Who’s Getting Paid? Ranking the NFL’s Highest-Paid Defensive Stars in 2025
The NFL is a business, and in 2025, the business of defense is booming. With offenses becoming more explosive, teams are investing heavily in players who can shut down high-powered attacks. As the saying goes, defense wins championships, and these defensive stars are being compensated accordingly. Just last season, the top five scoring defenses all belonged to teams with at least 10 wins, proving the value of a strong defensive unit.
So, who are the top dogs cashing in on the defensive side of the ball? Let’s break down the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL for 2025, examining their contracts, their impact on the field, and what makes them worth the massive investment.
The $40 Million Club: Myles Garrett Leads the Pack
Topping the list is none other than Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, who is pulling in a staggering $40 million per year. Garrett’s dominance as a pass rusher is undeniable. Averaging 15 sacks over the last four seasons, he was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. The Browns locked him up with a four-year, $160 million extension, solidifying his place as the highest-paid defensive player in the league and ensuring he remains in Cleveland through 2030. This lucrative deal came just weeks after Garrett had requested a trade, proving that money talks.
Maxx Crosby: The Raider’s $35.5 Million Man
Hot on Garrett’s heels is Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders, earning $35.5 million annually. The Raiders made Crosby the highest-paid defensive player for a brief period before Garrett’s extension. Crosby’s relentless motor and exceptional pass-rushing skills have made him a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense. With 59.5 sacks in his six NFL seasons, Crosby is locked in with the Raiders through 2029, becoming a face of their rebuilding franchise.
Nick Bosa: The 49ers’ $34 Million Force
Rounding out the top three is Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers, with an average annual salary of $34 million. Bosa signed a five-year, $170 million extension in 2023, briefly holding the title of the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player. Despite battling a hip injury in 2024, Bosa remains a dominant force on the 49ers’ defensive line. His consistent pressure and ability to disrupt opposing offenses make him a vital component of San Francisco’s Super Bowl aspirations.
Interior Disruptors: Chris Jones and Christian Wilkins
While edge rushers often dominate the headlines, defensive tackles are also getting their due. Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs earns $31.75 million per year, making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL. Jones has been a key part of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning teams, consistently disrupting opposing offenses and racking up sacks from the interior.
Christian Wilkins, now with the Las Vegas Raiders, is another top-paid defensive tackle, earning $27.5 million annually. Wilkins’s addition to the Raiders’ defensive line further emphasizes the team’s commitment to building a formidable front seven.
Cornerbacks Cash In: Derek Stingley Jr. and Jaycee Horn
The cornerback market has also seen a significant rise, with Derek Stingley Jr. of the Houston Texans leading the way at $30 million per year. Stingley’s impressive play and versatility in the secondary earned him a record-setting three-year, $90 million extension. His ability to excel in both man and zone coverage makes him a valuable asset for the Texans’ defense.
Jaycee Horn of the Carolina Panthers also secured a massive payday, signing a four-year, $100 million extension worth $25 million annually. Horn’s deal briefly made him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, highlighting the increasing value placed on shutdown corners.
Other Notable Contracts
Several other defensive stars have also secured lucrative deals, solidifying their place among the league’s highest-paid.
- Josh Allen (EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars): $28.25 million annually
- Brian Burns (EDGE, New York Giants): $28.2 million annually
- T.J. Watt (EDGE, Pittsburgh Steelers): $28 million annually
- Milton Williams (DT, New England Patriots): $26 million annually
The Guaranteed Money Game
Beyond the average annual salary, guaranteed money is a crucial aspect of NFL contracts. Myles Garrett leads all defensive players with $122.8 million in guarantees, closely followed by Nick Bosa with $122.5 million. Derek Stingley Jr. has the most guaranteed money for a defensive back, with $89 million fully guaranteed. Chris Jones leads all defensive tackles with $95 million in guarantees.
The 2025 NFL Draft: New Defensive Talent on the Horizon
As veterans cash in, the next generation of defensive stars is waiting in the wings. The 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with talent, with several defensive players projected to make an immediate impact.
- Travis Hunter (CB/WR, Colorado): Hunter is a rare talent who can excel on both sides of the ball. Projected as a potential top-five pick, Hunter’s versatility and playmaking ability make him a highly coveted prospect.
- Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State): Carter is a dynamic pass rusher with exceptional athleticism. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses makes him a potential All-Pro talent.
- Mason Graham (IDL, Michigan): Graham is a disruptive defensive tackle with the skills to consistently penetrate the backfield. His strength and technique make him a valuable asset against both the run and the pass.
- Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas): Barron is a versatile defensive back who can play multiple positions. His instincts and athleticism make him a playmaker all over the field.
The Future of Defensive Spending
As the NFL continues to evolve, the importance of a strong defense will only increase. With offenses becoming more sophisticated, teams will continue to invest heavily in defensive players who can shut down high-powered attacks. The contracts of Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, and Nick Bosa are just the beginning, as the next generation of defensive stars looks to cash in on their talent and potential. The game is perfectly balanced, and for every offensive innovation, there’s a defensive counter-strategy, ensuring that defensive players will remain a valuable and well-compensated part of the NFL landscape.