2022 Money Tiers: Wide Receivers

Michael Ginnitti
Michael Ginnitti, Managing Editor & NFL/MLB ExpertJuly 24, 2022
© USA TODAY Sports

With training camps here, we'll categorize the more notable NFL positions into "financial tiers", breaking down which players are locked in, playing for a new deal, could be on their way out, & plenty more.

 

TWO FOR FOUR

Cooper Kupp (Rams, 29)

Signed Through: 2026
Guarantees Through: 2025
Guarantee Remaining: $75M

There’s a feasible “out” after 2024 ($5M cash buyout), but it stands to reason that Kupp and the Rams will be together for the next 4 seasons. He’ll earn $90M if he remains on the deal that long.

 

Tyreek Hill (Dolphins, 28)

Signed Through: 2026
Guarantees Through: 2024
Guarantee Remaining: $72.2M

Assuming a restructure to his $31.2M cap hit in 2023, Hill is all but guaranteed 4 years, $95.4M from this contract. The $45M salary in 2026 is another story.

THREE & WE'LL SEE

Davante Adams (Raiders, 30)

Signed Through: 2026
Guarantees Through: 2023
Guarantee Remaining: $65.6M

If we’re being honest here, this is a 1 year, $23.35M in terms of guarantee structure. Realistically speaking, Adams will see at least $66M over the next 3 seasons on this contract, with 4 years, $103.75M well within reach.

 

A.J. Brown (Eagles, 25)

Signed Through: 2026
Guarantees Through: 2024
Guarantee Remaining: $57.2M

Brown re-established the rookie-extension market with his trade & sign to Philly this spring. For now, it’s a 3 year, $57.2M contract. But the restructure-happy Eagles will certainly convert his 2024 salary for cap purposes, stabilizing Brown’s 2025 compensation. It’ll likely be 4 years, $73.2M before an extension or bail out is executed.

 

Terry McLaurin (Commanders, 26)

Signed Through: 2025
Guarantees Through: 2024
Guarantee Remaining: $53M

McLaurin will have all $47.1M of his 3 year compensation fully guaranteed by next March, easily securing this contract through the 2024 season. It’s a 1 year, $18M option, or a restructured extension thereafter.

 

Stefon Diggs (Bills, 29)

Signed Through: 2027
Guarantees Through: 2023
Guarantee Remaining: $47.9M
It’s probably unfair to call this a 2 year contract (especially based on the dead cap due to the double bonus), but based on the guarantee scheduling, that’s exactly what this is right now. Diggs’ 2024 salary doesn’t lock in until March of 2024, giving Buffalo an out if needed.

LET'S PLAY TWO

D.J. Moore (Panthers, 25)

Signed Through: 2025
Guarantees Through: 2024
Guarantee Remaining: $41.6M

Moore probably underachieved a bit on this contract, but he added about $10M of full guarantee more than his 5th year option + a franchise tag would have paid out through 2023, and locked in an extra million into 2024 as well. If the Panthers totally combust, this is a very tradable contract.

 

Mike Williams (Chargers, 28)

Signed Through: 2024
Guarantees Through: 2023
Guarantee Remaining: $40M

Williams gets a clean $40M fully guaranteed over the next two seasons, then a $20M option in 2024, including a $3M roster bonus due in early March.

 

Chris Godwin (Buccaneers, 26)

Signed Through: 2024
Guarantees Through: 2023
Guarantee Remaining: $40M

A carbon copy of Mike Williams’ deal in LA, Godwin gets a clean guarantee through 2023, a $20M option in 2024, and a chance to do it all over again at age 29.

 

Christian Kirk (Jaguars, 26)

Signed Through: 2025
Guarantees Through: 2023
Guarantee Remaining: $39M

One of the surprise contracts of the offseason doesn’t have much long-term substance to it. Still, $39M over 2 years is a big pull for Kirk, and if he gels with Trevor Lawrence, this contract will hold value through 2025.

 

Brandin Cooks (Texans, 29)

Signed Through: 2024
Guarantees Through: 2023
Guarantee Remaining: $36M

Cooks backed up his desire to stay in Houston with a healthy extension this offseason. It’s a fully guaranteed 2 year, $37M deal for now, with a 1 year, $16.5M option at his age 31 2024 season.

 

Allen Robinson (Rams, 29)

Signed Through: 2024
Guarantees Through: 2023
Guarantee Remaining: $30.75M

Robinson joins the Rams on a two year guarantee, with a chance to void out the 2024 season if he reaches 2,200 receiving yards over that span.

