NFL's highest paid defensive linemen for 2024 season: Ranking DL by average annual salary
Who are the highest-paid defensive linemen in the NFL for the 2024 season?
The position has some of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the league with 21 defensive linemen currently set to make at least $15 million per season in average annual salary, led by a defensive lineman who is earning an average of $31.75 million per season.
13 defensive linemen are set to make at least $20 million a season.
Here's a look at the Top 10 defensive linemen in the league, ranked by average annual salary, per overthecap.com, a site that tracks NFL player contracts (through May 16, 2024).
NFL's highest paid players in 2024: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide receivers | Tight ends | Offensive linemen | D-linemen | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Linebackers | Edge rushers | Highest paid players: Overall | By position | By team
Who is the highest-paid defensive lineman in the NFL?
The Kansas City Chiefs' Chris Jones is currently the highest-paid defensive lineman in the NFL, with an average annual salary of $31.75 million.
His current contract has a total value of $158.75 million, with a total guaranteed amount of $95 million.
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Which NFL defensive linemen will make the most in 2024?
Jones has company on the list of the top-paid defensive linemen in the NFL.
The Los Angeles Rams' Aaron Donald is second, at $31.7 million per season, with the Las Vegas Raiders' Christian Wilkins third, at $27.5 million.
Justin Madubuike of the Baltimore Ravens is fourth, with an average annual salary of $24.5 million, with Derrick Brown of the Carolina Panthers fifth, at $24 million, tied with the New York Jets' Quinnen Williams among the highest-paid NFL D-linemen in the league.
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NFL's highest-paid defensive linemen in 2024 (average salary per year):
1. Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones: $31.75 million
2. Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald: $31.7 million
3. Raiders defensive lineman Christian Wilkins: $27.5 million
4. Ravens defensive lineman Justin Madubuike: $24.5 million
5. Panthers defensive lineman Derrick Brown: $24 million
5. Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams: $24 million
7. Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons: $23.5 million
8. Colts defensive lineman DeForest Buckner: $23 million
9. Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne: $22.5 million
9. Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence: $22.5 million
- Source: overthecap.com
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Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NFL's highest paid defensive linemen for 2024: Ranking D-line salaries
