Who Is the Highest Paid Cornerback in the NFL? (2024/2025 Update)
In the pass-happy era of the NFL, winning without quality cornerbacks is almost impossible. However, top cornerbacks occasionally need to head elsewhere to earn the big bucks.
That was not the case with Jaycee Horn, who just agreed to a contract that made him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. That didn’t last long, as Houston’s Derek Stingley took over the No. 1 spot.
Not all cornerbacks will be as fortunate, with Jaire Alexander of the Green Bay Packers among the star cornerbacks who could be on the move.
Let’s take a closer look at the NFL cornerback salaries.
Breaking Down NFL Cornerback Salaries
There is more than one way to keep tabs on the list of highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL.
Stingley leads all cornerbacks with an average annual salary of $30 million, with more than $48 million guaranteed at signing. However, he is not the highest-paid NFL cornerback in other categories regarding the NFL salary rankings.
Jaire Alexander, who could be on his way out of Green Bay, had a cap hit that falls just under $25 million. Denzel Ward of the Cleveland Browns tops the list with a $100.5 million contract. Marshon Lattimore of the Washington Commanders is responsible for 10.7% of his team’s available cap space, and that was the highest number in the NFL for a cornerback before Stingley signed his contract.
Finally, when looking at who is the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, Patrick Surtain of the Denver Broncos is setting the pace with $77.5 million in guaranteed money.
Just imagine what Mel Blount, Rod Woodman, and Deion Sanders would make if they played in today’s NFL.
Eagles Cornerbacks Flying High
Other players got more love after the Philadelphia Eagles denied the Kansas City Chiefs from winning an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl. However, the play of young cornerbacks Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell should not be ignored.
The Eagles took Mitchell in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, while DeJean was a steal with pick No. 40 in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Their development played a key role in Philadelphia’s run to Super Bowl glory and allowed the Eagles to let veteran cornerback Darius Slay walk. The 34-year-old Slay signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Even with the departure of Slay and many other defensive starters, the NFL spreads and odds list Hurts and the Eagles with the shortest odds of winning the Super Bowl.
A Peek Into The Future
Defensive players had to wait to hear their names called in the 2024 NFL Draft, with offensive players going in the first 14 picks. Quinyon Mitchell of the Philadelphia Eagles was the first cornerback taken at No. 22, followed by Terrion Arnold two picks later by the Detroit Lions.
There won’t be a similar wait this year.
While some might debate whether Colorado star Travis Hunter has more potential as a receiver or a cornerback, everyone agrees that he is among the top 2025 NFL Draft prospects.
Michigan’s Will Johnson is also being touted as a possible top-10 pick. At the same time, Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston, Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison, and Florida State’s Azareye’h Thomas could also go in the first round.
Who is the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL as of 2024/2025?
In short order, Derek Stingley Jr. of the Houston Texans and Jaycee Horn of the Carolina Panthers.
Which cornerback has signed the largest contract in NFL history?
Regarding overall contract value, Denzel Ward of the Cleveland Browns has the richest contract for an active NFL cornerback at $100.5 million.
What factors determine a cornerback’s salary in the NFL?
The ability to lock up the best receivers is the No. 1 factor in cornerbacks earning the big bucks. It doesn’t hurt if they are well short of their 30th birthday.
Who are the top five highest-paid cornerbacks heading into the 2025 season?
Stingley’s annual salary of $30 million is the highest among NFL cornerbacks. He is followed by Jaycee Horn of the Carolina Panthers, Jalen Ramsey of the Miami Dolphins, Denver’s Patrick Surtain, and Green Bay’s Jaire Alexander.
How do cornerback contracts compare to other defensive positions?
No cornerbacks were among the top 10 highest-paid defensive players until Jaycee Horn signed a contract extension. Pass rushers, linebackers, and defensive tackles still tend to make more money.
