In the NFL, few positions face the pressure and scrutiny of a cornerback. They are the last line of defense against the league’s elite WRs, tasked with shutting down explosive pass plays and securing crucial interceptions.

Their talent comes at a premium, establishing them as some of the highest-paid players in the League.

A lockdown CB can help make a superb defense, taking away opposing teams’ top targets and forcing QBs to look elsewhere.

So, the next time you see a CB make a highlight-reel play, remember these 15 NFL’s highest-paid defensive artists, weaving their magic on the gridiron.

1. Jaire Alexander

• Team: Green Bay Packers
• 2x Pro Bowl (2020, 2022)
• AP All-Pro Second Team in 2020 and 2022
• PFWA All-Rookie Team (2018)

A shutdown artist and a walking highlight reel, Alexander’s talent comes with a hefty price tag. The Green Bay Packers inked him to a $84 million deal ($21 million per year), making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.

Alexander’s impact began at Louisville, where he was the 2016 All-ACC selection. Green Bay drafted him in the first round in 2018. He has accumulated 10 interceptions, 269 tackles, and 37 Pass Deflections.

2. Denzel Ward

• Team: Cleveland Browns
• 2 Pro Bowls (2018, 2021)
• PFWA All-Rookie Team (2018)

Denzel Ward, the Cleveland Browns CB, isn’t just making noise on the field – he’s also breaking the bank. In 2022, Ward inked a $100.5 million contract with the Browns ($20.1 million per year) solidifying his status as the highest-paid CB behind Jaire.

This lucrative deal was a testament to Ward’s exceptional talent and potential, making him one of the NFL’s most valuable defensive assets. He has already garnered 2 interceptions and deflected 11 passes in the 2023 season.

3. Jalen Ramsey

• Team – Miami Dolphins
• Super Bowl (LVI)
• 3 First-team All-Pro
• 6 Pro Bowls (2017–2022)

In 2020, Jalen Ramsey’s talent was rewarded with a record-breaking contract. The LA Rams signed him to a 5-year, $105 million extension, making him an upper echelon of CB earners. He earns $20 million per year with this agreement. 

Although playing for the Dolphins in 2023, he is still well-loved by the Rams fans. His 4-year career at the Rams saw him make 10 interceptions and 47 pass deflections. He also assisted the Rams to their Super Bowl championship in 2022.

4. Marlon Humphrey

Marlon Humphrey holds the 4th spot on the highest-paid cornerback list. The Ravens star earns an average annual salary of $19.5 million from his five-year, $97.5 million contract extension signed in 2020.

He’s earned his paycheck through his consistent performance as a shutdown CB and playmaking threat. Humphrey has racked up three Pro Bowl selections in the past four years. He also received an All-Pro nod in 2019.

The Ravens star is also a ball-hawking machine, with a league-leading eight forced fumbles in the 2020 season. He has racked in 13 interceptions and 76 pass deflections in his career.

5. Trevon Diggs

Trevon Diggs, the Dallas Cowboys CB superstar, has cemented his place among the NFL’s elite with his powerful paycheck. 

In 2022, Trevon led the NFL with an eye-popping 11 interceptions, an achievement that landed him a lucrative five-year, $97 million contract extension. 

This puts him in the top tier of highest-paid cornerbacks, a well-deserved reward for his game-changing plays. He earns 19.4 million on an annual basis, just behind Humphrey.

Drafted in 2020 as a 2nd rounder, Diggs wasn’t initially considered a top prospect. But he silenced the doubters with 2 Pro Bowls and 1 All-Pro honors, becoming a key cog in the Cowboys’ defensive machine.

6. Marshon Lattimore

New Orleans Saints star Marshon Lattimore, the shutdown corner terrorizing NFL wideouts, has locked down one of the league’s fattest paychecks. His $97 million extension in 2021 makes him one of the highest-paid CBs, and for good reason.

He earns 19.4 million on an annual basis, becoming on par with the wages of Cowboys’ Trevon Diggs.

Since his 2017 debut, Lattimore’s been a backfield menace, racking up 4 Pro Bowls and the Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He’s a shutdown specialist, blanketing receivers with 15 INTs, 375 tackles, and 86 pass deflections.

7. Xavien Howard

Xavien Howard’s lockdown skills on the field have earned him a king’s ransom, making him a top earner in his position. The Dolphins star inked a five-year contract extension with the franchise worth a whopping $90 million ($18 million salary per year).

His huge contract reflects his undeniable talent and impact on the game. Standing at 6’1″ and 203 pounds, Howard is a physical force with exceptional speed and ball skills.

