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THE 2024 NFL free agency is under way – and it is not just quarterbacks who have landed big-money deals.
A number of key NFL defensive players have secured top-dollar moves and lucrative extensions in recent weeks.
Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones poses with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after victory in Super Bowl LVIII[/caption]
Jones capitalized on his success with a new five-year deal worth $158m[/caption]
Super Bowl champions Chris Jones and L’Jarius Sneed have cashed in on their success with the Kansas City Chiefs to secure their financial futures.
Here is a look at the biggest contracts signed in each defensive position during the 2024 NFL offseason thus far.
Defensive End – Jonathan Greenard
In March, Jonathan Greenard agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings.
The defensive end had been a free agent following a successful spell with the Houston Texans.
Jonathan Greenard has moved to the Minnesota Vikings in a big-money move[/caption]
The big-money move came following a career-best season for the 26-year-old last year.
He posted career-highs in sacks (12.5), tackles (52), quarterback hits (22), tackles for loss (15) and games played (15).
Greenard was a third-round draft pick by the Texans in 2021.
Defensive Tackle – Chris Jones
The three-time Super Bowl champion recently signed an eye-watering deal worth $158.75 million over five years.
All the money in the first three years of the contract extension – $95 million – is guaranteed, per ESPN.
With this deal, the five-time All-Pro has become the highest-paid defensive tackle in league history based on an annual salary.
Last year, Jones signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs before committing to the team for the long term.
And the 29-year-old has vowed to stay as hungry for success as ever despite his new riches.
“Every year I just chase greatness,” he said.
“I don’t think (any) amount of money is going to change my love and passion for the game of football no matter how successful I’ll be. I’m always chasing greater heights.
“So, I think the Chiefs understand and see my perspective of the game and how much I love the game of football.”
Outside Linebacker – Josh Allen
In April, Josh Allen signed a five-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars worth $150 million.
Allen ranks sixth in pressures (228) and is tied for 10th in sacks (32) in the NFL over the past three seasons.
Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen has signed a $150m extension[/caption]
With 45 sacks, Allen also ranks second on the Jaguars’ all-time list, trailing Tony Brackens by 10.
“I’m extremely blessed and honored to get this paycheck, or to get these checks, but I still set goals for myself,” Allen said.
“Defensive Player of the Year is my next goal. Winning a Super Bowl, being an MVP.”
The Jaguars followed up Allen’s deal by handing a $275 million contract to quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Inside Linebacker – Patrick Queen
Patrick Queen was one of the stars of the Baltimore Ravens‘ defense in 2023.
But Queen has now joined the rival Pittsburgh Steelers in a three-year deal worth $41 million.
Patrick Queen chose less money to move to the Pittsburgh Steelers[/caption]
The deal is worth $13.7 million per season, making Queen the highest-paid linebacker in the free agency market.
The 24-year-old had a career-high 133 tackles in 2023.
Queen revealed he took less money from the Steelers than he was offered elsewhere as he wanted to “win now.”
“From all the 15 teams that I was talking to, it came down to like five at the end,” Queen said.
“It was just like five teams in the mix. Some of them were offering some $17 [million per year].
“After that it was like, I have a chance to either go win or I have a chance to get paid. For me, the difference was like $4 [million] or $5 million.
“I’m looking at it like, I’ve never been on a losing team before, and then I also don’t want to be a part of anything being rebuilt because I’m trying to win now.”
Cornerback – L’Jarius Sneed
Sneed won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs – but he decided to move on to get a big-money contract.
In the offseason, the cornerback signed a four-year, $76.4 million deal with the Tennessee Titans, which includes $55 million in guaranteed money.
L’Jarius Sneed celebrates the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIII victory over the San Francisco 49ers[/caption]
As well as contractual certainty, Sneed is now one of the highest paid cornerbacks in the league with a deal worth $19. 1 million.
Sneed recorded 40 passes defensed, with 10 interceptions, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and 6.5 sacks in his four seasons with the Chiefs.
Free Safety – Antoine Winfield Jr.
Antoine Winfield Jr. agreed to a four-year, $84.1 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the offseason.
The deal includes $45 million in guaranteed money, the most ever given to a safety.
Antoine Winfield Jr. is one of the highest-paid safeties in league history[/caption]
Winfield recorded a career-high six forced fumbles in a hugely successful 2023 campaign.
He started in all 17 games, and had a career-high 122 tackles, six sacks, three interceptions and 12 passes defensed.
Strong Safety – Xavier McKinney
The free agent swapped the New York Giants for the Green Bay Packers in a deal worth $68 million over four years.
The deal has made McKinney the third highest-paid safety in the NFL in terms of average annual salary at $17 million per year.
Xavier McKinney is the latest big star to leave the New York Giants in free agency[/caption]
McKinney finished with a career-high 116 total tackles, 3 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries with the Giants last year.
During his contract year, McKinney also played every down on defense in 2023.
His departure was another blow for the Giants, who also lost running back Saquon Barkley to the Philadelphia Eagles.
