NFL analyst claims Tyreek Hill’s contract will be “blown out of the water by Justin Jefferson”
Not too long ago, Tyreek Hill was the new sensation sweeping through the NFL like wildfire. However, the 30-year-old wide receiver now faces a race against Father Time to boost his earnings.
In addition to his age, the new wave of wide receiver contracts also gives him a reason to push for more money. Speaking on Thursday's edition of "Pro Football Talk," NFL analyst Mike Florio listed Nico Collins, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and AJ Brown as three competitors that have arrived.
"He's almost been caught by Nico Collins now," Florio said. "He's been surpassed by Amon-Ra St. Brown and AJ Brown. He's going to be blown out of the water by Justin Jefferson." [10.6] PFT
Impressive production comes before most massive contracts.
Tyreek Hill is coming off the most productive season of his career. In 2023, Hill completed 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns. Despite earning more yards than any other receiver in 2023, the wide receiver faces questions about his age and the younger generation entering into their second contracts.
Will teammate Jaylen Waddle's lucrative deal influence Tyreek Hill's contract extension?
Tyreek Hill, heading into an age-30 season, will begin losing protection against getting cut in 2025. As such, 2024 becomes somewhat of a mini-prove-it deal. In addition, with his longevity now in question on the plus side of 30, he has a two-front war to wage on perceptions from the Miami Dolphins and around the league.
On top of that, team resources have taken a hit in the form of Jaylen Waddle. The wide receiver who was earning a rookie-level salary has seen his earnings jump considerably to a three-year, $84.75 million deal with $76 million guaranteed, per Adam Schefter.
The three-year deal averages about $25.33 million per season. Now, Waddle's salary ranks in the top five of the position. According to Spotrac, Waddle's salary ranked seventh on the team before the deal. It is set to trail just Tyreek Hill among actively rostered players.
Having the top two most expensive players be wide receivers is an unconventional team-building tactic. However, for the next couple of seasons, the team has chosen to do that.
If the team doesn't take off this season, it would be a tough sell to continue to pay two receivers more than anyone else, especially with Tua Tagovailoa nearing his next deal.
As such, Waddle's contract extension certainly doesn't make things easier for Hill's next negotiation.
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Pro Football Talk" and H/T Sportskeeda.