Stay in MLS, Miami

His contract with Inter Miami was set to expire in December.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Joe Burrow
September 15, 2025

Joe Burrow Out for Months After Bengals’ Pricey Offseason

Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are the highest-paid WR duo in NFL history.
September 11, 2025

NHL To Allow Players From Hockey Canada Trial To Return This Winter

The five Canadian players were all acquitted in July.
September 10, 2025

Kuminga, Grimes Remain Unsigned As Giddey Agrees to $100M Deal

Two of the four restricted free agents have inked deals.
September 8, 2025

Alcaraz and Sinner Have More to Gain in 2025 After Splitting Slams

Alcaraz and Sinner have split the last eight Grand Slams.