 

Courtland Sutton (Broncos, 27)

Signed Through: 2025
Guarantees Through: 2023
Guarantee Remaining: $26.5M

Sutton’s 2022 & 2023 salaries both locked in this past March, putting him on a 2 year, $26.5M deal from a guarantee perspective. If he and Russell Wilson gel, the 4 years, $54M remaining on this contract will offer Denver a ton of value (until he demands a restructured extension).

 

Michael Gallup (Cowboys, 26)

Signed Through: 2026
Guarantees Through: 2023
Guarantee Remaining: $23M

A torn ACL derailed Gallup’s chance to cash in big this offseason, and he returns to Dallas on a team-friendly 2 year, $23M guarantee. It’s a “we’ll see” situation after that.

 

Kenny Golladay (Giants, 29)

Signed Through: 2024
Guarantees Through: 2023
Guarantee Remaining: $22M

Despite the numbers above, this could very well be a make or break year for Golladay. His 2022 compensation ($17M) is fully locked in, as is a $4.5M roster bonus for 2023. But if the wheels fall off here, look for the Giants to work their way out of it via trade.

 

Hunter Renfrow (Raiders, 27)

Signed Through: 2024
Guarantees Through: 2023
Guarantee Remaining: $21M

Renfroe bagged $14.5M fully guaranteed at signing, including $4.3M of 2023 compensation. With Davante Adams’ covering him from the other side of the field, the sky may be the limit here, and another extension at age 29 could very well be in the cards.

 

Keenan Allen (Chargers, 30)

Signed Through: 2024
Guarantees Through: 2023
Guarantee Remaining: $18M

Allen’s $16.5M 2022 salary, & $1.5M of his 2023 salary are fully locked in right now. Assuming things stay on track, a $3.5M roster bonus will vest next March, putting him inline for at least 2 years, $35.5M more of this contract.

 

Zay Jones (Jaguars, 27)

Signed Through: 2024
Guarantees Through: 2023
Guarantee Remaining: $16M

Jones joins Christian Kirk as shiny new weapons for Trevor Lawrence to play with in Doug Pederson’s offense. It’s a 2 year, $16M contract with an $8M option in 2024 for all intents.

 

Russell Gage (Buccaneers, 26)

Signed Through: 2024
Guarantees Through: 2023
Guarantee Remaining: $15M

Gage locked in a fully guaranteed $10M salary this season, and $5M (half) of his 2023 salary as well. The remaining $5M of next season guarantees early March 2023, so there’s a very strong chance this is a 2 for 20, with a $10M option year in 2024.

 

Tim Patrick (Broncos, 28)

Signed Through: 2024
Guarantees Through: 2023
Guarantee Remaining: $11.7M

Patrick saw his 2022 compensation, and $5.5M of 2023 salary become fully guaranteed this past March. He, Courtland Sutton, and Jerry Jeudy will get a new life with Russell Wilson running the Broncos’ offense from here out.

ONE & DONE

Amari Cooper (Browns, 28)

Signed Through: 2024
Guarantees Through: 2022
Guarantee Remaining: $20M

Cooper brings 3 years, $60M to the Browns, but just 1 year, $20M guaranteed (already converted to signing bonus). It’s easy to look at this from all angles and assume it’s a one and done situation for this contract, but keeping Cooper under term, flexing the cap around a little, and giving him a full season with Watson at the helm might be better business for Cleveland.

 

Tyler Lockett (Seahawks, 30)

Signed Through: 2025
Guarantees Through: 2022
Guarantee Remaining: $16M

A $13M option bonus was paid out this spring, piling up the dead numbers in both 2022 & 2023. Outside of that, there’s nothing stable about this contract past the upcoming season (except of course the fact that he’s very good).

 

Michael Thomas (Saints, 29)

Signed Through: 2024
Guarantees Through: 2022
Guarantee Remaining: $15.3M

He’s missed a year and a half of action, and his eventual replacement (Chris Olave) was drafted this past May. He’s on a year to year basis from here out, despite $25.4M of dead cap built into 2023.

 

Corey Davis (Jets, 27)

Signed Through: 2023
Guarantees Through: 2022
Guarantee Remaining: $13M

Davis only played 9 games in 2021, so the Jets will be looking for plenty more in a fully guaranteed $13M 2022. It’s a 1 year, $10.5M option thereafter.

