The James Caldwellalways-increasing emphasis on the passing game has made the NFL's top cornerbacks even more valuable.

Shutdown cornerbacks are very difficult to find, with the league's best capable of shutting down — or at least limiting, given how the rules are significantly slanted toward offense — the top wide receivers. The skill level required to master the position also is considerable, with wide receiver-cornerback duels among the most intense one-on-one matchups in the game. This is why the highest-paid cornerbacks annually make around $20 million a season. A total of 21 cornerbacks average eight-figure annual salaries.

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Who is the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL?

In May 2022, Jaire Alexander agreed to a four-year $84 million contract extension with the Green Bay Packers. The $21 million-per-season average on that deal makes Alexander the league's highest-paid cornerback. This offseason, however, Alexander agreed to restructure his contract, saving the team cap space this year and pushing back that money to future seasons.

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2023 NFL cornerback salary rankings

Here are the cornerback salary rankings based on average annual value, according to Over The Cap.

1. Jaire Alexander, Green Bay Packers: $21 million (4 years, $84 million)

2. Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns: $20.1 million (5 years, $100.5 million)

3. Jalen Ramsey, Miami Dolphins: $20 million (5 years, $100 million)

4. Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens: $19.5 million (5 years, $97.5 million)

5 (tie). Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys: $19.4 million (5 years, $97 million)

5 (tie). Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints: $19.4 million (5 years, $97 million)

7. Xavien Howard, Miami Dolphins: $18 million (5 years, $90 million)

8. Tre'Davious White, Buffalo Bills: $17.25 million (4 years, $69 million)

9. J.C. Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers: $16.5 million (5 years, $82.5 million)

10. Carlton Davis, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $14.83 million (3 years, $44.5 million)

11. Darius Slay, Philadelphia Eagles: $14 million (3 years, $42 million)

12. Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers: $13.5 million (3 years, $40.5 million)

13 (tie). Adoree' Jackson, New York Giants: $13 million (3 years, $39 million)

13 (tie). Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $13 million (4 years, $52 million)

15. James Bradberry, Philadelpha Eagles: $12.66 million (3 years, $38 million)

16. Donte Jackson, Carolina Panthers: $11.72 million (3 years, $38 million)

17 (tie). Cameron Sutton, Detroit Lions: $11 million (3 years, $33 million)

17 (tie). D.J. Reed, New York Jets: $11 million (3 years, $33 million)

19 (tie). Kendall Fuller, Washington Commanders: $10 million (4 years, $40 million)

19 (tie). Stephon Gilmore, Dallas Cowboys: $10 million (2 years, $20 million)

19 (tie). Darious Williams, Jacksonville Jaguars: $10 million (3 years, $30 million)

22. Jonathan Jones, New England Patriots: $9.5 million (2 years, $19 million)

23. Byron Murphy, Minnesota Vikings: $8.75 million (2 years, $17.5 million)

24. Derek Stingley Jr., Houston Texans: $8.66 million (4 years, $34.65 million)

25. Michael Davis, Los Angeles Chargers: $8.4 million (3 years, $25.2 million)

26. Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, New York Jets: $8.36 million (4 years, $33.45 million)

27. Kenny Moore, Indianapolis Colts: $8.32 million (4 years, $33.3 million)

28. Taron Johnson, Buffalo Bills: $8 million (3 years, $24 million)

29. Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks: $7.96 million (4 years, $31.86 million)

30. Avonte Maddox, Philadelphia Eagles: $7.5 million (3 years, $22.5 million)

31. Chidobe Awuzie, Cincinnati Bengals: $7.25 million (3 years, $21.75 million)

32 (tie). Patrick Peterson, Pittsburgh Steelers: $7 million (2 years, $14 million)

32 (tie). Rasul Douglas, Green Bay Packers: $7 million (3 years, $21 million)

Here’s the list of all the positions

• Highest-paid NFL players
• Quarterbacks
• Running back
• Receivers
• Tight ends
• Offensive tackles
• Offensive guards
• Centers
• Edge rushers
• Interior defensive linemen
• Linebackers
• Safeties
• Kickers
• Punters