The Super Bowl is behind us and it’s officially the offseason, which means the start of NFL free agency for the 2026 season is near. Teams are working hard to develop their plans for their own players, while keeping a close eye on available free agents heading into the 2026 offseason.
Today we’re going to take a look at the projected free agent safeties in the 2026 class, while I give my best estimate of how these players are likely to be ranked by NFL teams.
1.) Jaylinn Hawkins, New England Patriots
2025 statistics: 71 tackles, 45 solo, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 4 picks, 6 PBU
You could argue that Jaylinn Hawkins played better than any other safety in the NFL in 2025. He broke up four passes and finished the season with a target EPA of -14.8, according to Next Gen Stats. On top of that, he’s also one of the best run defense safeties in the league, recording 20 defensive stops.
2.) Coby Bryant, Seattle Seahawks
2025 statistics: 66 tackles, 39 solo, 1 forced fumble, 4 picks, 7 PBU
Bryant was a huge piece of the Seahawks defense that helped lead Seattle back to the Super Bowl. He broke up four passes in 2025, had an above-expected sack rate of -8.1 percent and a passer rating of just 59.6, per Next Gen Stats.
3.) Bryan Cook, Kansas City Chiefs
2025 statistics: 85 tackles, 50 solo, 6 PBU
Cook may not have all the glamor that other Kansas City stars receive, but he was tremendous in 2025. He finished fourth among safeties in pass breakups, according to PFF, and also had 85 tackles. He has started 17 games in each of the last two seasons with the Chiefs.
4.) Jalen Thompson, Arizona Cardinals
2025 statistics: 95 tackles, 58 solo, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 6 PBU
Thompson would be a more household name if he played anywhere outside of the Arizona Cardinals. He provides plenty of coverage, allowing a better-than-expected sack rate of -1.1 percent, and ranked 15th among safeties with 72 tackles.
5.) Kevin Byard, Chicago Bears
2025 statistics: 93 tackles, 61 solo, 7 picks, 8 PBU
Even at age 32, Byard had one of the best seasons of his career. He had seven interceptions, the second-most of his career, behind his eight-interception campaign in 2017. He also allowed an EPA per target of -12.7; Simply amazing production from the 10 year veteran. If he were a little younger, he could be number one on the list, but there is a real question about his ability to replicate this season in 2026.
6.) Kamren Curl, Los Angeles Rams
2025 statistics: 122 tackles, 79 solo, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 picks, 5 PBU
Curl had his best season to date in 2025. He broke up two passes in the regular season and added a third in the playoffs against the Chicago Bears, leading to the Rams’ winning field goal in the Divisional Round. As the closest defender, he allowed a passer rating of just 79.5, according to Next Gen Stats.
7.) Donovan Wilson, Dallas Cowboys
2025 statistics: 71 tackles, 39 solo, 1 forced fumble, 2 picks, 5 PBU
The Cowboys defense was one of the worst in the NFL, but Wilson was one of the few bright spots. He broke up two passes and finished with a better-than-expected sack rate of -0.6 percent. With a better unit around him, he can be a starter for a top-notch defense.
8.) Jaquan Brisker, Chicago Bears
2025 statistics: 93 tackles, 52 solo, 1 sack, 1 pick, 8 PBU
Brisker is one of the most versatile security devices on the market. As a run defender, he posted a 73.7 PFF grade and recorded 21 defensive stops, PFF’s statistic for tackles that constitute a defensive win on a play. In coverage, he has four interceptions and 11 pass deflections in four seasons.
9.) Alohi Gilman, Baltimore Ravens
2025 statistics: 90 tackles, 50 solo, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 1 TD, 9 PBU
It’s easy to get overshadowed when you play alongside the best safety in the game, but Alohi Gilman had a very solid performance after landing in Baltimore in a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers. He finished the season with a better-than-expected sack rate of -10.6 percent, and also held opposing offenses to a -0.9 EPA when he was the defender closest to the target.
10.) Nick Cross, Indianapolis Colts
2025 statistics: 120 tackles, 72 solo, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 pick, 5 PBU
Cross didn’t have as strong a season as he did in 2024 and 2023, but he’s still one of the best deep tackles in the NFL, as well as one of the best in the area. He would be best suited in a defense that allows him to play closer to the line of scrimmage.