Who are the highest paid defensive linemen in the NFL entering the 2023 season?

Here's a look at the Top 10 defensive linemen in the league (only interior, not edge rushers), ranked by average annual salary, per overthecap.com, a site that tracks NFL player contracts (through July 25, 2023).

The Los Angeles Rams' Aaron Donald leads the list, at $31.7 million per year.

The New York Jets' Quinnen Williams is second, at $24 million, with the Tennessee Titans' Jeffrey Simmons third, at $23.5 million.

The Washington Commanders' Daron Payne is fourth with an annual average salary of $22.5 million, while the New York Giants' Dexter Lawrence is fifth at $22.5 million.

NFL's highest paid players in 2023: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide receivers | Tight ends | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Linebackers | O-linemen | D-linemen | Edge rushers | Highest paid players: Overall | By position | By team

NFL's highest paid defensive linemen in 2023 (average salary per year):

• 1. Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald: $31.7 million

• 2. Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams: $24 million

• 3. Titans defensive lineman Jeffrey Simmons: $23.5 million

• 4. Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne: $22.5 million

• 4. Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence: $22.5 million

• 6. 49ers defensive lineman Javon Hargrave: $21 million

• 6. Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams: $21 million

• 6. Colts defensive lineman DeForest Buckner: $21 million

• 9. Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones: $20 million

• 10. Commanders defensive lineman Jonathan Allen: $18 million

- Source: overthecap.com

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NFL's highest paid defensive linemen: Rankings for 2023 NFL season