Jalen Ramsey‘s new $72.3m dollar deal with the Miami Dolphins sent shockwaves through the NFL as cornerbacks begin to demand higher salaries in the sport so who are the top five earners and where does Ramsey rank?
The cornerback is a defensive player whose primary responsibility is to cover wide receivers, prevent successful passing plays, and tackle offensive players. Their main role revolves around pass coverage as they aim to force interceptions from opposing quarterbacks.
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In man-to-man coverage, the cornerback follows a specific wide receiver, trying to stay as close as possible throughout the receiver’s route to prevent the quarterback from completing a pass.
Whilst in zone coverage, the cornerback is responsible for defending a specific area of the field, reacting to receivers who enter that zone demanding quick recognition of routes and understanding the offensive play design.
Another key aspect of a cornerback’s job is defending the pass. They aim to break up passes by positioning themselves between the wide receiver and the ball, or they may attempt to physically knock the ball away mid-air.
Cornerbacks also look for opportunities to intercept passes, which means catching the ball before the intended receiver, allowing the cornerback’s team to gain possession.
Although their primary focus is pass defense, cornerbacks also play a role in run support. They may be required to tackle running backs or other ball carriers, especially if the runner breaks through the defensive line.
Tackling is an essential skill for cornerbacks, particularly when they’re the last line of defense in stopping a big play. So with that said, who are the top five earners in the NFL?
5th: Denzel Ward, $20.1m per year.
The Cleveland Browns locked Denzel Ward down to a $100.5m deal lasting five years averaging at $20.1m per year until 2027 for the man who has been selected to the Pro bowl on three occasions since being drafted in 2018.
4th: A. J. Terrell, $20.25m per year.
A.J. Terrell has been a star of the Atlanta Falcons since making his debut in 2020 and continues to become one of their prized assets thanks to excellent coverage talent, earning him a four-year $81m deal in Georgia, due to expire in 2028.
3rd: Jaire Alexander, $21m per year.
Jaire Alexander’s two Pro Bowl selections since being drafted in 2020 as well as 275 tackles, 11 interceptions and 65 pass deflections turned out to be enough for the Green Bay Packers‘ front office to back him until 2026 on an $84m deal over four years.
2nd: Patrick Surtain II, $24m per year.
Patrick Surtain II has been tipped for big things by the Denver Broncos since his ninth overall pick by the organization in the 2021 NFL Draft so it’s no wonder they briefly made him the highest paid cornerback in the league.
At $96m over four years, he’s still the second highest earner and at the age of 24, it will be interesting to see how far he can race the bar for cornerbacks after earning Pro Bowl selections in 2022 and 2023.
1st: Jalen Ramsey, $24.1m per year.
Fractionally edging out Surtain II is the Miami Dolphins‘ Jalen Ramsey on a three-year $72.3m deal that averages out at $24.1m per year as he becomes the highest-paid cornerback in the entirely of the NFL.
With seven Pro Bowls to his name, three All-Pros and a Super Bowl Championship with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, Ramsey’s resume speaks for itself so it makes complete sense for the Dolphins to back him against rival offenses.
