It has been the offseason of money for the receivers from the 2019 NFL Draft class. In the past few months, Deebo Samuel, Terry McLaurin, A.J. Brown, Hunter Renfrow, and D.K. Metcalf have signed big money, multi-year extensions. While some of the contract numbers are crazy, it’s even wilder that none of the five that got extended were first round picks.
Former Ole Miss Teammates Secure The Bag
This offseason, two former Ole Miss Rebels secured big extensions. A.J. Brown, who was two-time First Team All-SEC, was dealt from Tennessee to Philadelphia on draft night. Once the trade was finalized, the Eagles made sure to make him one of the leagues highest paid pass-catchers. Philly gave Brown a four year, 100 million dollar extension. Part of the reason that Brown was shipped out of Tennessee was due to the inability to reach an extension.
Brown has a big body and is a major threat to come down with any ball in his vicinity. In 2021 with the Titans, Brown caught 63 passes for 869 yards and five touchdowns. When I look at those numbers, they don’t jump off the stat sheet, but considering that the offense he was in featured Derrick Henry heavily, it’s pretty good.
Brown inked his extension on draft night. A few months later, his former college counterpart D.K. Metcalf signed a new extension. The Seahawks top weapon signed for three years, 72 million dollars with 58.2 million guaranteed and a 30 million dollar signing bonus. While I think Metcalf is a very good player and a dominant player, I question how this will pay off because the Seahawks quarterback position is one of the worst in the NFL.
An Offensive Swiss Army Knife Got Paid
It almost didn’t happen…but it did. San Francisco 49ers fans rejoice. Throughout the majority of the offseason, it appeared that Deebo Samuel wanted out of the Bay Area, or he wanted a new contract. Then, it seemed like neither sides would budge. On July 31st, Samuel and the 49ers put down their guns and agreed to a new three year, 73.5 million dollar deal with 58.1 guaranteed.
Samuel was a second round selection in 2019 and in 2021 absolutely exploded. Former 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniels utilized Samuel in every facet on offense. He caught 77 passes for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns while simultaneously rushing for 365 yards and eight scores. Samuel did express that he didn’t want to be used in this Swiss army knife role in 2022 earlier this offseason, but that could change once the season begins.
The Raiders Are Keeping Hunter Renfrow Around
While Brown, Deebo, and Metcalf are their teams number one options, Hunter Renfrow is the Raiders third weapon in the pass game. The thing is, he’s a pretty valuable pass catcher. The Raiders front office noted this and made it a priority to extend him. Renfrow, a Clemson alum, signed a two year, 32 million dollar extension to stay with Vegas.
This past season, Renfrow had his best career season catching 103 passes for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns. With Davante Adams coming in as the Raiders number one weapon, Renfrow’s productivity could drop off…or go up. With teams turning a lot of their attention towards Adams and Waller, Renfrow could receive favorable matchups and up his numbers in 2022.
Scary Terry’s Got Deep Pockets
While Washington has had an intimidating defense the past few seasons, their offense has been abysmal. The one bright spot for the Commanders has been a 6’0 pass catcher named Scary Terry McLaurin. Last season with a revolving door of quarterbacks in DC, he caught 77 balls for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns. In each of his three seasons since leaving Ohio State, McLaurin has went for over 900 receiving yards.
On July 5th, McLaurin inked a new deal with the Commanders to stay as their number one option. The deal is for three years, 71 million dollars. It also includes a 28 million dollar signing bonus. With Carson Wentz taking the reigns in D.C. this season, this could potentially be McLaurins best season and prove that he’s worth every penny.
