Since the salary cap's inception in 1994, the NFL has seen various positional players achieve record-breaking contracts. Yet, it wasn't until recently that a safety clinched the title of the highest-paid defensive back under this economic construct. Antoine Winfield Jr. of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers now holds this distinguished honor.
A Landmark Contract for Winfield
In a significant move, Winfield signed a four-year, $84.1 million contract in May. This deal translates to an average annual value of $21.025 million, solidifying his place at the top of the defensive back salary charts. Prior to this lucrative agreement, Winfield was designated as a franchise player, carrying a hefty $17.123 million tag for the season.
His remarkable contract is a historic marker, underscoring the increasing value and importance of the safety position in today's game. With $45 million in guarantees, all of which are fully guaranteed at signing, his deal stands as a formidable testament to his skill and impact on the field.
Comparative Contracts: Cornerbacks vs. Safeties
Before Winfield's contract, Jaire Alexander held the title of the highest-paid defensive back since 2022. Alexander's four-year deal with the Green Bay Packers, worth $84 million, averaged $21 million per year, marginally trailing Winfield’s recent earnings.
Jalen Ramsey also set significant benchmarks with his five-year, $100 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams in 2020. Ramsey’s contract set cornerback records with $43.703 million fully guaranteed at signing and $71.203 million in total guarantees. Denzel Ward continued this trend with a five-year, $100.5 million extension in 2022, which included $71.25 million in guarantees and $44.5 million fully guaranteed at signing.
The Evolution of Defensive Back Salaries
The evolution of contracts for defensive backs, particularly cornerbacks, has been notable yet not as explosive as for safeties. Since the end of the 2020 regular season, the ceiling for safety salaries has soared by 42.54%. In contrast, the cornerback market has grown by only 5% within the same period. This stark difference highlights the shifting valuation within the defensive secondary.
Other notable contracts in recent history include Trevon Diggs' five-year, $97 million extension in 2023, containing $42.304 million in guarantees and $33.304 million fully guaranteed at signing. Marshon Lattimore also secured a five-year extension with the New Orleans Saints in 2021, valued at $19.4 million per year, supplemented by significant guarantees.
Performance and Projections
Jaylon Johnson, who received a $19.802 million franchise tag, further contributed to this competitive landscape by securing a four-year, $76 million contract. His performance in 2023 has been nothing short of spectacular, with opposing quarterbacks completing only 46.3% of passes when targeting him and Johnson racking up a career-high four interceptions.
Another dynamic player is L'Jarius Sneed, who, after being tagged by the Kansas City Chiefs, was traded to the Tennessee Titans for future draft picks. On the award front, Sauce Gardner, recognized as the 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Patrick Surtain II, who secured a fully guaranteed fifth-year option for 2025 with the Denver Broncos, continue to underscore the impact young, elite defensive backs can have in the league.
As player salaries and contract negotiations evolve, the emphasis on securing top-tier defensive talent remains a cornerstone for NFL franchises. Antoine Winfield Jr.'s groundbreaking contract is not just a win for safeties but a defining moment that may reshape future valuations and strategies for defensive backs across the board.