Some NFL seasons tilt the field toward one receiver. Defensive plans adjust, coverage tightens and still the ball keeps going his way, piling up yards that feel less accidental and more unavoidable.

The league’s biggest receiving totals weren’t always about speed alone. They were built through volume, timing, trust and offenses willing to test the same matchup week after week.

Those single-season yardage marks remain rare benchmarks. They tell the story of when opportunity met precision, and how far an NFL passing attack can be stretched in one year.

Calvin Johnson | Rec Yds: 1,964

Calvin Johnson‘s 2012 season with the Detroit Lions was not merely a stellar performance; it was a statistical anomaly that forced a re-evaluation of the limits of the passing game.

Known as “Megatron” for his unique combination of size, speed, and strength, he culminated his masterpiece with 1,964 receiving yards, setting the all-time record in a 16-game season—a mark that, surprisingly, still holds firm.

What makes this record particularly astounding is the context. Unlike other players on this list who benefited from explosive attacks and sometimes more evenly distributed yardage, he was the central, and often nearly solitary, gravitational force of the Detroit offense, drawing monumental defensive attention, including double and triple coverage week after week.

His 122 receptions came from 204 targets, a volume reflecting the trust (and need) of his quarterback, Matthew Stafford, to simply throw the ball in the direction of his elusive giant.

This record, as he himself has expressed, was expected to fall sooner given the recent addition of a 17th game to the league calendar, underscoring the magnificence of achieving it in a shorter format.

Cooper Kupp | Rec Yds: 1,947

Cooper Kupp‘s 2021 campaign not only placed him second historically in single-season yards but redefined the absolute dominance of a wide receiver in the modern NFL. His performance was a masterclass in route precision, instant chemistry with his new quarterback, Matthew Stafford, and relentless work ethic.

He joined the elite list by recording the receiver Triple Crown, leading the league in receptions (145), yards (1,947), and receiving touchdowns (16). But the story doesn’t end with the regular-season curtain call. His achievement is distinguished by being part of a Super Bowl winning run.

If we consider the yards accumulated during the postseason that culminated in the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI title, he set an even more staggering record: 2,425 combined yards from the regular season and playoffs, crowning his year with the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player award. His season wasn’t just an individual feat; it was the statistical engine that drove team glory.

Julio Jones | Rec Yds: 1,871

If you are looking for the definition of a “generational athlete” at the wide receiver position, Julio Jones‘ name must appear early. His 2015 season is a testament to consistency and athletic power that permanently installed him in the pantheon of the greats. He amassed 1,871 receiving yards, the third-highest total in league history.

That year, he was not just productive, but historically fast in his start, recording the most receptions by any player through the first three games of an NFL season. With an imposing height and elite speed, he made deep plays look routine, while his ability to break tackles made him a threat after the catch.

The Falcons’ offense at the time, under the coordination of Kyle Shanahan, exploited his versatility, moving him around the formation to create constant mismatches. He didn’t rely on luck; he relied on his ability to be virtually unstoppable in every sector of the field.

Jerry Rice | Rec Yds: 1,848

To talk about Jerry Rice is to refer to the greatest receiver in NFL history, and his 1995 season is not just a record but a testament to his dominance in a different era. That year, he reached 1,848 receiving yards, a mark that stood as the league’s gold standard for 17 years until it was surpassed by Calvin Johnson.

His 1995 feat is remarkable because it occurred before the full relaxation of rules favoring aerial offenses in the 21st century. His performance was a study in perfection: 122 receptions and 15 touchdowns.

At 33, an age when many receivers begin to decline, he demonstrated a dedication to training and route precision that kept him at the very top. It is a reminder that flawless technique, combined with a legendary work ethic, can transcend any era of football.

Antonio Brown | Rec Yds: 1,834

The peak of Antonio Brown‘s career is undeniable, and his 2015 season stood as the pinnacle of his technical brilliance. Throughout the campaign, he proved to be one of the most difficult receivers to cover in the league, combining agility, speed, and a supernatural ability to haul in contested catches. His total of 1,834 receiving yards places him firmly in the all-time NFL Top 5.

