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The Highest-Paid NFL Defensive Tackles

  • The top 13 highest-paid defensive tackles earn over $20 million a year.
  • Five teams have 2 players featured among the highest-paid defensive tackles.
Chris Jones leads the way
Feb 6, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) during a press conference before Super Bowl LVIII at Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive tackles don’t usually get as much attention as other positions. But the highest-paid NFL defensive tackles earn their fair share in salary for disrupting offenses. 

Chris Jones tops all defensive tackles with his $31.75 million annual salary. The Chiefs’ marquee defensive lineman signed a five-year, $158.75 million contract extension in March. 

Jones remains the only defensive tackle in the NFL earning at least $30 million annually. 

He’s also taking home the most guaranteed money among defensive tackles with $95 million of his contract guaranteed.

Christian Wilkins of the Raiders earns $27.5 million annually to come in second. 

His $110 million contract signed during the offseason vaulted him from outside of the top 25 highest-paid defensive tackles to second. 

Nnamdi Madubuike is third earning $24.5 million annually. He signed a four-year, $98 million contract extension in March after recording a career-high 13 sacks in 2023. 

Madubuike had been offered a one-year franchise tag deal worth $22.1 million before the extension, but both sides agreed to the larger and longer contract he later signed. 

Alim Mcneil of the Lions takes the fourth spot earning $24.25 million. 

McNeil signed a contract extension worth $97 million in October that will keep him in Detroit through the 2028 season. 

He was rewarded after his most productive season in 2023 where he finished with career highs in QB hits and sacks.  

Ranking the Highest-Paid Defensive Tackles in the NFL

Here is the entire list of the top 25 highest-paid NFL defensive tackles. The list was compiled with data from Spotrac.

  • Updated: November 6, 2024
RankPlayerTeamTotal Compensation
1Chris JonesKansas City Chiefs$31.75 million
2Christian WilkinsLas Vegas Raiders$27.5 million
3Nnamdi MadubuikeBaltimore Ravens$24.5 million
4Alim McNeilDetroit Lions$24.25 million
T-5Derrick BrownCarolina Panthers$24 million
T-5Quinnen WilliamsNew York Jets$24 million
7Jeffery SimmonsTennessee Titans$23.5 million
8DeForest BucknerIndianapolis Colts$23 million
9Daron PayneWashington Commanders$22.5 million
10Dexter LawrenceNew York Giants$21.88 million
11Kenny ClarkGreen Bay Packers$21.33 million
12Javon HargraveSan Francisco 49ers$21 million
13Christian BarmoreNew England Patriots$20.75 million
14Jonathan AllenWashington Commanders$18 million
15Vita VeaTampa Bay Buccaneers$17.75 million
16Ed OliverBuffalo Bills$17 million
17Grady JarrettAtlanta Falcons$16.82 million
18Dalvin TomlinsonCleveland Browns$14.25 million
19Grover StewartIndianapolis Colts$13 million
20Sheldon RankinsCincinnati Bengals$12.25 million
21David OnyemataAtlanta Falcons$11.66 million
T-22DaVon HamiltonJacksonville Jaguars$11.5 million
T-22Maliek CollinsSan Francisco 49ers$11.5 million
24D.J. ReaderDetroit Lions$11 million
25Justin JonesArizona Cardinals$10.39 million

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