• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 22, 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

NFL Wants to Expand International Slate, Will Evaluate Saudi Arabia

The league is evaluating a mix of new and existing markets for 2026.
Netflix

Netflix Staying on the Sidelines As TNT Sports Parent Seeks Buyer

The streaming giant shows little interest in acquisition possibilities.
Keegan Murray

$20 Million Per Year Becoming New Baseline for NBA Role Players

Christian Braun signed a five-year deal worth $125 million.

The AWS Outage Wreaked Havoc in Sports

Ticketmaster, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Strava all had problems.

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.

Michelle Wie West: LPGA Earnings vs Endorsements ‘Leveling Out’

The retired golfer made just $6.82 million on-course during her LPGA Tour run, but millions more off the green.
Jamier Brown
October 21, 2025

Judge Temporarily Allows Ohio High Schoolers to Make NIL Deals

Most states do not restrict high school NIL deals.
Malonga
October 21, 2025

Turkish Dispute Could Cloud French Star’s Return to WNBA 

Fenerbahçe needs to give Dominique Malonga a “letter of clearance.”
Sponsored

Michelle Wie West: Women’s Sports Doesn’t Need Charity

The LPGA legend on redefining women’s sports and the future of golf.
October 21, 2025

Nicklaus Wins $50M Defamation Lawsuit Over False LIV Golf Claims

The legendary golfer sued his former company.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) hands off the ball in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
October 20, 2025

Mac Jones, Daniel Jones Cash In on Big Incentive Money

Both quarterbacks have hit big contract incentives just halfway through the season.
October 19, 2025

Jannik Sinner’s $6M Saudi Payday Tops Any Grand Slam Purse

The other five participants received $1.5 million.