He’s a four-time Pro Bowler who led the league in interceptions twice (2018 and 2020). Opposing QBs think twice before throwing his way, knowing they risk a pick-6.

8. Tre’Davious White

Tre’Davious White, the star CB for the Buffalo Bills, isn’t just one of the best in the league, but one of the highest-paid too. He has secured a $69 million contract extension with the Bills, with 17.25 million wages per year and a cool $55 million guaranteed.

It’s a well-deserving paycheck for the two-time All-Pro and a Pro Bowler who is known for his sticky coverage and knack for picking off passes.

While he’s since been surpassed by a few other corners in terms of average annual salary, White’s contract still ranks in the top tier.

White’s dominance for the Bills is undeniable. He snagged six interceptions in 2019, tying for the league lead.

9. J.C. Jackson

J.C. Jackson’s return to the NE Patriots in October 2023 sparked a lot of excitement, and rightfully so. After a breakout season in 2021, Jackson went to the Los Angeles Chargers and signed a lucrative five-year, $82.5 million deal in March 2022.

He earned $16.5 million on an annual basis. Moreover, Jackson received $40 million guaranteed at signing, including a $25 million signing bonus.

However, his Chargers stint was marred by injuries and disappointing performance, leading to a trade back to his former franchise. He only played 7 games for the LA team and contributed 1 interception.

10. Carlton Davis

Sitting at the 10th spot, Tampa Bay Bucs star Carlton Davis earns a $16.83 million salary on an annual basis from his $44.5 million contract with the franchise. He also makes $24.5 million as fully guaranteed money with a void status in 2025.

Davis’s athleticism and versatility have made him a key cog in the Bucs’ defensive scheme, and his ability to shadow wide receivers across the gridiron is highly respected.

Davis made 4 interceptions and 18 pass deflections during his 2020 season and propelled the Bucs to win Super Bowl LV.

11. Darius Slay

Darius Slay might not be the top dog on the cornerback food chain right now, but he is still a powerhouse for the Eagles franchise. The Eagles locked him down with a then-record three-year, $42 million contract, establishing him as one of the top CB earners.

With $14 million as an annual salary, Slay will receive a $23 million fully guaranteed money from the team. The CB has deserved the money with remarkable performances over the years.

A five-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro, Slay led the league in passes defended (26) and interceptions (8) in 2017 during his Detroit Lions tenure. For the Eagles, he has made 9 interceptions so far.

12. Charvarius Ward

San Francisco 49ers’ Charvarius Ward is one of the highest-paid players at his position. In 2023, he signed a three-year, $40.5 million contract with the 49ers, making him the 12th highest-paid CB.

Ward’s contract includes $18.06 million as fully guaranteed. His average annual salary is $13.5 million.

The 27-year-old player has quickly become a star in San Francisco. In his first season with the 49ers, he started all 17 games and recorded 87 tackles, 11 passes defensed, and 1 interception.

He was a key part of the 49ers’ defense that led them to the NFC Championship game.

13. Jamel Dean

Jamel Dean, the lockdown cornerback for the Tampa Bay Bucs, has emerged as a rising star in the NFL. His skills and dedication have been rewarded handsomely with a $52 million contract that will become void in 2027.

Earning $13 million annually, Dean is set to get a fully guaranteed sum of $21.5 million. He comfortably sits in the top 15 highest earners list in his position today.

Dean’s on-field performance has justified his hefty price tag. He’s been shutting down opposing WRs and making game-changing plays. In the 2022 season, Dean recorded 51 tackles, 8 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions.

14. Adoree’ Jackson

Adoree Jackson, the electrifying CB for the New York Giants, has a contract that reflects his skills and potential. Signed in 2021, his 3-year deal gloats a total value of $39 million, with an average annual salary of $13 million.

The Giants star’s contract ranks him among the top 15 earners in his position. His performance in 2023 (56 tackles, 8 passes defended, and 1 interception) solidified his position as a valuable asset for the Giants’ secondary.

Jackson’s contract will become void in 2024, making him a free agent next offseason. His future with the Giants will depend on his continued development and the franchise’s salary cap condition.

15. James Bradberry

Eagles’ CB James Bradberry brings his shutdown skills not just to opposing QBs, but also to his bank account. The Philadelphia Eagles snagged him with a $38 million deal for 3 years, with a fully guaranteed sum of $20 million.

That translates to an annual salary of $12.7 million, making him one of the league’s top earners at his position. Bradberry’s huge paycheck reflects his consistent track record.

He has racked up 19 interceptions and 111 pass deflections throughout his career and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2020.

Bradberry’s contract isn’t just about big bucks; it’s about cementing the Eagles’ secondary and bolstering their Super Bowl chances.