 

Robbie Anderson (Panthers, 29)

Signed Through: 2023
Guarantees Through: 2022
Guarantee Remaining: $13M

Anderson’s cap hit jumps from $11M to $21.7M in 2023. While the Panthers will certainly be able to tolerate it, Anderson will remain a “one and done” candidate until he’s not. He’s a trade candidate as well.

 

Curtis Samuel (Commanders, 26)

Signed Through: 2023
Guarantees Through: 2022
Guarantee Remaining: $10M

Samuel’s injuries have all but wiped out his big free agent signing in Washington. He’ll have a chance right that ship in Carson Wentz’s offense, but for now it’s hard to imagine him sticking on this deal past 2022.

 

Robert Woods (Titans, 30)

Signed Through: 2025
Guarantees Through: 2022
Guarantee Remaining: $10M

Woods was acquired from the Rams long before the A.J. Brown exit was finalized. Despite 4 years, $57M remaining on his deal, it’s a 1 year $10M contract from a guarantee structure layout.

 

DJ Chark (Lions, 26)

Signed Through: 2022
Guarantees Through: 2022
Guarantee Remaining: $10M

Chark accepting a one year tender surprised a few people, but the $10M guarantee is certainly nothing to scoff at. He’ll get a chance to produce in an improving Lions’ offense, then hit the open market in a cap-inflated 2023 offseason.

 

Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Chiefs, 28)

Signed Through: 2024
Guarantees Through: 2022
Guarantee Remaining: $9M

$6.44M of MVS’ 2023 salary fully guarantees next March, so a solid 2022 will make this a 2 year, $18M contract fairly easily. But KC built this as a 1 year, $9M deal for now.

 

Adam Thielen (Vikings, 32)

Signed Through: 2024
Guarantees Through: 2022
Guarantee Remaining: $4.2M

Thielen restructured his deal this March for cap purposes, but it did little to secure the 2 years, $30M remaining after the 2022 season. He’s a bubble candidate from here out.

 

JuJu Smith-Schuster (Chiefs, 25)

Signed Through: 2022
Guarantees Through: 2022
Guarantee Remaining: $2.49M

Just 25 years old, another injury slowed JuJu’s inaugural season with Patrick Mahomes. He returns on an incentive-laden deal for 2022, with a chance to take the reins on the WR1 spot, and land a multi-year guarantee in 2023.

 

Sammy Watkins (Packers, 29)

Signed Through: 2022
Guarantees Through: 2022
Guarantee Remaining: $350k

Watkins joins his 5th NFL team in 9 seasons, this time on nothing more than a bloated camp contract in Green Bay. Then again, this seems like one of those moves that works out fantastically for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. If it does, it’ll be one of the best $1.85M spent in the league this season.

 

DeAndre Hopkins (Cardinals, 30)

Signed Through: 2024
Guarantees Through: n/a
Guarantee Remaining: $0M

Hopkins’ PED suspension voided all future salary guarantees, putting him on a year to year status with Arizona from here out. With a $30.75M cap hit looming in 2023, something is going to give in the coming months. For now, we’ll assume it’s a simple base salary restructure to remain with the Cardinals.

 

Mike Evans (Buccaneers, 29)

Signed Through: 2023
Guarantees Through: n/a
Guarantee Remaining: $0

Evans restructured his contract for the 5th time this March, piling $21M of dead cap into the 2023 season (the contract’s last). Despite nearing 30, an extension should be in the cards next offseason both for business and football purposes.

 

Diontae Johnson (Steelers, 26)

Signed Through: 2022
Guarantees Through: n/a
Guarantee Remaining: $0

Johnson and the Steelers remain far apart in extension discussions (per local reports), putting him in line for either a franchise tag next February or a trip to the open market next March. The former 3rd round pick is one of the more underrated young pass catchers in the game, and currently projects to a 4 year, $86M contract in our system.

 

DeVante Parker (Patriots, 29)

Signed Through: 2023
Guarantees Through: n/a
Guarantee Remaining: $0

Parker joins the Patriots on a 2 year, $12.3M deal, but none of it is guaranteed. He’ll get every opportunity to be the primary pass catcher this year, with exceptional value if that becomes the case.

 

Allen Lazard (Packers, 26)

Signed Through: 2024
Guarantees Through: n/a
Guarantee Remaining: $0

Green Bay tendered Lazard at a $3.9M salary for 2022, putting him in line for free agency after the upcoming season. He’s averaging just 36 grabs, 480 yards per year over the past three seasons, but his 8 receiving TDs in 2021 showed his red zone value, and clear chemistry with Aaron Rodgers. He’ll remain a financial value this season.

