Quarterbacks are still the most important players on an NFL team.
Get that position right and a team will always have a chance to win.
However, recent movement in the wide receiver market makes it a prime position as well.
After all, the NFL is a pass-happy league and the best wideouts make a ton of difference.
No wonder the best players in the position are getting huge contracts.
Been a good summer to be a wide receiver 💰 pic.twitter.com/z4eArIbGEz
— NFL (@NFL) August 3, 2022
The league’s official Twitter account took note of the receivers who signed contracts this offseason that averaged at least $20 million annually.
Raising the ceiling of the wideout market is Tyreek Hill, who joined the Miami Dolphins via trade and signed a four-year, $120 million contract.
Before Hill signed on the dotted line, Davante Adams was the highest-paid wide receiver after agreeing to a five-year, $141.25 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Meanwhile, reigning Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp inked a three-year $80.1 million extension, giving him $110 million over the next five years with the Los Angeles Rams.
Likewise, Deebo Samuel ended trade talks by agreeing to a three-year, $71 million extension with the San Francisco 49ers.
These Deals Make Chase And Jefferson Happy
As always, NFL players have the leverage to negotiate based on comparable deals.
Therefore, both Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson could further elevate the market if they continue to excel.
Chase won the 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year after breaking Jefferson’s record for most receiving yards by a rookie.
Meanwhile, Jefferson had over 1,600 yards in his sophomore year with the Minnesota Vikings.
Seeing the market’s ceiling at $30 million, Chase and Jefferson could command higher annual average values once they are up for contract negotiations.
That’s why as early as now, the Vikings and the Cincinnati Bengals should free up cap space to retain them.
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