Which NFL Wide Receivers Are Up for a Big Pay Raise in 2025?

While the NFL's calendar is yet to officially flip over to the new year, wide receivers have still managed to make headlines. Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass-catcher Mike Evans inked a lucrative contract extension, and Tee Higgins and Michael Pittman Jr. received franchise tags from the Cincinnati Bengals and Indianapolis Colts, respectively.

Those deals may feel a bit strange to old-school NFL purists—who needs the passing game when you can run the ball and play stout defense?—but this is 2024. These days, quarterbacks run the show, and they need top-notch targets.

With that in mind, it's safe to assume that the receiver market will only keep running hot.

Here are some names who will reap those rewards with a 2025 raise.

Franchise Tagged/Club Option Receivers

It's worth noting some players could receive a raise but in specific circumstances.

While Higgins and Pittman Jr. may work out long-term deals with their clubs, it's also possible that they play out the 2024 season on the one-year franchise tender. In the latter scenario, they'd both be looking for a new contract ahead of the 2025 campaign. Will it be a direct raise in terms of year-over-year wages? Maybe not, but they can both expect sizable, multi-year extensions.

Then, there are players with club options for the 2025 campaign. This group includes some big names, like Ja'Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith, all of whom would garner plenty of attention if they hit the open market.

So, what sort of raise will they get? It's safe to assume that their respective teams will pick up the options, which provides a nice financial boost, but it's also possible that a more immediate extension could arrive. In that case, expect plenty of cash changing hands.

Nico Collins, Houston Texans

• 2023 Stats: 80 receptions, 1297 yards, 8 touchdowns

• 2024 Salary: $3,116,000 total cash

• Market Valuation (per Spotrac): $22.9 million annual salary

After two quiet seasons in the league, Collins exploded during 2023. He was rookie QB C.J. Stroud's top option and made the most of that status.

But with unrestricted free agency looming in 2025, the upcoming campaign will determine his future. Will he slide back down to his previous levels of production? Or will Collins follow things up with another strong showing, earning himself a big-time payday?

The Texans—not to mention front offices around the league—will be watching with bated breath.

Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers

• 2023 Stats: 75 receptions, 1342 yards, 7 touchdowns

• 2024 Salary: $14,124,000 total cash

• Market Valuation (per Spotrac): $24 million annual salary

While the 49ers have plenty of offensive weapons with Deebo Samuel, George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey on the roster, Aiyuk has also proven to be a valuable part of the club's success. It remains to be seen how San Francisco balances the books as extensions start piling up, but the prospect of keeping Aiyuk and Samuel together as a one-two receiving punch is a tasty proposition.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions

• 2023 Stats: 119 receptions, 1515 yards, 10 touchdowns

• 2024 Salary: $3,366,000 total cash

• Market Valuation (per Spotrac): $27.2 million annual salary

The Detroit Lions were one of the top stories of the previous NFL campaign, and St. Brown was a key part of the club's success. He proved to be a dynamic receiver capable of shouldering the offensive load and was rewarded with both a Pro Bowl and All-Pro nod.

It's also worth noting that the receiver has now posted back-to-back 100-catch, 1000-yard seasons, suggesting that 2023 wasn't a flash in the pan. That consistency will bode well for St. Brown when it comes time to talk turkey.

CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys

• 2023 Stats: 135 receptions, 1749 yards, 12 touchdowns

• 2024 Salary: $17,991,000 total cash

• Market Valuation (per Spotrac): $28.8 million annual salary

While things haven't gone right for the Dallas Cowboys on a franchise level, Lamb is a bright spot on offense. The receiver, whom Jerry Jones and company selected in the first round of the 2020 draft, has grown into a legitimate offensive weapon.

That's obviously a good thing during the season. But, by the same token, it will necessitate a sizable raise when he's out of contract.

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

• 2023 Stats: 68 receptions, 1074 yards, 5 touchdowns

• 2024 Salary: $19,743,000 total cash

• Market Valuation (per Spotrac): $29.4 million annual salary

If you want an indication of Jefferson's talent, consider that he posted his 2023 stat line in only 10 games. While most receivers would be pleased with breaking the 1,000-yard plateau, the LSU product is apparently capable of doing more. During the 2022 season, for example, he pulled in an eye-popping 128 catches for 1809 yards.

And while speculation has been swirling around his future for quite some time—Will he remain in Minnesota or look for greener pastures with a top-tier quarterback?—one thing remains clear: Wherever Jefferson ends up, he's going to be making plenty of money.