Interestingly, this achievement shares the year 2015 with Julio Jones’ record season, speaking to a particularly prolific year for receivers overall. What distinguished him was his ability to accumulate yards after the catch and his constant use within head coach Mike Tomlin’s scheme and offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s system.

In a memorable game that year, he showed his explosive potential by recording 284 yards in a single contest, one of the highest single-game totals in league history. His record is not just a number, but a reflection of a four-season stretch with at least 100 receptions and 1,280 yards, solidifying his brief but spectacular period as the most productive receiver in the league.

Justin Jefferson | Rec Yds: 1,809

In the landscape of modern NFL receiving, Justin Jefferson‘s 2022 season was an extraordinary demonstration of a young talent peaking early. At just 23 years old, he became the youngest player in history to lead the league in both receptions and receiving yards, a feat that earned him the coveted Offensive Player of the Year award.

Amassing 1,809 receiving yards, he vaulted himself directly into the top echelon of single-season performances, proving his worth as an elite playmaker immediately after entering the league.

What makes his statistical explosion so compelling is his route-running versatility coupled with an innate ability to secure contested catches. He was the focal point of the Vikings’ revitalized passing attack under a new head coach, frequently moving from the slot to the outside to exploit mismatches.

His consistency, averaging 106.4 yards per game, showcased not just a highlight reel of spectacular grabs but a foundational dominance that sustained itself over the new 17-game format. His season solidified him as a face of the next generation of receivers, delivering historic production at an age when many are just beginning to find their footing.

Tyreek Hill | Rec Yds: 1,799

The 2023 campaign for Tyreek Hill was a heart-stopping exhibition of speed and deep-ball artistry that left defensive coordinators grasping at air. Known simply as “The Cheetah”, his 1,799 receiving yards—a personal best and the seventh-highest total in history—were accumulated through a relentless attack that stretched the field to its breaking point.

He openly pursued the 2,000-yard benchmark, a number previously considered mythical, using his unparalleled speed to create massive separation. His 112.4 average receiving yards per game speaks volumes about his explosive impact. Playing in Mike McDaniel’s dynamic offense, he became the league’s preeminent deep threat, but his season wasn’t defined solely by the long ball.

It was a potent mix of quick slants, screens turned into 50-yard gains, and deep post routes, demonstrating that his blazing speed is perfectly complemented by exceptional hands and field vision. His season was a thrilling, high-wire act of offense that pushed the Miami Dolphins to be one of the NFL’s most feared scoring machines.

Isaac Bruce | Rec Yds: 1,781

Before the “Greatest Show on Turf” era in St. Louis, there was the 1995 season of Isaac Bruce. In only his second year in the league, the Hall of Famer delivered 1,781 receiving yards, a figure that, at the time, was the fifth-highest in NFL history and established a benchmark that remains the Rams’ single-season record.

His performance that year was less about bombast and more about silken route running and smooth precision. He became the first player in NFL history to record three consecutive games with over 170 receiving yards, showcasing a rare consistency and dominance.

His ability to change direction and create space was unmatched, allowing him to thrive even on a team that, at the time, had a less consistent offensive identity compared to the Super Bowl years that would follow. His 1995 season is a testament to the power of pure receiving talent to elevate an offense, a foundational pillar laid before the team’s later championship glory.

CeeDee Lamb | Rec Yds: 1,749

CeeDee Lamb‘s 2023 season was a spectacular leap into true superstar territory, culminating in an NFC-leading 1,749 receiving yards, placing him squarely among the top performers in league history. This campaign was characterized by his versatility and a historic workload, seeing him lead the league in receptions with 135.

He transitioned from a promising star to the unequivocal centerpiece of the Dallas offense. His production wasn’t relegated to one area; he dominated in short-area quickness, extended drives with tough catches over the middle, and showcased breakaway speed on the perimeter.

Crucially, his production became the motor of the Cowboys’ high-flying, up-tempo offense. The fact that he set the all-time franchise record for receptions and yards in a season underscores his pivotal role, stepping into the legacy left by Hall of Fame receivers in Dallas and redefining the peak of productivity for the organization.

