NFL's Highest-Paid Defensive Linemen in 2026: Jalen Carter Leads the Top 10
Defensive linemen continue to command some of the biggest contracts in the NFL. Teams are willing to spend heavily on interior defenders who can pressure quarterbacks, stop the run and disrupt opposing offenses.
For the 2026 NFL season, 25 defensive linemen, excluding edge rushers, are scheduled to earn at least $15 million per year in average annual salary. Nineteen players are making at least $20 million annually.
Philadelphia Eagles star Jalen Carter leads the position with an average annual salary of $38 million.
The rankings are based on average annual contract value, according to Over The Cap data through Aug. 30, 2026.
Who Is the Highest-Paid Defensive Lineman in the NFL?
Jalen Carter of the Philadelphia Eagles is the highest-paid defensive lineman in the NFL in 2026.
Carter's contract carries a total value of $152 million and includes $106.85 million in guaranteed money.
His $38 million average annual salary puts him at the top of the defensive line salary rankings.
Top 10 Highest-Paid NFL Defensive Linemen in 2026
Here are the 10 highest-paid defensive linemen based on average annual salary.
Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles, $38 million per year
Quinnen Williams, Dallas Cowboys, $35.3 million per year
Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans, $35.28 million per year
Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs, $31.75 million per year
Vita Vea, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, $30 million per year
Dexter Lawrence, Cincinnati Bengals, $28 million per year
Milton Williams, New England Patriots, $26 million per year
Jordan Davis, Philadelphia Eagles, $26 million per year
Zach Allen, Denver Broncos, $25.5 million per year
Nnamdi Madubuike, Baltimore Ravens, $24.5 million per year
Jalen Carter Leads Defensive Line Salaries
Carter sits alone at the top of the defensive lineman salary rankings with a $38 million average annual salary.
Quinnen Williams ranks second at $35.3 million, while Jeffery Simmons is third at $35.28 million. The gap between the second and third spots is only $20,000 per season.
Chris Jones ranks fourth at $31.75 million, followed by Vita Vea at $30 million.
Five Defensive Linemen Earn at Least $30 Million
The 2026 rankings feature five defensive linemen with average annual salaries of at least $30 million.
Jalen Carter leads the group, followed by Quinnen Williams, Jeffery Simmons, Chris Jones and Vita Vea.
The numbers demonstrate the financial value teams place on dominant interior defensive players who can affect both the passing and running game.
NFL Defensive Lineman Salary Rankings for 2026
The list includes several established stars, including Chris Jones, Vita Vea and Dexter Lawrence.
Milton Williams and Jordan Davis are tied at $26 million per year. Zach Allen ranks ninth at $25.5 million, while Nnamdi Madubuike rounds out the top 10 at $24.5 million.
With 19 defensive linemen earning at least $20 million annually, the position remains one of the NFL's most highly valued areas.
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 Defensive Linemen in 2026
Who is the highest-paid defensive lineman in the NFL in 2026?
Jalen Carter of the Philadelphia Eagles is the highest-paid defensive lineman in 2026. He has an average annual salary of $38 million.
How much is Jalen Carter's contract worth?
Jalen Carter's contract is worth $152 million in total and includes $106.85 million in guaranteed money.
Who is the second-highest-paid defensive lineman in the NFL?
Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Quinnen Williams ranks second. He earns an average annual salary of $35.3 million.
How many defensive linemen make at least $30 million per year?
Five defensive linemen have an average annual salary of at least $30 million in 2026. They are Jalen Carter, Quinnen Williams, Jeffery Simmons, Chris Jones and Vita Vea.
Which team has two of the highest-paid defensive linemen?
The Philadelphia Eagles have two players in the top 10. Jalen Carter ranks first at $38 million per year, while Jordan Davis ranks seventh at $26 million.
Who is the highest-paid defensive lineman on the Kansas City Chiefs?
Chris Jones is the highest-paid Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman on the list. He earns an average of $31.75 million per year.
Who is the highest-paid defensive lineman on the Cincinnati Bengals?
Dexter Lawrence ranks among the highest-paid defensive linemen in 2026. He earns an average annual salary of $28 million.
How many NFL defensive linemen make at least $20 million per year?
Nineteen defensive linemen are currently scheduled to earn at least $20 million per season in average annual salary for 2026.
How many defensive linemen make at least $15 million per year?
Twenty-five defensive linemen, excluding edge rushers, are currently set to earn at least $15 million per year in average annual salary.
How are the highest-paid defensive linemen ranked?
The rankings are based on average annual salary, which represents 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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