 

Jarvis Landry (Saints, 30)

Signed Through: 2022
Guarantees Through: 2022
Guarantee Remaining: $3M

After a release from Cleveland, Landry chose a familiar landing spot in New Orleans, joining Michael Thomas, Deonty Harty, and Chris Olave in a strong WR room. It’s a bit of a reset showcase season for Landry, who will almost certainly be looking for multi-year security after 2022.

 

Tyler Boyd (Bengals, 28)

Signed Through: 2023
Guarantees Through: n/a
Guarantee Remaining: $0

In true Bengals fashion, the guarantees ran out on this contract years ago. With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins set to gather a majority of the opportunities, Boyd’s future (while valuable) may be dwindling in Cincinnati. With 2 years, $17.6M left on the contract, it’s feasible he plays in 2022 with the Bengals, then seeks a bigger role elsewhere.

EXTENSION READY

Marquise Brown (Cardinals, 25)

Signed Through: 2023
Guarantees Through: 2023
Guarantee Remaining: $15.5M

The Cardinals acquired Brown from Baltimore as both coverage for Deandre Hopkins suspension, and a bonafide WR2 once he returns. There’s guaranteed team control here through 2023, so an extension doesn’t have to come this summer, but it sure feels like that will be the case anyway. Brown projects to a 3 year, $64M extension in our system.

 

Deebo Samuel (49ers, 26)

Signed Through: 2022
Guarantees Through: n/a
Guarantee Remaining: $0

Samuel’s discontent with the 49ers usage of him has been made public since March. Toss in an expiring contract with no guarantees, and the situation is about as fluid as possible. A camp holdout won’t happen (will force him into restricted free agency next March), but a trade demand sure might. For now, the speedy weapon projects to a 4 year, $98M contract in our system.

 

D.K. Metcalf (Seahawks, 25)

Signed Through: 2022
Guarantees Through: n/a
Guarantee Remaining: $0

Metcalf doesn’t appear phased by the walls crumbling around him in Seattle. The former 2nd round pick is set to play out a non guaranteed $3.9M salary in 2022, with a franchise tag or free agency ahead of him next March. He projects to a 4 year, $91M contract in our system right now.

ROOKIE PENDING

Justin Jefferson (Vikings, 23)

Signed Through: 2023 (+ option)
Guarantees Through: 2023
Guarantee Remaining: $4.19M

The 23-year old can’t even be evaluated against his current aged peers from a mathematical standpoint. His numbers align with (or surpass) the best WRs in the game, regardless of age or experience. Jefferson becomes extension eligible after 2022, currently projecting to a 4 year, $104M contract in our system.

 

CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys, 23)

Signed Through: 2023 (+ option)
Guarantees Through: 2023
Guarantee Remaining: $4.4M

With Amari Cooper now in Cleveland, Lamb will be given every chance to prove he’s the next WR1 of Dallas’ future. His opportunity aligns with extension eligibility after the upcoming season. CeeDee projects to a 4 year, $67M contract in our system currently.

 

Jerry Jeudy (Broncos, 23)

Signed Through: 2023 (+ option)
Guarantees Through: 2023
Guarantee Remaining: $4.67M

Jeudy missed 7 weeks last season, slowing his chance to exceed a solid rookie campaign. There’s big expectations for him this season with Russell Wilson now at the helm. A strong 2022 likely puts him into extension conversations after the season, as he becomes eligible for the first time this January

 

Tee Higgins (Bengals, 23)

Signed Through: 2023
Guarantees Through: 2022
Guarantee Remaining: $1M

Higgins can do it all, and many project we haven’t yet seen the path to the ceiling for his career. A full offseason with a healthy Joe Burrow should put he and Ja’Marr Chase into a different level of comfort and creativity on the field. Higgins becomes extension eligible after 2022, projecting to a 4 year, $74M deal right now in our system.

 

Michael Pittman Jr. (Colts, 25)

Signed Through: 2023
Guarantees Through: 2022
Guarantee Remaining: $1M

Pittman had a breakout 2021 (88 catches, 1,082 yards, 6 TDs), and should be in line for even more opportunities with Matt Ryan at the helm. He becomes extension eligible after 2022, so in essence, he’s playing for his next contract right now. Limited early production has him projecting to a 3 year, $42M deal in our system.

