NFL's highest-paid safeties list: Ranking the top salaries for the position in 2026
Safety salaries have surged across the NFL, and the 2026 rankings feature several defensive stars earning more than $20 million per season.
Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James leads the position with an average annual salary of $25.2 million. Baltimore Ravens star Kyle Hamilton is right behind him at $25.1 million.
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph ranks third at $21.25 million, while Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. sits fourth at $21.03 million.
Arizona Cardinals veteran Budda Baker completes the top five at $18 million per year.
According to OverTheCap.com, 22 NFL safeties are currently scheduled to earn at least $10 million per season in average annual salary. Eleven safeties are set to make at least $15 million.
The salary figures are based on average annual value through August 30, 2026.
Who Is the Highest-Paid Safety in the NFL?
Derwin James of the Los Angeles Chargers is the highest-paid safety in the NFL for the 2026 season.
James has an average annual salary of $25.2 million.
His current contract has a total value of $75.6 million, including $54.4 million in guaranteed money.
That contract places James at the top of a competitive safety market.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Safeties in 2026
Here are the highest-paid NFL safeties based on average annual salary.
Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers, $25.2 million
Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens, $25.1 million
Kerby Joseph, Detroit Lions, $21.25 million
Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers, $21.03 million
Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals, $18 million
Trevon Moehrig, Carolina Panthers, $17 million
Xavier McKinney, Green Bay Packers, $16.75 million
Jessie Bates III, Atlanta Falcons, $16.01 million
Jevon Holland, New York Giants, $15.1 million
Cam Bynum, Indianapolis Colts, $15 million
Grant Delpit, Cleveland Browns, $15 million
The final spot is a tie between Cam Bynum and Grant Delpit, giving the ranking 11 players in the top 10 positions.
Derwin James Leads a Closely Contested Safety Market
Derwin James holds the top spot, but his lead is extremely narrow.
His $25.2 million average annual salary is only $100,000 higher than Kyle Hamilton's $25.1 million.
That makes the battle at the top of the safety salary rankings one of the closest among NFL defensive positions.
James' $75.6 million contract includes $54.4 million in guaranteed money.
Kyle Hamilton Ranks Second
Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton is second among the NFL's highest-paid safeties.
Hamilton has an average annual salary of $25.1 million.
He trails James by only $100,000, putting the Ravens star within striking distance of the top salary at his position.
Three More Safeties Make at Least $15 Million
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III ranks eighth at $16.01 million.
New York Giants safety Jevon Holland follows at $15.1 million.
Indianapolis Colts safety Cam Bynum and Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit are tied at $15 million.
With 11 safeties earning at least $15 million, the position continues to attract significant financial investment.
How Many NFL Safeties Make at Least $10 Million?
The safety market has become increasingly lucrative.
According to the supplied 2026 salary data, 22 safeties are scheduled to make at least $10 million per season in average annual salary.
Eleven players are scheduled to earn at least $15 million.
That puts safety among the NFL's better-paid defensive positions, although the top salaries remain below those of elite quarterbacks and edge rushers.
How Does the Safety Market Compare With Other Positions?
Derwin James' $25.2 million salary makes him the highest-paid safety in 2026.
However, that figure remains well below the league's highest-paid players overall.
Patrick Mahomes leads the broader NFL salary rankings at $64 million per year, while Will Anderson Jr. leads edge rushers at $50 million.
The figures show the different salary levels across NFL positions.
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
NFL Highest-Paid Safeties FAQ
Who is the highest-paid safety in the NFL in 2026?
Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James is the highest-paid safety at $25.2 million per year.
How much is Derwin James' contract worth?
James' current contract has a total value of $75.6 million, with $54.4 million guaranteed.
Who is the second-highest-paid safety?
Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton ranks second at $25.1 million per year.
How much does Kerby Joseph make?
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph has an average annual salary of $21.25 million.
How much does Antoine Winfield Jr. make?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. earns $21.03 million per year based on average annual salary.
Who is the highest-paid safety on the Arizona Cardinals?
Budda Baker leads the Cardinals' safety salary rankings at $18 million per year.
How many safeties make at least $15 million?
Eleven NFL safeties are currently listed at $15 million or more in average annual salary.
Which safeties are tied at $15 million?
Indianapolis Colts safety Cam Bynum and Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit are tied at $15 million per year.
2026 NFL Safety Salary Rankings: Key Takeaways
Derwin James leads all safeties at $25.2 million per year.
Kyle Hamilton ranks second at $25.1 million.
Kerby Joseph earns $21.25 million annually.
Antoine Winfield Jr. earns $21.03 million.
Budda Baker earns $18 million.
Trevon Moehrig earns $17 million.
Xavier McKinney earns $16.75 million.
Jessie Bates III earns $16.01 million.
Jevon Holland earns $15.1 million.
Cam Bynum and Grant Delpit are tied at $15 million.
Twenty-two safeties are scheduled to make at least $10 million per year based on the supplied data.
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