Projecting Brandon Aiyuk, Ja'Marr Chase's Contracts After CeeDee Lamb's Cowboys Deal

Another top NFL wide receiver got paid on Monday.

Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb agreed to a four-year, $136 million deal, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The contract includes a $38 million signing bonus and makes him the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. It's also the largest deal ever given to a receiver.

After Lamb's signing a pair of star receivers are still awaiting their new contracts.

San Francisco 49ers star Brandon Aiyuk and Cincinnati Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase are likely two of the top receivers due next for massive raises.

Aiyuk, who has participated in a hold-in and requested a trade, was projected by Spotrac to get a four-year, $104 million extension, whether that be from San Francisco or someone else. Chase's projection from Spotrac is slightly higher than that at four years and $120 million.

Lamb's historic contract doesn't come as much of a shock considering the season he just had. In his fourth NFL campaign, Lamb led the league in receptions with 135, tallied the second-most receiving yards with 1,749 and had the third-most touchdowns with 12.

Aiyuk, who is 26, a year older than Lamb, had 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last year, leading the 49ers receiving room on the way to a Super Bowl appearance. Aiyuk's lofty projected contract could be a problem for San Francisco, which already has high contract obligations on both offense and defense and will have to pay quarterback Brock Purdy next offseason.

Aiyuk was clearly integral to the 49ers' success last year, but a high price tag could be too much for San Francisco to keep him on the roster.

Chase, who is 24 and set to enter his fourth NFL season in 2024, posted 1,216 receiving yards and seven touchdowns a year ago. Those numbers are down from his tremendous rookie season that saw him tally 1,455 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.

He returned to practice on Sunday, which is a good indication that he won't continue his hold-in into the season. Chase has the benefit of time since his contract runs through the 2025 season, so he could put up career numbers this year with quarterback Joe Burrow back on the field and benefit from a wide receiver market that was reset by huge contracts this offseason.