Charley Hennigan | Rec Yds: 1,746

The story of Charley Hennigan‘s 1961 season is one of historical perspective, showcasing dominance in a nascent league era. Playing for the Houston Oilers of the American Football League, he amassed an astonishing 1,746 receiving yards—a professional football single-season record at the time that stood for 34 years.

This performance is particularly remarkable because it occurred during a 14-game season, giving him the highest yardage-per-game average on this entire list. Hennigan’s season was a statistical torrent that included three games with over 200 receiving yards, a professional football record that still stands today.

Playing alongside quarterback George Blanda, he was a revolutionary force whose output in the early 1960s was light years ahead of his contemporaries, a true pioneer who defined the offensive capabilities of the new American Football League.

Michael Thomas | Rec Yds: 1,725

When chronicling single-season dominance, Michael Thomas‘ 2019 campaign is defined by one primary metric: volume. While his 1,725 receiving yards are elite, his season is most famous for setting the all-time NFL record for receptions with 149, obliterating the previous mark.

This unparalleled consistency and ability to get open on nearly every down earned him the 2019 Offensive Player of the Year award. He was an absolute tyrant in the short-to-intermediate game, earning the moniker “Slant Boy” for his perfection of the quick, timing-based routes that quarterback Drew Brees executed with mastery.

His yardage total, while slightly lower than the list’s leaders, came with a nearly 80% catch rate on a colossal 185 targets, illustrating an almost machine-like efficiency. His season was less about spectacular deep plays and more about an unyielding, punishing accumulation of first downs and yards that choked opposing defenses drive after drive.

Marvin Harrison | Rec Yds: 1,722

If efficiency could be measured in yards, Marvin Harrison would be its standard unit. His 2002 season was highlighted not just by the 1,722 receiving yards he accumulated, but by the level of precision and volume he demonstrated, setting a record that, for many, is nearly untouchable: 143 receptions.

Although this catch record was later surpassed, his achievement in a pre-extreme passing era underscores his technical dominance. Harrison, known for his quiet focus and relentless work ethic, was the perfect partner for Peyton Manning in one of the most historic offenses in the NFL.

His game wasn’t based on pure speed or brute strength, but on an absolute mastery of route running, making defensive backs look like they were always reacting a step too late.

His 2002 season is a testament to the perfection in the art of receiving, with an uncanny ability to find the holes in the defense across every sector of the field and a reliability that Manning utilized on almost every crucial down.

Tyreek Hill | Rec Yds: 1,710

Tyreek Hill‘s 2023 onslaught was not a simple exhibition; it was a historic pursuit of the 2,000-yard record that kept the league captivated until the final game. Before that, “The Cheetah” reached 1,710 receiving yards in 2022, his second-highest total.

His success that season lay in his unprecedented use as a pure speed weapon. The Mike McDaniel offense exploited his ability to create separation not only on deep plays but by turning short passes into explosive medium- and long-yardage gains.

Beyond the raw numbers, his campaign was a playmaking landmark, where every touch of the ball felt like a touchdown threat, proving that speed combined with sure hands can be the most destructive formula in modern football.

Ja’Marr Chase | Rec Yds: 1,708

Although Ja’Marr Chase is not yet featured in the all-time Top 10 for single-season yards, his impact on the league with his 1,455 receiving yards in 2021 is worthy of mention in any article about aerial dominance.

His rookie season was not just spectacular, but it set a new NFL record for the most receiving yards by a rookie, breaking Bill Groman’s previous 1,400-yard mark from 1960. He reunited with his college quarterback, Joe Burrow, and the result was instant chemistry that set defenses ablaze.

What distinguishes this performance is the explosive nature of his yardage; he had a remarkable average of 18.0 yards per reception, meaning it wasn’t just about volume, but about big, decisive, game-changing plays.

His season was the catalyst that propelled the Bengals from a losing team to Super Bowl contenders, demonstrating that explosiveness on the offensive side is an invaluable currency.

Antonio Brown | Rec Yds: 1,698

Antonio Brown was, at his best, the personification of an all-purpose receiver without weaknesses. His 2015 season, with 1,834 receiving yards, was not a fluke, but the peak of an unprecedented six-year run of elite production. In 2014, he predicted his peak performance with 1,698 receiving yards.

