Highest-Paid Defensive Tackles in the NFL: Full Breakdown

The Eagles have locked up one of their young defensive stars.

On Tuesday, the franchise agreed to terms on a four-year, $152 million contract extension with defensive tackle Jalen Carter, per Adam Schefter. The deal is worth up to $160 million and includes $106 million in guaranteed money, making Carter one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league. Carter became extension eligible earlier this offseason, and the two-time Pro Bowler has cashed in ahead of his fourth NFL season.

ORR: What Vita Vea’s Trade Request and Jalen Carter’s Extension Say About the DT Market

So where does Carter's new deal rank among players at his position? Here's a look at the highest-paid defensive tackles in the NFL as Carter re-signs with the Eagles.

Who is the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL?

With his new contract, Carter is now the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL in terms of both average annual salary and guaranteed money. He surpasses Jeffrey Simmons, who previously re-signed with the Titans on a three-year, $105.8 million extension in June.

Top 10 highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL

Here are the 10 highest-paid defensive tackles in the NFL, via Over the Cap. There is a tie for 10th place between the Cowboys' Quinnen Williams and Panthers' Derrick Brown.

Player	Team	Average Annual Salary	Total Contract Value
Jalen Carter	Eagles	$38 million	$152,000,000
Jeffrey Simmons	Titans	$35.28 million	$105,828,000
Chris Jones	Chiefs	$31.75 million	$158,750,000
Dexter Lawrence II	Bengals	$28 million	$28,000,000
Milton Williams	Patriots	$26 million	$104,000,000
Jordan Davis	Eagles	$26 million	$78,000,000
Zach Allen	Broncos	$25.5 million	$102,000,000
Nnamdi Madubuike	Ravens	$24.5 million	$98,000,000
Alim McNeill	Lions	$24.25 million	$97,000,000
Quinnen Williams	Cowboys	$24 million	$96,000,000
Derrick Brown	Panthers	$24 million	$96,000,000

Who could be the next highest-paid defensive tackle?

It's unclear who could surpass Carter as the next highest-paid defensive tackle in the league. Carter was the obvious candidate to become the highest-paid defensive tackle, and has just taken that title. The primary other player with case that he is a better defensive tackle than Carter is Jeffrey Simmons, who was already extended earlier this offseason.

A defensive tackle that could get paid in the near future—even if he doesn't become the highest-paid—is Vita Vea, who requested a trade this week. Vea is entering the final year of a four-year, $71 million deal he signed in 2022 that is worth $17.75 million per year, well below the current market rate for top defensive tackles. Whether he and the Buccaneers get a deal done or he is traded, Vea could certainly sign an extension in the near future. Quinnen Williams, who was traded to the Cowboys last offseason, could also command a new contract in the near future. Williams is still under contract for two more years, but last signed a deal with the Jets in 2023 and could be seeking a raise.

As for a couple younger defensive tackles on their rookie contracts, look for Kobie Turner and Byron Murphy II to break through and receive large extensions over the next year or two.

How defensive tackle salaries have changed over time

As with all positions, salaries have grown exponentially at the defensive tackle position over the past 50 years. Hall of Fame defensive tackle "Mean" Joe Greene was the highest-paid defensive lineman in 1978 with a salary of $174,000, according to The Washington Post. By the late 1990s, Hall of Fame defensive tackle Bryant Young became the highest-paid defensive tackle by signing a six-year, $26 million deal, per the SF Gate.

Just over a decade ago in 2015, Ndamukong Suh became the highest-paid defensive player in history when he signed a six-year, $114 million deal with the Dolphins. Three years later, future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald topped him with a six-year, $135 million deal with the Rams in 2018. In 2022, after winning the Super Bowl, Donald was given a raise and deservedly became the first defensive tackle and non-quarterback to earn $30 million per year in average salary.

How defensive tackle salaries compare to other positions

The highest-paid defensive tackles only trail quarterbacks, receivers and edge rushers for the top-paid position in the game. They are also making nearly double the amount of the highest-paid linebackers and running backs. Outside of Simmons and Carter, the other highly-paid defensive tackles make a similar amount to the top-paid cornerbacks, who are currently making $30-$31 million.

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