The New York Giants are one of the oldest and most famous teams in the National Football League (NFL). They play in the NFC East Division and are known for their strong defence and big fan base. Every year, the Giants pay large contracts to top players to compete at the highest level.
New York Giants Highest Paid Player: Brian Burns
The highest paid player on the New York Giants in 2025–2026 is Brian Burns. He is an outside linebacker (EDGE) and one of the best defenders on the team. The Giants signed him in a major trade and contract deal that made him one of the top-paid defensive players in the NFL.
Brian Burns signed a five-year contract worth $141 million with the New York Giants, with a large amount of that money guaranteed. This deal pays him an average of about $28.2 million per year, making him the highest-paid player on the Giants roster.
Burns has proven himself as a top pass rusher and is one of the leaders on the Giants defence. He has been selected as a Pro Bowler and recognised for his strong performance on the field.
Brian Burns Salary and Earnings
Brian Burns earns one of the largest salaries in the NFL for a defensive player. In 2026, his estimated annual salary (salary + bonuses) is rising due to contract incentives and escalators. Reports indicate his total pay for the year could exceed $24–25 million or more, depending on performance incentives and bonuses he earns.
Burns’ total contract value is $141 million, with over $76 million guaranteed at signing. The deal reflects the Giants’ commitment to building a strong defence around him.
Top Giants Players and Their Salaries (2026)
Here is a table showing some key Giants players and their salary amounts for the current season (2026):
| Player Name | Position | 2026 Salary (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Burns | EDGE | $24,000,000+ |
| Andrew Thomas | Offensive Tackle | $15,400,000+ |
| Darius Slayton | Wide Receiver | $6,749,990 (base) |
| Devin Singletary | Running Back | $5,000,000 |
| Jalin Hyatt | Wide Receiver | $1,467,088 |
| Jaxson Dart | Quarterback | $1,005,000 |
| Cam Skattebo | Running Back | $1,005,000 |
Note: These figures are approximate base salaries and do not include signing bonuses, incentives, or roster bonuses. Salaries can vary each year based on contract structure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Brian Burns the highest-paid Giant?
Brian Burns has one of the largest contracts on the team because he is an elite pass rusher and a key defensive leader. The New York Giants gave him a long-term contract to secure his services for the coming years.
2. Is Brian Burns one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL?
Yes. His contract ranks among the top deals for defensive players in the NFL, reflecting his importance and skill as an edge defender.
3. Does the Giants’ highest-paid player also have the highest net worth?
A high NFL salary helps increase a player’s earnings, but net worth includes career earnings, investments, endorsements, and personal assets. Brian Burns’ net worth is growing but exact figures can vary. His salary alone places him among the richest players on the Giants.
4. Does the highest paid player always play quarterback?
Not always. Many teams pay quarterbacks the most, but the Giants’ highest paid player currently is a defender (Brian Burns). That shows the team’s focus on defence.
5. Do other players earn more money in bonuses than Burns?
Players may receive signing bonuses or incentives that raise their total earnings, but the overall contract average and base salary still make Burns the highest-paid Giant.