5 highest paid defensive players in NFL history ft. Aaron Donald
As the NFL salary cap continues to increase almost every year, superstar players have been demanding bigger contracts. This has resulted in record-setting deals being inked almost every offseason when the time comes for elite players to sign new contracts.
While quarterbacks often dominate the salary market, they aren't the only players to sign massive contracts. Defensive players have been trending higher on average salaries, especially defensive linemen, and EDGE players. Here are the five highest paid defensive players in NFL history by AAV.
#5 (tied) - Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders - $23.5 million
Maxx Crosby signed a contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2022 offseason. The deal will keep him under team control until the conclusion of the 2026 season and is worth $94 million over four years, including more than $53 million in guaranteed money.
"It was the universe. It was supposed to happen." "Raider for life" Maxx Crosby speaking with gratitude after his contract extension that'll mean a really good Vegas life for his family, including his beloved pit bulls. @JesseNews3LV news3lv.com https://t.co/lSzzznPfj4
The Raiders have decided to focus on elite edge rushers by also signing Chandler Jones during the free agency period in the 2022 NFL offseason worth $17 million dollars in AAV.
#5 (tied) - Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers - $23.5 million
Khalil Mack signed a six-year contract with the Chicago Bears worth $141 million, the largest ever for a defensive player at the time he received it. He still has three years remaining on his contract but will play it out with the Los Angeles Chargers after being traded during the 2022 offseason.
While Mack is one of the highest paid defensive players of all time, he's, amazingly, not even the highest paid defensive player on the Chargers' roster. The Chargers, like the Raiders, are putting a premium on edge rushers ahead of the 2022 NFL season.
Also Checkout:- Aaron Donald's Contract