The Future Price of Alshon Jeffery

Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

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Aside from the fact that the wide receiver has become more talented than ever before, with eight Pro Bowl appearances from players drafted since ’09 (tied for second most), two factors will lead to a surge in the position’s price tag.

1)   Rule changes have given pass catchers more freedom than ever before to make an impact on the football field.

2)   The NFL salary cap will increase to $133 million in 2014, nearly a ten million dollar increase in salary per team.

With the need there, and the resources soon-to-be available to every franchise, the next two offseasons will serve as evidence as to just how valuable wideouts have become in the game today. Much attention has always been given to quarterbacks and their towering salary cap figures over the rest of the NFL. By 2016 the conversation may become quarterbacks, wide receivers, followed by everyone else.

Currently seven wide receivers average an annual pay of over ten million dollars, the most at any position besides quarterback. As you begin to think about the numbers, keep in mind that Antonio Brown signed his contact after the 2011 season (69 catches/1,108 yards/2 TDs) and Percy Harvin signed his six-year deal to join the Seahawks last offseason after a 9 game season with 62 catches for 677 yards and three TDs. While Harvin’s contract seems to be a fair price, Brown would likely sign for more today after shattering his career highs in 2013, especially considering the players who have received big money contracts at the position recently.