He distinguished himself not just by the yards, but by his mechanical consistency and post-catch prowess. His ability to catch the ball at the highest point, his footwork to manipulate defensive backs, and his relentless motor made him essentially undefendable.

In a field full of giants and sprinters, he utilized an unmatched combination of elite technique and fierce competitive desire to dominate the game, racking up yards at a pace that kept him among the league leaders year after year. This campaign remains a benchmark for technical excellence at the wide receiver position.

Throughout NFL history, several players have excelled in their positions. Today, Tom Brady is widely regarded as the GOAT of football, but others have also dominated their respective roles.

For many fans and analysts, Jerry Rice is considered the best wide receiver ever. However, Rams star Puka Nacua believes someone else was better than the three-time Super Bowl champion.

Puka Nacua names the greatest wide receiver in NFL history—and it’s not Jerry Rice

A few years ago, when the NFL celebrated its 100th anniversary, the league released a list of the greatest players at each position. On offense, Jerry Rice was recognized as the ultimate wide receiver.

Rice had an astonishing career, mostly with the San Francisco 49ers. The wide receiver won three Super Bowl rings and established numerous records that still stand to this day.

However, as with any GOAT debate, not everyone agrees that Rice is the best wide receiver in history. Puka Nacua is one of those skeptics, as the Los Angeles Rams star believes another wideout deserves the top spot.

Speaking on the “Join the Lobby” podcast, Puka Nacua was asked about the best wide receivers in history. While he didn’t disrespect Jerry Rice, the Rams player confidently named Julio Jones as the true GOAT.

“The perfect mixture of like size and speed—he could run every route at his size,” Nacua said about the former Atlanta Falcons star. “A wide receiver body should look like Julio.”

Will Julio Jones play in the 2025 NFL season?

After spending the 2023 season with the Eagles, Julio Jones was unable to secure a team for the 2024 campaign. Although the wide receiver has not officially retired, that moment may not be far away.

According to rumors, Julio Jones is expected to announce his retirement this offseason. He just turned 36 and, while he could still play, his performances in recent years have declined, making it unlikely that teams would be interested in signing him.

After coaching sixteen years at the University of Alabama, Nick Saban witnessed plenty of generational talents in college football. The Crimson Tide itself provided the NFL with elite prospects year after year, yet Saban has been thoroughly impressed by Jeremiah Smith’s last performance.

The Ducks had no answers for the Buckeyes, all game long. Jeremiah Smith was the X-factor in Ohio State’s offense, the freak of nature wideout was unstoppable as he finished the game with seven receptions, racking up 187 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. Smith shattered the school’s receiving yardage record for a single game, via On3. The record was previously owned by NFL legend Cris Carter.

After Smith’s enormous outing, Saban delivered a strong statement on the freshman wide receiver, comparing him to future NFL Hall of Famer, and former Alabama WR Julio Jones.

“You know when you’ve got a mismatch guy like this that he’s going to make plays in critical situations,” Saban said on The Pat McAfee Show. “I mean we had Julio Jones back in, what, 2009 or whatever? And he was that kind of player. And we had lots of first-round draft pick wide receivers, but he was the one guy you knew if you threw him the ball in a critical situation he was going to win and he was going to make the play. And I think that’s what they’ve got in this guy, No. 4 [Smith].”

Smith takes college football by storm

Smith put the NCAA on notice all season long. Week after week, the freshman standout pulled off sensational plays, and jaw-dropping catches. However, he one-upped himself after completely dismantling the No. 1 Oregon Ducks on national television at the most iconic venue in college football.

It felt like Smith had saved his very best for the biggest stage. In the opening drive for the Buckeyes, Smith took a drag route all the way into the endzone after leaving every defender in the dust. He made it seem effortless, like a man playing among boys. Even Oregon’s head coach Dan Lanning was left speechless.

“I mean the guy’s NFL-ready. He’s that talented,” Lanning admitted, via On3. “He’s strong. He attacks the ball in the air as well as any receiver I’ve seen. He’s very special and Will Howard did a great job of getting the ball to him tonight. He’s tough to defend, he’s physical, he’s got all the tools. So, really talented player.”

