5 highest paid defensive players in NFL history ft. Aaron Donald 

#4 - Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns - $25 million

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett

Myles Garrett signed a huge contract with the Cleveland Browns worth $125 million over five years. The deal includes a massive $100 million dollars in guaranteed money.

The Browns have committed to improving their defense in recent years, using many draft picks on that side of the ball and handing out large contracts. They recently made Denzel Ward one of the highest paid cornerbacks of all time during the 2022 offseason.

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#3 - Joey Bosa, Los Angeles Chargers - $27 million

Los Angeles Chargers EDGE Joey Bosa

Joey Bosa combined with newly acquired edge rusher Khalil Mack for the Los Angeles Chargers to make up the most expensive pass rush duo in NFL history, worth more than $50 millon dollars by AAV. The Chargers also signed cornerback JC Jackson during the 2022 offseason, fully committing to improving their defense.

Bosa's contract with the Chargers is worth $135 million dollars over five seasons, including $102 million dollars in guaranteed money. His deal expires at the conclusion of the 2025 season.

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#2 - TJ Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers - $28 million

Pittsburgh Steelers EDGE TJ Watt

Applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks has long been a staple of the Pittsburgh Steelers' iconic style of defense. This is why they gave a massive contract to TJ Watt, the most productive edge rusher in the NFL.

Watt signed a four-year contract with the Steelers worth more than $112 million, including $80 million in guaranteed money. He was the highest paid non-quarterback in the NFL prior to the 2022 offseason.

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#1 - Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams - $31.67 million

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald

Aaron Donald set a new standard across the league when he renegotiated his contract with the Los Angeles Rams during the 2022 offseason. While he didn't add more years to his current deal, he received a $40 million raise to complete a record-setting contract.

Aaron Donald is now the highest paid defensive player and also the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. He is the first non-quarterback ever with an AAV that exceeds $30 million.