Top 10 cash-earning NFL wide receivers in 2021 revealed

This week, Spotrac released the numbers for NFL’s highest-earning wide receivers after the 2021 season.

Leading the way is Seattle Seahawks seven-year veteran Tyler Lockett. After posting a career-high 1,175 yards this season, Lockett finished ninth in the league. He signed a four-year deal worth $69 million and his $19 million signing bonus went a long way to making him the top cash-earning wideout this year.

Bengals rookie receiver Ja’Marr Chase comes in at No. 2 after signing a four-year, $30.8 million fully guaranteed contract after going fifth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He more than lived up to expectations, capturing the NFL’s offensive rookie of the year award.

After signing a 5 year, $100M contract with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, Amari Cooper raked in $20 million this year. He earned $300,000 more in 2021 than new L.A. Rams Super Bowl champ Odell Beckham Jr.

Check out the top-earning NFL wide receiver rankings from Spotrac:

Top earning NFL wide receivers in 2021

1. Tyler Lockett, $21M
2. Ja’Marr Chase, $20.4M
3. Amari Cooper, $20M
4. Odell Beckham Jr., $19.7M
5. Kenny Golladay, $18.2M
6. Allen Robinson, $17.9M
7. Jaylen Waddle, $17.7M
8. Chris Godwin, $15.9M
9. Mike Williams, $15.6M
10. Tyreek Hill, $15.6M

Odell Beckham Jr. in for long recovery ahead of 2022 season

Odell Beckham Jr. was on his way to a huge game before an injury ended his night early during Super Bowl 56. Still, the Rams powered through — bringing Beckham Jr. and Los Angeles a Lombardi Trophy.

However, the news coming out of the Rams regarding Beckham Jr. and his knee injury isn’t positive. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the star wide receiver and pending free agent is believed to have torn his ACL.

“#Rams WR Odell Beckham Jr is believed to have torn his ACL in last night’s Super Bowl win, source said,” tweeted Rapoport. “That means a long road of recovery for the free agent, who has a challenge to be ready for 2022. Beckham had 2 catches for 52 yards, 1 TD and 1 moonwalk before the injury.”

After getting off to an aforementioned hot early start with a touchdown, the wide receiver went down with an injury in the second quarter. It came on a second-down play while running a crossing route and there was no contact on the play. Beckham Jr. was immediately sent to the medical tent, needing some help to get off the field.

Later, he was then ruled out for the remainder of the contest. Regardless, Beckham still managed to finish as the Rams’ second-leading receiver in terms of yardage, finishing his day with two catches for 52 yards and a touchdown, reeling in the Rams’ first touchdown of the day.

At the least, Beckham will always have his Super Bowl 56 ring. Nevertheless, another devastating injury has thrown a wrench into his future plans.

On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this report.