2022 biggest NFL contracts by position and highest-paid players
![NFL Contracts 2022; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws the ball during AFC practice at the Las Vegas Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports NFL Contracts 2022; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws the ball during AFC practice at the Las Vegas Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f3332126c85ea6d245cf206fec125342c0ec52ff5dee494ade8e696382b9503b.jpg)
Biggest NFL contracts at the safety position
Total Money: Kevin Byard, Tennessee Titans (five years, $70.5 million)
Kevin Byard is a two-time All Pro selection and one of the most underrated NFL defenders in the NFL, at least by fan and media hype standards.
The Tennessee Titans certainly don’t “underrate” their star safety. They have paid him the biggest total money deal of any safety in the NFL right now at $70.5 million in total money.
Byard is coming off of another tremendous season for the Titans with five interceptions and 13 passes defensed, along with a pair of forced fumbles. He’s a crucial piece of Mike Vrabel’s sneaky excellent defense.
Average annual value: Jamal Adams, Seattle Seahawks ($17.5M per year)
Highest guarantee: Jamal Adams, Seattle Seahawks ($38 million)
Some would consider the Jamal Adams trade and subsequent contract to be one of the worst in the NFL in either category.
Had the Seahawks not just traded Russell Wilson in the 2022 offseason, their deal to acquire Jamal Adams would likely still be considered the worst trade this team has made, at least recently.
Adams is getting paid a whopping $17.5 million per season with $38 million in total guarantees, and he’s missed nine games over the past two seasons.
The return on investment for Jamal Adams’ contract has not been great so far for the Seahawks.