Smith’s warning to Texas

Ohio State moved on to the CFP Semifinal at the Cotton Bowl, where the Texas Longhorns await. After the Buckeyes’ statement victory over the best team in the nation, alarm bells are ringing in Austin. Smith made something clear about how high the team confidence is right now.

“I mean, you talk it, you gotta be about it. I just feel like nobody can guard us out here. We’re one of the best teams in the country and I stand on that,” Jeremiah Smith commented postgame.

Ohio State and Texas will face off at the Cotton Bowl on January 10. The winner moves on to the National Championship Game at Atlanta on January 20.

If you’re reading this, then chances are that you have top priority on your waiver list. Week One was full of bad beats— yes, we’re looking at you, Allen Robinson and Cam Akers— but fortunately, there are still plenty of players that could be helpful.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top three players that aren’t heavily rostered, let alone started in most fantasy leagues. Buckle up as we let you know about the best waiver-wire pickups for Week Two.

NFL Fantasy Football: Top 3 Waiver-Wire Pickups For Week 2

3. Donovan Peoples-Jones

Amari Cooper lost most of its appeal due to Deshaun Watson’s suspension, but he was still viewed as a lowkey WR1 by some analysts. That wasn’t the case in Week One, as Donovan Peoples-Jones was Jacoby Brissett’s favorite target.

Jones hauled in six of eleven targets for 60 yards in the first game of the season. He was heavily featured in the passing game and he’s got big-play potential on an offense that couldoften be trailing.

2. Rex Burkhead

Rookie sensation Dameon Pierce was a major disappointment in Week One. Veteran Rex Burkhead was clearly the Houston Texans’ lead back, and HC Lovie Smith claimed it might take a while before that changes.

Burkhead is a better pass-catching back than Pierce, so he’ll be featured often for a Texans team that may not hold many leads this season. He also saw some work intheir two-minute offense, so his job seems secure for now.

1. Julio Jones

Not many people trusted Julio Jones to make an impact for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which is unsurprising given his recent history with injuries. However, he was their second-best wideout and could be in for a bigger role in Week Two.

Chris Godwin is likely to miss their divisional clash vs. the New Orleans Saints, a team Jones knows like the back of his hand. He was even involved in the running game, logging his first two rushes since 2019.

According to a report from NFL.com, the wide receiver would be available to Brady and Tampa Bay on a one-year deal. This opportunity is a real revenge for Jones after he signed a dismal season with the Tennessee Titans due to a hamstring injury.

It should be remembered that Julio Jones’ numbers in his 11-year career, 10 with the Atlanta Falcons, support Tom Brady’s hopes for a return to the league’s all-star game. He is the Falcons’ all-time leader in catches (848) and yards (12,896). He is also the NFL’s active player with the most receiving yards (13,330) and the best per-game average in history in that category (91.9).

Tom Brady and his beefed-up offense to go for another Super Bowl with Buccaneers

It is true that in this off-season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a tough loss due to the retirement of tight-end and 4-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski, who, unlike Tom Brady, assured that his retirement was definitive. This was in addition to the loss of Antonio Brown and the injury of Chris Godwin.

However, the arrival of Julio Jones fuels an offense that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have prepared so that Brady can have guarantees to aspire to conquer his eighth ring, in what could well be his last season as an NFL player.

Another former Falcons player, wide-receiver Russell Gage, has joined the team and in Julio Jones he will have stiff competition in Tampa Bay’s favor. They join Leonard Fournette, Mike Evans, Cameron Brate, Donovan Smith, Aaron Stinnie, Ryan Jensen, Shaq Mason and Tristan Wirfs.

Nonetheless, it doesn’t seem like their roster is significantly better than it was last season. They lost their top two weapons in the passing game in Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling,and failed to revamp their defense as well.

The Packers should have no trouble leading their division again, but that hasn’t been enough over the past decade or so. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the 3 veterans they should look to sign before the start of the season.

