NFL safeties have never ranked among the highest-paid NFL players. And barring a mega deal just before or during the 2022 season, that'll continue for another year.
It took the largest contract for a safety in NFL history to push just one player, Minkah Fitzpatrick, into the top 40 highest-paid NFL players. And while more safeties than ever will make at least $15 million in 2022, the high-end safety salaries still rank worst among all defensive position groups.
By total cash, here are the highest-paid NFL safeties for 2022:
Highest-Paid NFL Safeties: Salary Rankings, 2022
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| Rank | Player | Team | Total Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minkah Fitzpatrick | Steelers | $22.1 million |
| 2 | Marcus Williams | Ravns | $16 million |
| 3 | Justin Simmons | Broncos | $15.1 million |
| 4 | Jamal Adams | Seahawks | $14.4 million |
| 5 | Quandre Diggs | Seahawks | $14 million |
| 6 | Jessie Bates III | Bengals | $12.9 million |
| 7 | Kevin Byard | Titans | $12.5 million |
| 8 | Justin Reid | Chiefs | $11.6 million |
| 9 | Harrison Smith | Vikings | $11.5 million |
| 10 | Eddie Jackson | Bears | $11.1 million |
Approximately half of Minkah Fitzpatrick's four-year, $73.6-million extension – signed in June 2022 – is guaranteed. He's scheduled to earn at least $14.5 million in cash annual from 2023-26.