Four NFL receivers who are big-time bargains for their teams

Headlined by the record-setting $35 million-per-year contract extension signed by Minnesota's Justin Jefferson, the NFL wide receiver market has exploded.

With the market now reset, who are the most underpaid receivers relative to their production?

For this exercise, we'll only look at wideouts no longer on their rookie deals. So that means Cincinnati Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase and New York Jets standout Garrett Wilson, who may soon be atop the market, are not included.

(All contract figures are from Spotrac.)

1. Mike Evans | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |  $20.5 million

The five-time Pro Bowler has been Mr. Consistent for his entire 10-year career in the NFL. Despite the revolving door the Buccaneers have had at QB, Evans has never failed to amass 1,000 yards receiving in a season. 

A perennial top-10 receiver, Evans is one of the greatest players in team history and knocking on the door of becoming a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

That's why it's surprising to see players such as Houston Texans WR Nico Collins and Indianapolis Colts WR Michael Pittman, Jr. making millions more than him despite the fact that the pair has posted only three 1,000-yard seasons combined. Evans turns 31 on Aug. 21, but he is still playing at an elite level as the No. 1 option in Tampa Bay's offense.

"It's very rare to stay with one team your entire career," Evans said after re-signing, per the team's website, "and that's something that was a goal of mine and this is one step closer to one of my biggest goals."

2. Amari Cooper | Cleveland Browns | $20 million

Cooper is in a similar situation to that of Evans. While not as elite as the Tampa Bay star, he is certainly better than players getting paid similar amounts, such as Jacksonville Jaguars WR Christian Kirk and Carolina Panthers WR Diontae Johnson (Each has only one season over 1,100 yards receiving; Cooper has five.)

Even at 31, Cooper can provide explosive results. Last season, he went off for 451 yards receiving and three TD catches over the final three games, including a 265-yard performance in Week 15.

Showing no signs of decline, Cooper posted a career-best 1,250 yards receiving during the 2023-24 campaign.

3. Darius Slayton | New York Giants | $6 million

In a lackluster offense, Slayton has logged only one season under 700 receiving yards. He isn't a groundbreaking player, but with receivers such as Jacksonville's Gabe Davis making $13 million a year with worse stats, the Giants have Slayton on an eye-opening deal.

In the offseason, the team adjusted the former Auburn standout's contract, giving him new incentives.

"I'm satisfied," Slayton said, per ESPN.com's Jordan Raanan. "We just adjusted my contract this year a little bit. Just tried to make it a little bit more lucrative. Business is business and I'm here."

4. Mike Williams | New York Jets | $10 million

Following an ACL tear last season with the Los Angeles Chargers, Evans signed a prove-it deal in free agency with the Jets. As a Charger, Williams was arguably the NFL's best jump-ball receiver and a dynamic deep threat, averaging over 15 yards per catch four times. 

His 6-foot-4 frame could be critical in the rejuvenation of Aaron Rodgers, who had his best years in Green Bay with players of similar styles (Davante Adams and Jordy Nelson). 

If they both are fully recovered from injuries, Rodgers and Williams could have stellar seasons working together this fall.