NFL Rumors: 3 Veterans Packers Should Consider Signing

3. Julio Jones

When healthy, Julio Jones has been one of the greatest wideouts in NFL history. The issue is that he hasn’t been healthy as of late. But once he gets back to full strength, you better believe there will be plenty of offers on his table.

The Packers revamped their WR corps with young players, but it never hurts to have a top-notch veteran mentoring them and ready to step up if needed. If he’s half the player he’s always been, then he could be a huge pickup for them.

2. Carl Nassib

Most claim that Carl Nassib is coming off a subpar season, but that’s mostly because people measured his production in comparison to his big contract. He shouldn’t demand a big payday to join a new team and could provide some much-needed depth.

The Packers need to address the pass rush position for the future. Nassib is still quite young, and while he’s not spectacular, he could be a solid stopgap at a reasonable price. You can never have too much depth at the EDGE spot.

1. Kyle Rudolph

Kyle Rudolph was linked with a move to the Packers earlier in the offseason, but there’s still no word on that. Even so, they should look to snatch the former divisional rival as an insurance policy behind Robert Tonyan.

Tonyan is expected to be healthy for the start of the season, but knee injuries are tricky. Rudolph would come in cheap and serve as a nice backup and a legit threat in the red zone, with 49 receiving touchdowns for his career.

The time has come. All the football fandom is excited to see again their teams suit up and give everything in each yard to bring the Vince Lombardi trophy back home. It will be an amazing season as some players decided to make a blockbuster move this year and some others, like Tom Brady, will try to keep their legacy alive with another championship.

But it is also difficult to stay in a place where you are not comfortable anymore. Some players decided to say goodbye to their former teams and seek for a new place to be. As their contracts ended, some free agents remain in the hunt for a spot to land where they can return to be superstars and help them to suceed this year.

Julio Jones reunited with Matt Ryan?

It is known that Julio Jones had his best years alongside Matt Ryan. The former Falcon’s quarterback is now with the Indianapolis Colts and is looking for a top wide receiver. Jones will have to prove that the 2021 season was only a brief pothole due to his injuries and he is still a top target for any QB.

Odell Beckham Jr. as the priority for the Green Bay Packers

During the 2021 season, Odell Beckahm Jr. went into a lot of injuries that couldn’t help him to be healthy for the Super Bowl LVI.The LA Rams won the Vince Lombardi and gave OBJ his first ring, but now he is no longer a WR for the ones from California. The Packers, with Aaron Rodgers still as a quarterback, could go for the acrobatic target with Davante Adams’ exit to the Las Vegas Raiders.

T.Y. Hilton to team-up with Lamar Jackson in the Ravens?

Another team that is looking for a WR1 is Baltimore. After Marquise Brown got traded to the Arizona Cardinals, Lamar Jackson could receive T.Y. Hilton as his substitute. The quarterback is improving a lot his passes and the former Indianapolis Colts is an expert to help the ones that throw at him with spectacular catches.

Devontae Booker, the best RB2 for the Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals surprised everybody last year with an incredible season. They made it to the Super Bowl LVI where unfortunately they lost to the LA Rams. Part of that failure was due to the lack of a RB2 behind Joe Mixon. Devontae Booker proved to be a good backup in case of an injury (such as with Saquon Barkley at the Giants), so this could be one of the best tandems in the league for 2022.

That might as well be the case with Julio Jones right now. Despite being one of the most athletic, impactful, and talented wide receivers in the history of the league, he’s still unsigned this deep into the offseason.

Jones’ recent history of injuries has raised some doubts about his durability and some claim he may not even be back on the gridiron in 2022. But here, we talk about 3 destinations that would make sense for him.

NFL Rumors: 3 Teams That Could Sign Julio Jones

3. New England Patriots

The New England Patriots already added DeVante Parker to their thin receiving corps but that doesn’t mean they’re not looking to make more moves. Besides trading away N’Keal Harry, they’re likely digging deep into the veteran WR market.

It wouldn’t be the first time that Bill Belichick turns someone else’s scraps into gold. He’s got a long history of bringing in veteran stars who are still able to contribute and signing them at a massive discount.

