The NFL has become a pass-happy league, making wide receivers highly important.
For that reason, NFL teams are paying a premium for the top wideouts, pushing their price upwards.
Davante Adams received a five-year, $141.25 million contract from the Las Vegas Raiders.
That deal made him the highest-paid wide receiver in the league until Tyreek Hill signed a four-year, $120 million deal from the Miami Dolphins.
It’s hard to imagine a team having success without an elite wide receiver.
Just look at the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams, who had Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp.
In that case, it’s also important to have players who can stop wideouts from having a big game.
Therefore, top-notch cornerbacks also get top dollar.
Jaire Alexander became the highest-paid cornerback after receiving a four-year, $84 million deal from the Green Bay Packers.
He beats Denzel Ward by $900,000 in terms of annual average value.
While it’s good to have one shutdown cornerback, these teams are making sure that they have all bases covered.
Which duo is the best? pic.twitter.com/VGC6ByEY1l
— PFF (@PFF) May 20, 2022
The Pro Football Focus Twitter page asks, “Which duo is the best?”
Completing Passes Against These Tandems Will Be Difficult
They gave four cornerback duos as choices, with Alexander and Eric Stokes Jr. included.
Also in the list are Xavien Howard and Byron Jones of the Miami Dolphins.
The Baltimore Ravens also have Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey.
Finally, the Philadelphia Eagles acquired James Bradberry on a one-year, $10 million deal to pair him with Darius Slay.
All of these cornerbacks can cover their side of the field, making it hard for wide receivers to complete catches.
These teams are banking on their cornerback duos to help them achieve playoff success.
However, having the luxury of an elite secondary comes with a price.
But if they perform according to expectations, they are worth every dollar paid.
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