NFL free agency 2026 player rankings: Best safeties available

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 close at hand. Teams are hard at work building out their plans for their own players, while keeping a close eye on the 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, as I give my best guess at how these players are likely to be ranked by NFL teams.

1.) Jaylinn Hawkins, New England Patriots

2025 stats: 71 tackles, 45 solo, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 4 picks, 6 PBUs

You could make the argument that Jaylinn Hawkins played better than any other safety in the NFL in 2025. He picked off four passes and finished the season with a target EPA of -14.8, per Next Gen Stats. On top of that, he is also one of the best run-defending safeties in the league, registering 20 defensive stops.

2.) Coby Bryant, Seattle Seahawks

2025 stats: 66 tackles, 39 solo, 1 forced fumble, 4 picks, 7 PBU

Bryant was a massive piece of the Seahawks’ defense that helped carry Seattle back to the Super Bowl. He picked off four passes in 2025, had a catch rate over expected of -8.1 percent, and a passer rating of just 59.6, per Next Gen Stats.

3.) Bryan Cook, Kansas City Chiefs

2025 stats: 85 tackles, 50 solo, 6 PBU

Cook may not get all the glamour that other stars in Kansas City receive, but he was tremendous in 2025. He finished fourth amongst safeties in passes broken up, per PFF, and racked up 85 tackles, as well. He’s been a 17-game starter in each of the last two seasons with the Chiefs.

4.) Jalen Thompson, Arizona Cardinals

2025 stats: 95 tackles, 58 solo, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 6 PBU

Thompson would be more of a household name if he played anywhere outside of the Arizona Cardinals. He provides so much in coverage, allowing a catch rate over expected of -1.1 percent, and he ranked 15th amongst safeties with 72 tackles.

5.) Kevin Byard, Chicago Bears

2025 stats: 93 tackles, 61 solo, 7 picks, 8 PBU

Even at 32 years old, Byard put up one of the best seasons of his career. He notched seven interceptions, which is the second-most in his career, trailing the eight-interception campaign he had back in 2017. He also allowed an EPA per target of -12.7; just astounding production from the 10-year veteran. If he were a bit younger, he might be No. 1 on the list, but there is the real question of his ability to replicate this season in 2026.

6.) Kamren Curl, Los Angeles Rams

2025 stats: 122 tackles, 79 solo, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 picks, 5 PBU

Curl had his best season to date in 2025. He picked off two passes in the regular season and added a third in the playoffs against the Chicago Bears, which led to the Rams’ game-winning field goal in the Divisional Round. As the nearest defender, he allowed a passer rating of just 79.5, per Next Gen Stats.

7.) Donovan Wilson, Dallas Cowboys

2025 stats: 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 picked off two passes and finished with a catch rate over expected 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 stats: 93 tackles, 52 solo, 1 sack, 1 pick, 8 PBU

Brisker is one of the more versatile safeties on the market. As a run defender, he posted a 73.7 PFF grade and registered 21 defensive stops, PFF’s stat for tackles that constitute a defensive win on a play. In coverage, he has four interceptions and 11 passes broken up in four seasons.

9.) Alohi Gilman, Baltimore Ravens

2025 stats: 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 strong showing after landing in Baltimore in a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers. He finished the season with a catch rate over expected of -10.6 percent, and also held opposing offenses to a -0.9 EPA when he was the nearest defender targeted.

10.) Nick Cross, Indianapolis Colts

2025 stats: 120 tackles, 72 solo, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 pick, 5 PBU

Cross didn’t have as strong of a season as he did in 2024 and 2023, but he is still one of the best tackling safeties in the NFL, as well as one of the best in the box. He would be best suited in a defense that allows him to play closer to the line of scrimmage.