With passing numbers at an all-time high and the salary cap rising to $279.2million, the highest-paid NFL wide receivers are cashing in like never before.
Front offices are locking down game-breaking talent early, driving up annual salaries and pushing the market well past $40million per year at the top end.
These are the 10 highest-paid NFL wide receivers in 2025, ranked by average annual salary using Over the Cap data.
1. Ja’Marr Chase – $40.25million (Bengals)
Chase became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history when the Bengals gave him a four-year, $161million extension in March 2025.
It followed a high-profile training camp hold-in, but there was never any doubt they’d pay up. The 25-year-old responded by leading the league in catches (127), yards (1,708) and touchdowns (17), completing the rare triple crown.
He also became the first player in NFL history with multiple 250-yard, multi-touchdown games. With Joe Burrow on side and his contract secured, Chase sits top of the highest-paid NFL wide receivers list and he’s earning it.
2. Justin Jefferson – $35million (Vikings)
Jefferson signed a four-year, $140million extension in 2024, with $110million guaranteed, keeping him in Minnesota through 2028. The deal briefly made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league.
He followed it up with 103 catches, 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns in another standout year. He became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 6,000 receiving yards and now holds the all-time record for most yards across a receiver’s first five seasons.
At 26, with five straight 1,000-yard campaigns behind him, Jefferson remains the face of the Vikings and one of the league’s most complete weapons.
3. CeeDee Lamb – $34million (Cowboys)
Lamb signed a four-year, $136million extension in August 2024, becoming one of the highest-paid NFL wide receivers after skipping camp and applying pressure on Dallas to get it done.. The deal included $100million guaranteed and a $38million signing bonus, keeping him in Texas through 2028.
He followed up his record-breaking 2023 with 101 catches, 1,194 yards and six touchdowns in 2024, earning his fourth Pro Bowl nod and a second-team All-Pro spot.
The Cowboys missed the playoffs, but Lamb’s role as their offensive centrepiece remains secure. At 26, he already holds franchise records for catches and receiving yards in a season.
4. D.K. Metcalf – $32.999million (Steelers)
Metcalf landed a five-year, $150million extension with Pittsburgh after the Seahawks traded him for a Day 2 pick and a late-round swap in March 2025. It ended a six-year run in Seattle, where he scored 48 touchdowns and set franchise records for explosive plays.
He had 992 yards and five touchdowns in 2024 before requesting the move. Now 28, Metcalf brings size, speed and swagger to a young Steelers offence and serious market value off the field too.
Metcalf even launched a coffee line called “Decaf Metcalf” after a viral on-air slip-up by an ESPN announcer, and while the name stuck, he still plays like a man addicted to caffeine.
5. A.J. Brown – $32million (Eagles)
Brown signed a three-year, $96million extension in April 2024, with $84million guaranteed, keeping him in Philly through 2029. He followed it up with 1,079 yards and seven touchdowns in just 13 games, then added a score in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX win over the Chiefs.
Brown has now posted three straight 1,000-yard seasons since arriving from Tennessee in 2022 and remains one of the most physically dominant receivers in the league.
He’s made three Pro Bowls and played a key role in bringing a championship to Philadelphia. At 28, he’s still very much in his prime.
6. Amon-Ra St. Brown – $30.003million (Lions)
In April 2024, St. Brown signed a four-year, $120million extension to stay in Detroit through 2028. That figure locked him in among the league’s top earners and recognised a run of back-to-back All-Pro seasons.
He followed up with 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024, delivering another year of elite consistency. Named after the Egyptian god of creation, Amon-Ra has a gift for creating separation, space and problems for defenders.
He also threw his first career touchdown last season, a reminder that few are as inventive on the field. He’s Detroit’s most reliable weapon, and still just 25.
7. Tyreek Hill – $30million (Dolphins)
Hill remains one of the league’s most dangerous receivers and highest-paid, earning $30million annually on a four-year deal signed in 2022. While 2024 marked a dip in production — 959 yards and six scores — he still flashed elite speed with multiple 100-yard games.
Off the field, he made headlines for all the wrong reasons, including a viral outburst after the Dolphins missed the playoffs.
Still, Hill’s career totals and nine straight Pro Bowl selections speak for themselves. At 31, he’s lost none of his burst, even if Miami’s momentum has started to fade.
8. Brandon Aiyuk – $30million (49ers)
Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120million extension in August 2024, placing him firmly among the highest-paid NFL wide receivers. The deal reflected San Francisco’s confidence in him after a breakout 2023 campaign.
He started the 2024 season strong, including a 147-yard outing in Week 5 against Arizona. But a torn ACL and MCL in Week 7 ended his year early.
Despite the setback, Aiyuk remains one of the league’s most explosive deep threats. The 49ers have built around him and paid him to be part of their long-term future.
9. Tee Higgins – $28.75million (Bengals)
After back-to-back franchise tags, Higgins finally landed a four-year, $115million extension with the Bengals in March 2025. The deal confirmed his place among the highest-paid NFL wide receivers and locked in a long-term future alongside Ja’Marr Chase.
Injuries have held him back at times, but Higgins still delivered 911 yards and 10 touchdowns from just 12 games in 2024. When healthy, he offers size, body control and reliable hands that complement Cincinnati’s high-powered passing game.
Now 26, he’s scored 34 career touchdowns and stepped up in key playoff runs. With his contract signed, it’s time to deliver a full season.
10. Jaylen Waddle – $28.3million (Dolphins)
Waddle signed a three-year, $84.75million extension in May 2024, moving him into the top 10 highest-paid NFL wide receivers. The deal followed a steady rise in production and reaffirmed Miami’s long-term belief in his speed and versatility.
Injuries kept him to 14 games in 2024, but he still posted 744 yards and two touchdowns, including a 144-yard performance in Week 12 against the Patriots. He’s now topped 4,000 receiving yards in four NFL seasons.
Although he plays second fiddle to Tyreek Hill, Waddle’s ability after the catch and deep-threat potential make him vital to the Dolphins’ offensive identity.
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