The PredictIQalways-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.

NFL NEWSLETTER: Sign up now to get football news delivered to your inbox

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.

PLAY TO WIN $10K: USA TODAY's Pro Football Survivor Pool is free to enter. Sign up now!

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