Largest 2025 Cap Hits: Defense

The 2025 offseason has been defined in no small part by extensions amongst the league’s top edge rushers. A number of high-profile situations on that front remain unresolved at this point, which will make for interesting storylines over the coming weeks. Still, pass rushers once again account for some of the top cap charges around the NFL.

Just like on offense, here is a breakdown of the top 25 defensive cap hits in 2025:

1. Maxx Crosby, DE (Raiders): $38.15MM
2. T.J. Watt, OLB (Steelers): $30.42MM
3. DeForest Buckner, DT (Colts): $26.6MM
4. Daron Payne, DT (Commanders): $26.17MM
5. Rashan Gary, OLB (Packers): $25.77MM
6. Montez Sweat, DE (Bears): $25.09MM
7. Denzel Ward, CB (Browns): $24.56MM
8. Micah Parsons, DE (Cowboys): $24.01MM
9. Derwin James, S (Chargers): $23.86MM
10. Roquan Smith, LB (Ravens): $23.72MM
11. Dexter Lawrence, DT (Giants): $23.64MM
12. Chris Jones, DT (Chiefs): $23.6MM
13. Jeffery Simmons, DT (Titans): $22.7MM
14. L’Jarius Sneed, CB (Titans): $22.58MM
15. Vita Vea, DT (Buccaneers): $22.47MM
16. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S (Dolphins): $22.36MM
17. Jonathan Greenard, DE (Vikings): $22.3MM
18. Jessie Bates, S (Falcons): $22.25MM
19. Myles Garrett, DE (Browns): $21.92MM)
20. Quinnen Williams, DT (Jets): $21.59MM
21. Jaylon Johnson, CB (Bears): $21MM
22. Nick Bosa, DE (49ers): $20.43MM
23. Kenny Clark, DT (Packers): $20.37MM
24. Danielle Hunter, DE (Texans): $20.2MM
25. Zach Allen, DE (Broncos): $19.8MM

Crosby briefly held the title of the league’s highest-paid pass rusher when his latest Raiders extension was signed. That $35.5MM-per-year pact was quickly overtaken in value, but it put to rest speculation about a potential trade. Now fully healthy, Crosby’s level of play in 2025 will be critical in determining Vegas’ success.

Garrett currently leads the way in terms of AAV for edge rushers (and, in turn, all defensive players). He landed $40MM in annual compensation from the Browns in a deal which ended his long-running trade request. The four-time All-Pro sought a change of scenery to a Super Bowl contender but then altered his stance following communication with Cleveland’s front office. Garrett is now on the books through 2030.

Other notable pass rushers face an uncertain future beyond the coming campaign, by contrast. That includes Watt, who is not close to reaching an agreement on a third Steelers contract. The former Defensive Player of the Year is reported to be eyeing a pact which will again move him to the top of the pecking order for pass rushers. He thus finds himself in a similar situation to fellow 30-year-old All-Pro Trey Hendrickson with the Bengals.

While Hendrickson is believed to be aiming for a new deal similar in average annual value to those like Bosa and Hunter’s, Parsons could leapfrog Watt atop the pecking order by the time the season begins. Little (if any) progress has been made since Parsons and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reached a handshake agreement on the framework of a deal. Time remains for a pact to be finalized before training camp; failing that, the possibility of a hold-in will...