The 2022 NFL offseason is the year of money for receivers in the league.
Stefon Diggs added his name to the list of receivers getting paid in 2022.
The Buffalo Bills receiver locked in a four-year deal worth $104 million.
Another mega deal: Bills reached agreement with WR Stefon Diggs on a 4-year, $104 million extension that includes $70 million guaranteed, sources tell ESPN. Deal ties Diggs to Buffalo for six more years, at $124.1M, with the intent from both sides to have him retire in Buffalo. pic.twitter.com/ptSQ3eE54D
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 6, 2022
That puts Diggs with the likes of Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill, and Christian Kirk.
All three receivers got big contracts this year during the offseason.
However, not every big-play receiver in the NFL has a large contract.
So what three receivers are next in line for a big payday in the NFL?
3. Mike Evans
Mike Evans is near the top of pay for NFL receivers.
However, a little more money hurts no one.
He is contracted into 2024, but a restructure or extension could happen next season.
Evans is one of the top targets in Tampa Bay, having over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his eight seasons with the team.
Signing him to an extension would be wise for the Buccaneers.
The Bucs can make a deal with Evans similar to the Diggs deal with Buffalo.
Their contract deal practically insures Diggs retires with the team.
Keeping Evans on for his career helps the team stay in Super Bowl contention.
2. Deebo Samuel
One of the best receivers to play for the San Francisco 49ers since Jerry Rice is Deebo Samuel.
Deebo does everything on the football field.
He can catch passes, rush the ball, and even pass the ball for touchdowns.
77 catches
1,405 receiving yards
6 receiving touchdowns
365 rushing yards
8 rushing touchdowns
1 passing touchdown
1,845 scrimmage yardsWhat a season for Deebo Samuel. pic.twitter.com/b5Ecn7dpUw
— AC (@acsteezy99) January 10, 2022
That makes him the most versatile player in all of the NFL today.
It also means that he can get himself a nice little payday when his contract is up.
The 49ers have Samuel for this year but need a deal to keep him in 2023 and beyond.
However, it looks like the team will wait things out with him.
They can’t afford to lose Samuel, as he is a huge part of the offensive success in San Francisco.
With the contracts other receivers in the NFL have gotten in 2022, the 49ers will need to shell out money to keep him.
1. Cooper Kupp
Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp is the biggest name without the biggest contract.
The reason for this is his contract doesn’t expire until 2024.
However, he has an option during 2023 in his contract.
The Rams were smart to sign Kupp early to a contract extension.
A 2020 deal between the two saved the Rams money while keeping Kupp around for an additional three years.
However, the star receiver might want to rework his contract going into 2023.
With the payday that every other receiver got in 2022, Kupp has major leverage.
His numbers in 2022 were great, and he shined in Super Bowl 56.
He is also a favorite target of quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The pair worked together well since Stafford came over to the Rams in a trade in 2021.
Losing Kupp would put a dent in the Rams offense and their chances of a Super Bowl run.
While the Rams wait to make another deal with Kupp, he will look to build a great 2022 season for himself.
