The NFL’s passing game focus has made top cornerbacks more valuable than ever. Finding a true shutdown corner is tough, especially since the league’s rules favor the offense. The best cornerbacks can lock down or at least limit elite wide receivers, making those wide receiver-cornerback battles some of the most intense one-on-one matchups in football. Mastering the cornerback position takes great skill, which is why the top players in the position are earning close to $20 million a year.
Recently, Denver Broncos’ Pat Surtain II set a new benchmark with his four-year, $96 million extension, but it didn’t take long for Miami Dolphins’ Jalen Ramsey to one-up him. Ramsey signed a three-year, $72.3 million deal, giving him an annual average value of $24.1 million—just above Surtain’s $24 million. Both deals show just how much teams value elite corners.
Here Are The Highest-Paid Cornerbacks In The NFL, Ranked By Their AAV
5) Denzel Ward (Cleveland Browns) 
Denzel Ward signed a five-year, $100.5 million contract with the Cleveland Browns, earning $20.1 million annually. Known for his speed and playmaking, Ward has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections. The Browns selected Ward fourth overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, making him the highest-selected cornerback from Ohio State since 1997. On July 24, 2018, Ward signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $29.16 million contract, including a $19.29 million signing bonus.
Ward made his NFL debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording six tackles, three pass breakups, and two interceptions. In Week 5, he intercepted a pass and blocked a field goal, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. He finished his rookie season with 53 tackles, three interceptions, 11 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 13 games. Ward earned Pro Bowl and NFL All-Rookie Team honors.
In 2019, Ward scored a 61-yard pick-six against the Bengals. His 2020 season saw him intercept Dak Prescott and Carson Wentz in crucial moments. The Browns exercised his fifth-year option on April 23, 2021, guaranteeing $13.29 million for the 2022 season. Ward had another strong season, earning a Pro Bowl nod and recording a 99-yard pick-six against the Bengals. On April 18, 2022, the Browns extended his contract for five years at $100.5 million, including $71.25 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history at the time. Ward played 13 games in 2023 with 30 tackles, four assists, and two interceptions.
4) A.J. Terrell (Atlanta Falcons) 
A.J. Terrell signed a four-year, $81 million contract extension with the Atlanta Falcons, bringing in an AAV of $20.25 million. Terrell has become a key player for the Falcons with his standout coverage skills. The Falcons drafted Terrell 16th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. On July 20, 2020, he signed a four-year, fully guaranteed $14.31 million rookie contract, including a $7.96 million signing bonus.
Terrell recorded his first career interception in Week 6 of the 2020 season, picking off Kirk Cousins. In Week 13, he recorded a career-high 13 tackles against the Chargers. The 2021 season saw Terrell intercept three passes and record his first career sack. He was named second-team All-Pro and received an overall grade of 82.7 from Pro Football Focus, ranking second among cornerbacks.
Terrell’s 2022 season included six tackles, three passes defended in Week 3, and a fumble recovery in Week 6. He suffered a hamstring injury in Week 7, missing three games, but returned in Week 11. In 2023, Terrell played all 17 games, posting 34 tackles and 11 assists. On August 22, 2024, he signed a four-year, $81 million extension.
3) Jaire Alexander (Green Bay Packers) 
Jaire Alexander secured a four-year, $84 million contract with the Green Bay Packers, earning $21 million annually. Known for his ball skills and coverage ability, Alexander has earned two Pro Bowl selections. On May 18, 2022, Alexander signed this extension through the 2026 season. By December, he earned a spot in the 2023 Pro Bowl. He concluded the 2022 season with 56 tackles, five interceptions, and 14 passes defended in 16 starts. His peers ranked him 26th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.
In 2023, Alexander faced some controversy. In Week 16 against the Panthers, although not a team captain, he participated in the coin toss and mistakenly chose defense, potentially forcing a kickoff. Captains may only decide to receive, kick, or defer such choices. The Packers suspended him for their Week 17 game against the Vikings for conduct detrimental to the team. Alexander started seven games in 2023, finishing with 23 tackles and four assists.
2) Patrick Surtain II (Denver Broncos) 
Patrick Surtain II is under a four-year, $96 million contract with the Denver Broncos, boasting an AAV of $24 million. Known for his lockdown coverage, Surtain has quickly risen among the league’s top young cornerbacks. The Broncos drafted Surtain ninth overall in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. On May 18, 2021, Surtain signed his four-year rookie contract worth $20.9 million.
Surtain recorded his first career interception in Week 2 against fellow rookie Trevor Lawrence, leading the Broncos to a 23–13 win over the Jaguars. In Week 12, he made five tackles and intercepted two passes, including a 70-yard pick-six, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Surtain started 16 games as a rookie, missing only the regular season finale. He recorded 58 tackles, four interceptions, and 14 passes defended. Pro Football Focus and the Pro Football Writers of America named him to their 2021 All-Rookie Team.
In 2022, Surtain started all 17 games, finishing with 60 tackles, two interceptions, ten passes defended, and one forced fumble. He earned Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors. The Broncos picked up Surtain’s fifth-year option on April 23, 2024. They later signed him to a four-year, $96 million extension, including $77.5 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history. Surtain’s new deal keeps him with Denver through the 2029 season.
1) Jalen Ramsey (Miami Dolphins) 
Jalen Ramsey signed a three-year, $72.3 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. The contract includes an average annual value (AAV) of $24.1 million, with $55.3 million guaranteed. A seven-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro, and Super Bowl champion with the Rams in 2021, Ramsey made an impact in his first season with Miami. He recorded three interceptions and 22 tackles in 10 games. The Dolphins acquired Ramsey on March 15, 2023, trading a 2023 third-round draft pick and tight end Hunter Long to the Los Angeles Rams. This pick came from the Patriots in the DeVante Parker trade.
Ramsey suffered a torn meniscus during training camp, sidelining him for months. The Dolphins placed him on injured reserve on August 31, 2023, but he returned on October 28. In Week 8, Ramsey intercepted Mac Jones, marking his first interception as a Dolphin. In Week 11, he intercepted two passes against the Las Vegas Raiders, including a game-sealing play. This performance earned him the AFC Defensive Player of the Week honor. Ramsey started ten games in the 2023 season, finishing with three interceptions and five passes defended. He also earned his seventh consecutive Pro Bowl selection.
On September 6, 2024, Ramsey signed a three-year, $72.3 million extension with the Dolphins, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL.
