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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 2h ago
Highest-paid NFL players at every defensive position, full list based on AAV
As NFL stars Denzel Ward and Jalen Carter recently inked their new multi-million-dollar deals, becoming two of the highest-paid athletes at their positions this past week, it got us wondering just who else is at the top of the food chain on the defensive side of the ball.
Of course, some of the obvious big-name talents, like Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons and 49ers Fred Warner, will find themselves featured, but based on the NFL’s average annual value (AAV), a few names on the list may come as a surprise to some folks.
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NFL’s Highest-Paid Defensive Players
Defensive End
Micah Parsons, Green Bay Packers
AAV: $46.5 million
Looking for a bounce-back season following a shortened 2025 campaign, Micah Parsons will look to prove to Packers fans and the front office that he is well worth his $46.5 million tag coming off a 14-game campaign that saw the Green Bay pass rusher earn a first-team All-Pro nod.
Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans
AAV: $50 million
Signing a three-year extension during the spring, Will Anderson made himself the highest-paid EDGE rusher in football after the Houston Texans gave him a $150 millon deal. Having back-to-back seasons over 11 sacks, it’s clear Anderson is a force to be reckoned with, and Houston made sure to keep the pass rusher happy until 2030.
Defensive Tackle
Jeffrey Simmons, Tennessee Titans
AAV: $35.3 million
In one of the league’s more juicier deals this offseason, Jeffrey Simmons got a guaranteed $100 million on his three-year $105 million deal with the Titans. Coming off a career-high sack season like Simmons had, Tennessee knew it was time to lock down the defensive tackle long-term, as the 29-year-old is just entering his prime.
Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles
AAV: $38 million
Jul 29, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) greets fans as he takes the field for training camp at Jefferson Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Jalen Carter got a Brinks truck delivery from the Eagles this week, one that would give the defensive tackle $106 million guaranteed on a four-year $152 million contract extension. A building block for Philadelphia on the front seven, Carter will secure the defensive line at an All-Pro level for several years to come.
Linebacker
Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions
AAV: $20.3 million
Locked in til 2030, Jack Campbell and the Lions agreed to a four-year contract back in May, just as the linebacker was coming off his rookie deal. Being named first-team All-Pro, Campbell will now be a key piece of the young, growing Detroit defense.
Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers
AAV: $21 million
Again, no big surprise to see the NFL’s top linebacker as the highest paid at his position. San Francisco knows good and well what they have in Fred Warner, so keeping No. 54 at the top of the food chain for linebackers always seems like the right decision.
Cornerback
Sauce Gardner, Indianapolis Colts
AAV: $30.1 million
Before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts last season, Sauce Gardner landed a $120.4 million, four-year extension, which at the time was the highest contract for any NFL defensive back. This deal has got Gardner criticism from analysts and fans, but when healthy, it’s hard to argue he’s not one of the league’s premier corners.
Trent McDuffie, Los Angeles Rams
AAV: $31 million
Following his trade to the Los Angeles Rams, Trent McDuffie had temporarily reset the cornerback market after receiving a massive four-year, $124 million extension from LA. Looked at as a potential CB1 in Los Angeles, McDuffie will be a huge piece to whether or not the Rams can get back into the Super Bowl picture.
Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns
AAV: $31.1 million
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) watches practice from the sideline during NFL training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
Signing an extension to become the highest-paid defensive back in the NFL for the second time in his career, Denzel Ward and the Cleveland Browns agreed to a blockbuster two-year contract that is worth $62.2 million, which now takes care of the All-Pro defensive back til the 2029 season.
Safety
Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens
AAV: $25.1 million
Baltimore made sure to lock up Kyle Hamilton early, as one of the league’s top safeties signed a four-year extension in 2025 worth $100.4 million. With just four seasons in the league, Hamilton has proven himself to be one of the most dynamic defensive players in the NFL.
Derwin James Jr., Los Angeles Chargers
AAV: $25.2 million
From one extension to another, the Chargers continue to keep Derwin James Jr. happy and paid as the All-Pro safety inked a three-year extension in May that made James the highest-paid safety in Los Angeles for a second time in his career.
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