 

 

Gabriel Davis (Bills, 23)

Signed Through: 2023
Guarantees Through: n/a
Guarantee Remaining: $0

A 4th round pick in 2020, Davis broke out last year, becoming a goto target for Josh Allen down the stretch and through the postseason. He’s one of the buzzier names heading into 2022, and should he hold his own again, will be a top extension candidate heading toward March. He projects to a 3 year, $26M contract in our system.

 

Darnell Mooney (Bears, 25)

Signed Through: 2023
Guarantees Through: n/a
Guarantee Remaining: $0

Mooney was one of the lone bright spots for the Bears in 2021 (81 catches, 1,055 yards, 4 TD). The former 5th round pick will look to further gel with Justin Fields, despite a lackluster roster surrounding him. Mooney will become extension eligible after 2022, projecting to a 3 year, $44.5M extension currently in our system.

ROOKIE LOCKED

Jaylen Waddle (Dolphins, 24)

Signed Through: 2024 (+ option)
Guarantees Through: 2024
Guarantee Remaining: $9.3M

Waddle caught 104 balls for 1,015 yards, and 6 TD - and wasn’t the rookie of the year. With much of the attention paid to Miami’s acquisition of Tyreek Hill this offseason, Waddle’s ridiculous 2021 has been suppressed a bit. The two should be a major problem for teams out of the gate (barring Tua can play QB1 at a consistent level). Waddle is team controlled through 2025, and not extension eligible until after 2023, making Hill’s contract much easier to swallow for the next few seasons.

 

Ja'Marr Chase (Bengals, 22)

Signed Through: 2024 (+ option)
Guarantees Through: 2024
Guarantee Remaining: $9.2M

The offensive rookie of the year will remain one of the best values in all of football for at least two more seasons, as his extension eligibility doesn’t kick in until after the 2023 campaign.

 

DeVonta Smith (Eagles, 23)

Signed Through: 2024 (+ option)
Guarantees Through: 2024
Guarantee Remaining: $7.4M

Smith’s 2021 production (64 catches, 916 yards, 5 TDs) might dip a bit with AJ Brown now in the fold, but it’s obvious he’s going to be a real factor in the Eagles’ offense. He’s team controlled through 2025, not extension eligible until 2024 and primed to be one of the better values in the game.

 

Rashod Bateman (Ravens, 23)

Signed Through: 2024 (+ option)
Guarantees Through: 2024
Guarantee Remaining: $5.4M

With Hollywood Brown now out west, Bateman will get legitimate WR1 opportunities this season. He won’t become extension eligible until after 2023, so there’s massive team value on the table here.

 

Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions, 22)

Signed Through: 2024
Guarantees Through: n/a
Guarantee Remaining: $0

The breakout star of 2021 (90 catches, 912 yards, 5 TDs) will now be surrounded by Jameson Williams (eventually) and DJ Chark for the upcoming season. St. Brown won’t be extension eligible until after 2023, so his league minimum salaries will continue to be one of the best values in football.

 

Drake London (Falcons, 21)

Signed Through: 2025 (+ option)
Guarantees Through: 2025
Guarantee Remaining: $21.5M

The #8 overall pick in this year’s draft will get immediate WR1 looks in the Falcons’ offense. He’s team controlled through 2026, and not extension eligible until after 2024, so any production here will be team-friendly.

WORK TO DO

Parris Campbell (Colts, 25)

The #59 selection back in 2019 has only seen action in 15 games over 3 seasons. Can he stay healthy? Will he gel with Matt Ryan? The time is certainly now, as his rookie contract will expire after the 2022 campaign.

 

Chase Claypool (Steelers, 24)

He’s still a trade candidate as teams enter camp, but with 2 years, $2.7M non guaranteed remaining on his contract, he’s also a pretty easy keep for the Steelers if the right offer doesn’t surface. With that said, Claypool has 121 grabs, 1,733 yards, and 11 TDs in his first two seasons. There are glimpses that he can be at least a quality WR2 in the right offense.

 

Brandon Aiyuk (49ers, 24)

Aiyuk has posted serviceable WR2 seasons to start his career, but the #25 overall pick from 2020 will certainly be asked to produce more with the Trey Lance era now here. He’s not extension eligible until after 2022, and there’s no reason to believe an early contract would be on the table. For now, he’s a $16M receiver in our system.

 

Kadarius Toney (Giants, 23)

The #20 overall pick in 2021 caught 40 balls in 10 games, but missed all of spring ball with a knee issue. He’s as much a breakout candidate as he is a bust candidate in 2022, but may be limited by Daniel Jones’ ceiling. Brian Daboll should be a welcoming sight for Toney.


Top