The NFL has seen salaries for players at various positions explode over the past few years. This, of course, is not a bad thing as it speaks to the success of the league as a whole. Additionally, players that draw fans and are responsible for the game’s popularity deserve every cent that they can get.
That being said, it has been interesting to see salaries increase by tens of millions of dollars in the last half decade. Again, this is deserved by players, especially with the NFL salary cap increasing every year.
On Monday, it was reported that the Seattle Seahawks had agreed to a massive four-year $168 million contract extension with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
BREAKING: Seahawks, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba agree to terms on 4-year, $168.6M extension with $120M guaranteed, making him the highest paid WR in the NFL. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/krdA4gMRVe
— NFL (@NFL) March 23, 2026
At $42 million per season, Smith-Njigba is now the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history.
The top-10 highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL
Seattle Seahawks, Jaxon Smith‑Njigba, NFL
Dec 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) runs for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
As is always the case, it is only a matter of time before someone eclipses Smith-Njigba as the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver. That being said, here are the top-ten highest-paid wide receivers in the league as of March 23, 2026:
1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($42.2 million/season; four-year deal; $168.8 million total)
2025 stats: 119 receptions, 1,793 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns
2. Ja’Marr Chase ($40.25 million/season; four-year deal; $161 million total)
2025 stats: 125 receptions, 1,412 receiving yards, eight touchdowns
3. Justin Jefferson ($35 million/season; four-year deal; $140 million total)
2025 stats: 84 receptions, 1,048 receiving yards, two touchdowns
4. CeeDee Lamb ($34 million/season; four-year deal; $136 million total)
2025 stats: 75 receptions, 1,077 receiving yards, three touchdowns
5. DK Metcalf ($32.9 million/season; four-year deal; $131.9 million total)
2025 stats: 59 receptions, 850 receiving yards, six touchdowns
6. Garrett Wilson ($32.5 million/season; four-year deal; $130 million total)
2025 stats: 36 receptions, 395 receiving yards, four touchdowns (seven games played)
7. AJ Brown ($32 million/season; three-year deal; $96 million total)
2025 stats: 78 receptions, 1,003 receiving yards, seven touchdowns
8. Amon-Ra St. Brown ($30.002 million/season; four-year deal; $120.01 million total)
2025 stats: 117 receptions, 1,401 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns
9. Brandon Aiyuk ($30 million/season; four-year deal; $120 million total)
2025 stats: did not play
10. Terry McLaurin ($29 million/season; three-year deal; $87 million total)
2025 stats: 38 receptions, 582 receiving yards, three touchdowns (10 games played)
More NFL news from Gridiron Heroics
For More Great Football Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here