2. Indianapolis Colts

Matt Ryan will begin a new chapter of his career with the Indianapolis Colts. But as great as their running game and defense are, their receiving corps is rather unimpressive as it stands right now.

So, Ryan could put in a good word for his best teammate of the past decade or so. They had a strong rapport and were used to wreaking havoc together. I’m sure Jones misses him after one year withRyan Tannehill.

1. Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers signed Sammy Watkins and drafted three wide receivers to fill the void left by Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. But that would be way easier said than done.

They have Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard but they sill need another reliable pair of hands if they want to get over the hump come playoff time. They can afford to wait for Jones to be fully healthy, and just imagine what he could do with Aaron Rodgers throwing him the football.

But a handful of players always manage to stand out from the rest of the pack. Their impact is so notorious and valuable that they wind up playing for many years and cashing in millions of dollars.

However, all good things eventually come to an end, and their careers aren’t the exception to that rule. With that in mind, we’ll talk about Aaron Donald and the stars that may not be back for this season.

NFL Rumors: 3 Superstars That Could Retire Right Now

3. Julio Jones

Not so long ago, Julio Jones was in the conversation of the best wide receiver in the league. But injuries have been ruthless over the past couple of seasons, and he’s still a free agent. There are legit concerns about his durability, regardless of his physical traits.

Jones is one of the most gifted and athletic wideouts in the history of the NFL. He’s piled up13,330 yards and 61 touchdowns throughout his 11-year career. But it seems like there isn’t that much interest in his services anymore, so he might as well call it a day.

2. Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski has already stated that he could only come back to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, he has also said that he hasn’t felt that urged to be back on the field and play football again.

Gronk already retired once before coming back for the past two seasons. Considered by some as the greatest tight end of all time, he’s piled up9,286 and a whopping 92 touchdowns. Also, he has 4 Super Bowl rings and at least four NFL records.

1. Aaron Donald

Aaron Donald finally got the Super Bowl ring he deserved; the only thing missing on his first-ballot Hall of Fame résumé. Ironically, that ring may have come a little toolate, as he’s inching closer to retirement.

The Los Angeles Rams legend gathered accolades forevery single one of the seasons he played in the NFL. He’s one of the greatest, most accomplished defensive players of all time, but he insists that he only wanted to play for eight years, and that’s it.

GM Brian Gutekunst didn’t seem interested in making a big trade during the Draft. Deebo Samuel stood put, yet Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown and A.J. Brown found new homes at a reasonable price.

Nonetheless, the fact that the Packers have been relativelysilent in the free-agent market doesn’t mean that they won’t make a big move. Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, veteran help could be on the way.

NFL Rumors: Packers Could Sign Odell Beckham Jr., Julio Jones, Or Jarvis Landry

“I think the Packers are going to be involved in this market,” Rapoport said on The Pat McAfee Show.“And this is actually a great market for them because let’s say you’re Jarvis Landry,or maybe even better for the Packers let’s say you’re Julio Jones and you’re not going to get $15 million, you’re probably not going to get $10 million, the Packers would be one of the teams you want to join where maybe you make $3 million with some incentives but you know you got a chance to make a Super Bowl.”

“That actually is attractive, so we got Odell,who obviously had interest from the Packers last time, you have Julio, who I would imagine would get some interest from there, Landry, who I don’t know has gotten interest from the Packers, but all those guys would make sense for Green Bay who, I would say, might add another receiver at some point,” Rapoport added.

The Packers offer these receivers a chance to redeem themselves after injury-riddled seasons. They’d get the opportunity to play at the highest level, even if that means taking a significant pay cut.

OBJ will miss the first two months of the season, but he’d still be an excellent addition for them with the playoffs in sight. Julio Jones could make a considerableimpact if healthy, and Jarvis Landry has one of the most reliable hands in the league. So, pick up the phone, Brian!

This season in the NFL these WR’s will be very important to their teams, some are ready to continue to produce Pro Bowler seasons, others need to bounce back after a few years of disappointments. However you look at it these players are big investments fortheir teams.

