Who Is the Highest Paid Defensive End in the NFL? (2025 Edition)

There could be more changes regarding the top-paid defensive end in the NFL becoming household names. However, opposing offensive coordinators know who they are.

Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders, and Nick Bosa of the San Francisco are just three elite pass rushers who benefit from the need for teams to pressure the quarterback. T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers is one of the pass rushers who opened the doors for the rising salaries for defensive ends and other pass rushers.

When it comes to the most lucrative NFL roles in the NFL, no defensive position has players earning more on an annual basis than defensive ends.

Let’s take a closer look at the salaries for NFL safeties and check out who leads the way among the highest-paid NFL defensive ends. According to the recent NFL betting odds, the teams with the best odds typically have at least one game-changing pass rusher on the roster.

Breaking Down NFL Defensive Ends’ Salaries

Money talks, making him the highest-paid as Myles Garrett went from requesting a trade out of Cleveland to agreeing to a four-year contract with the Browns that paid him $40 million per season with the Browns and made him the highest-paid defensive end in the NFL.

Another elite pass rusher is staying put. Maxx Crosby agreed to terms on a three-year $106.5 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, and what happens in Vegas apparently stays in Vegas.

The Los Angeles Chargers moved on from Joey Bosa but did bring back Khalil Mack on a one-year deal worth $18 million. Over three years, Chase Young took $17 million to remain with the New Orleans Saints and be among the top-paid NFL defensive ends.

The Buffalo Bills held onto Greg Rousseau as he signed a four-year extension worth $80 million.

Plenty of Top Defensive Ends On The Move

Finding a position with players drawing more interest than elite pass rushers might be tricky.

Milton Williams could be viewed as a defensive tackle or a defensive end. Regardless of what position he is listed at, Williams earned a nice bump in salary when the New England Patriots signed him away from the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. He has a $14 million cap hit for the 2025 season before it jumps to $29 million in 2026.

Arizona signed Josh Sweat for $76.4 million over four years. The New England Patriots didn’t need to break the bank to bring in Harold Landry on a three-year, $43.5 million deal.

The Chicago Bears paid Dayo Odeyingbo $48 million over three years.

Before DeMarcus Lawrence engaged in a social media battle with former teammate Micah Parsons, he left the Dallas Cowboys to sign with Seattle for $42 million over three years.

The well-traveled Haason Reddick landed in Tampa on a one-year contract at $14 million.

Highest Paid Defensive End FAQs