The top free agent wide receivers in the 2023 NFL offseason.
An NFL safety's versatility far surpasses any other position out on the field and the appreciation is reflected in their paychecks.
Last offseason, Derwin James and the Los Angeles Chargers agreed to a whopping four-year extension worth $76.4 million, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history.
With 2023 free agency set to officially begin on March 15, let’s take a look at the top 10 highest-paid safeties in the league:
Who are the highest-paid safeties in the NFL?
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Here is how the top 10 shakes out based on average salary (per Spotrac):
- Derwin James, Chargers: $19.133 million ($76.4 million over 4 years)
- Minkah Fitzpatrick, Steelers: $18.403 million ($73.6 million over 4 years)
- Jamal Adams, Seahawks: $17.645 million ($70 million over 4 years)
- Jessie Bates, Atlanta Falcons: $16.005 million ($64.02 million over 4 years)
- Harrison Smith, Vikings: $16 million ($64 million over 4 years)
- Justin Simmons, Broncos: $15.25 million ($61 million over 4 years)
- Budda Baker, Cardinals: $14.75 million (59 million over 4 years)
- Eddie Jackson, Bears: $14.6 million ($58.4 million over 4 years)
- Kevin Byard, Titans $14.1 million ($70.5 million over 5 years)
- Marcus Williams, Ravens: $14 million ($70 million over 5 years)
How much do NFL safeties get paid?
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The average salary for safeties in 2022 was above $5 million per year.
Who is the highest-paid safety in NFL history?
James agreed to a four-year extension worth $76.4 million with the Chargers in 2022 to become the highest-paid safety in NFL history.