Here are the NFL’s highest paid wide receivers for the 2021 NFL season, players from such teams like the Giants, Cardinals, Chargers, Cowboys, and NFL champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

15. Chris Godwin – $15.9 million

Chris Godwin had a big season for the Super Bowl champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers finishing the regular season at 65 receptions for 840 yards and seven touchdowns. In 2021 Godwin has a franchise tag and will be key for the Bucs offense in 2021.

14. Adam Thielen – $16 million

Adam Thielen had his best overall season in 2020 with 14 touchdowns, the most since Randy Moss had 17 in 2000 (receiving touchdowns). Thielen is entering his eighth season with the Vikings, a franchise player Thielen will be key in the offense if he can reproduce his 2020 season.

13. Brandin Cooks – $16.2 million

Brandin Cooks’ $16.2 million salary may raise a few eyebrows, the journeyman wide receiver now with the Houston Texans had a disappointing first season, with 6 touchdowns. Cooks will need to produce more to earn that salary.

12. Robert Woods – $16.250 million

The versatile wide receiver is able to play make and go long to catch deep plays. Robert Woods is on a four-year deal with the Rams and with a little more help could be quite an impressive wide receiver. Woods is very underrated as his work rate is top notch.

11. Mike Evans – $16.5 million

Coming off of a big 2020 Mike Evans will be just as important for the champions as Tom Brady. Evans scored 13 touchdowns last season, his best output since 2016. Look for yet another 1,000 receiving yards season from Evans.

10. Tyler Lockett – $17.250 million

Tyler Lockett is a franchise player for the Seahawks, recently signing a four-year contract extension. In 2020 Lockett scored 10 touchdowns and ran over 1,000 receiving yards for Seattle.

9. Allen Robinson – $17.8 million

It’s been a disappointing last few years for Allen Robinson, gone are the numbers from 2015, and last season he ran over 1,000 yards and scored half the touchdowns of 2015 for Chicago. Robinson is on a high salary and has been the victim of some poor QB support.

8. Odell Beckham, Jr. -$18 million

Odell Beckham, Jr. is looking to bounce back after a rather uneventful 2020, playing only 7 games, the Browns wide receiver is ready for a comeback year. The question is can he stay healthy and recapture the level of play of past seasons.

7. Tyreek Hill – $18 million

Tyreek Hill is coming off of a career year with Kansas City, scoring 17 TDs and 87 receptions going well over 1,000 receiving yards. Hill is looking to make 2021 his year and at $18 million he is well worth his high salary.

6. Kenny Golladay – $18 million

The Giants Kenny Golladay comes to New York after four seasons with the Lions. Golladay was money in 2019, but before and after has been largely disappointing. Now in New York, the Giants showed they have faith in the 27-year-old, can he pay it back by finding his 2019 form?

5. Michael Thomas – $19.250 million

Michael Thomas has been a solid contributor for the Saints but had a 2020 to forget, injuries and punching C. J. Gardner-Johnson in practice were all she wrote last year for Thomas. He will need to rebound big time in 2021, but Thomas will be out for at least one third of the season due to injury.

4. Amari Cooper – $20 million

The 20-million-dollar man, Amari Cooper is one of the Cowboy’s main offensive pieces, in 2020 he finished the season with a career-high 92 receptions for 1,114 yards and five touchdowns. In 2021 Cooper is off to a fast start with 2 touchdowns after 1 game.

3. Keenan Allen – $20 million

Keenan Allen is a 4-time Pro Bowler and one of the Chargers main pieces of offense. Allen tied his best output with 8 touchdowns and 100 receptions in 2020. Allen is on a four-year deal with the Chargers and is ready to make 2021 his year.

2. Julio Jones – $22 million

The 32-year-old veteran still has spice in those legs as Julio Jones enters his eleventh season in the NFL. Last year Jones had an injury plagued season but still managed to score 3 touchdowns in 9 games. Jones will make a tough one-two punch with AJ Brown.

1. DeAndre Hopkins – $27.250 million

The highest paid WR in the NFL DeAndre Hopkins has some of the best hands in the NFL, the man is just a football magnet and can make some dazzling catches. Hopkins will hope to get more touchdowns but at the moment he is on top of the mountain in the NFL.