Who are the NFL's highest-paid cornerbacks? Look at 10 top CBs salaries Rankings in 2026.
The NFL continues to place a premium on elite cornerbacks. With passing offenses becoming more aggressive, teams are willing to invest heavily in defensive backs who can consistently cover top wide receivers.
For the 2026 NFL season, 36 cornerbacks are scheduled to earn at least $10 million per year in average annual salary. Ten cornerbacks are making more than $20 million annually.
Seattle Seahawks star Devon Witherspoon sits at the top of the list with an average annual salary of $33 million.
The rankings below are based on average annual contract value, according to Over The Cap data through Aug. 30, 2026.
Who Is the Highest-Paid Cornerback in the NFL?
Devon Witherspoon is the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL in 2026.
The Seattle Seahawks cornerback has an average annual salary of $33 million. His contract is worth $132 million overall and includes $101 million in guaranteed money.
Witherspoon's contract places him comfortably ahead of the rest of the NFL's highest-paid cornerbacks
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Top 10 Highest-Paid NFL Cornerbacks in 2026
Here are the 10 cornerbacks with the highest average annual salaries entering the 2026 season.
Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks, $33 million per year
Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns, $31.1 million per year
Trent McDuffie, Los Angeles Rams, $31 million per year
Ahmad Gardner, Indianapolis Colts, $30.1 million per year
Derek Stingley Jr., Houston Texans, $30 million per year
Jaycee Horn, Carolina Panthers, $25 million per year
Jalen Ramsey, Miami Dolphins, $24.1 million per year
Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos, $24 million per year
DaRon Bland, Dallas Cowboys, $22.5 million per year
A.J. Terrell, Atlanta Falcons, $20.3 million per year
Devon Witherspoon Leads the NFL's Cornerback Salaries
Witherspoon's $33 million average annual salary makes him the clear leader among NFL cornerbacks.
Denzel Ward ranks second at $31.1 million per year, while Trent McDuffie follows closely at $31 million.
Ahmad Gardner ranks fourth at $30.1 million, with Derek Stingley Jr. rounding out the top five at $30 million annually.
Five Cornerbacks Earn at Least $30 Million Per Year
The 2026 salary rankings show how much the NFL values elite coverage talent.
Witherspoon, Ward, McDuffie, Gardner and Stingley have all reached the $30 million annual salary mark.
That group highlights the growing financial value of cornerbacks who can handle difficult matchups against some of the league's best receivers.
NFL Cornerback Salary Rankings for 2026
The top 10 list features players from 10 different NFL teams. Carolina's Jaycee Horn ranks sixth at $25 million per year, followed by Miami's Jalen Ramsey at $24.1 million.
Denver Broncos star Patrick Surtain II is eighth at $24 million, while Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland earns $22.5 million annually.
Atlanta Falcons defensive back A.J. Terrell completes the top 10 at $20.3 million per year.
Full List of NFL's highest paid players by Each Position in 2026 Season
Highest-Paid Quarterbacks | Highest-Paid Running backs |
Highest-Paid Wide receivers | Highest-Paid Tight ends |
Highest-Paid Cornerbacks | Highest-Paid Safeties |
Highest-Paid Linebackers | Highest-Paid Offensive-linemen |
Highest-Paid Defensive-linemen | Highest-Paid Edge rushers |
Highest paid Kickers | Highest-Paid Punters |
Highest paid Offensive Guards | Highest-Paid Centers |
Highest paid players: Overall Rankings
Highest-Paid Players By position | Highest-Paid Players By team
FAQs About the NFL's Highest-Paid Cornerbacks in 2026
Who is the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL in 2026?
Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks is the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL in 2026. He has an average annual salary of $33 million.
How much is Devon Witherspoon's contract worth?
Devon Witherspoon's contract is worth $132 million in total and includes $101 million in guaranteed money.
Who is the second-highest-paid cornerback in the NFL?
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward ranks second among the NFL's highest-paid cornerbacks in 2026. He earns an average of $31.1 million per year.
How many NFL cornerbacks make more than $20 million per year?
Ten NFL cornerbacks are scheduled to earn more than $20 million per year in average annual salary during the 2026 season.
Which cornerbacks make at least $30 million per year?
Five cornerbacks make at least $30 million annually in 2026. They are Devon Witherspoon, Denzel Ward, Trent McDuffie, Ahmad Gardner and Derek Stingley Jr.
Who is the highest-paid cornerback on the Los Angeles Rams?
Trent McDuffie is the highest-paid Rams cornerback on this list. He earns an average annual salary of $31 million.
Who is the highest-paid cornerback on the Denver Broncos?
Patrick Surtain II is the highest-paid Denver Broncos cornerback on the 2026 list. His average annual salary is $24 million.
Who is the highest-paid Dallas Cowboys cornerback?
DaRon Bland ranks among the NFL's highest-paid cornerbacks in 2026. He earns an average of $22.5 million per year.
How many cornerbacks earn at least $10 million per year?
A total of 36 NFL cornerbacks are currently set to earn at least $10 million per year in average annual salary for the 2026 season.
How are the highest-paid NFL cornerbacks ranked?
The rankings are based on average annual salary, or the average annual value of each player's contract. The figures are based on contract data available through Aug. 30, 2026.
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