Ranking the Top 20 NFL Safeties in 2025-26: Ball Hawks

20. Kevin Byard III, Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard III is a few campaigns removed from his First-Team All-Pro days (2021, 2017), but he still has plenty of good football left to play. Notably, Byard outpoured a career-high 130 tackles in 2024 — his first season with Chicago — which included five TFL and two sacks. Look for Byard to continue playing with a high motor and sharp IQ in Year 10.

2. Kerby Joseph, Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions defensive back Kerby Joseph is fast, tough, and instinctive. He boasts experience at both safety positions, can run like a cornerback, and hit like a linebacker. In 2024, Joseph attracted First-Team All-Pro honors behind 83 combined tackles, 12 pass breakups, a league-leading nine interceptions and one touchdown. Ahead of the 2025 NFL campaign, FanDuel Sportsbook lists Joseph with 50/1 odds to win Defensive Player of the Year, which is presently the shortest label for any safety.

3. Xavier McKinney, Green Bay Packers

After four seasons with Big Blue, Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney truly flourished in 2024. For his lone year with The Pack, McKinney posted 88 tackles, 11 passes defended, and eight picks en route to First Team All-Pro accolades. He also showcased a 90.0 coverage grade at PFF, which ranked third at the position.

Look for the Alabama alum to play a key role in Green Bay's secondary in 2025 and beyond.

4. Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker is among the most respected defensive backs in the NFL. After eight seasons of work, Baker has a fair shot to reach 1,000 career tackles in 2025, especially after a personal-best 164 in 2024. He also has the chance to be named to his fifth All-Pro team moving forward, which would leave him in rare company.

Baker brings an unrivaled mindset; don't expect that to change with an improved squad in Arizona.

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5. Jessie Bates III, Atlanta Falcons

Jessie Bates III of the Atlanta Falcons possesses top-notch ball skills and a high football IQ. Since coming over to the NFC from Cincinnati in 2023, Bates has compiled 234 total tackles, 21 pass breakups, 10 interceptions (2 TD), and seven forced fumbles.

Just when you think he is out of the play, he is not. Opposing QBs will continue to have a tough time contesting Bates' range.

6. Harrison Smith, Miinnesota Vikings

"Hitman" Harrison Smith has become a true staple of the Twin Cities. In 2025, he is entering his 14th campaign with the Minnesota Vikings. That tenure includes experience at both safety spots, as Harrison's 6-foot-2 frame provides him with fantastic versatility.

The two-time All-Pro is in the twilight of his career but still plays like he has unfinished business. And with Minnesota's lack of playoff success, Harrison is as hungry as ever.

7. Brandon Jones, Denver Broncos

Quietly, Denver Broncos safety Brandon Jones had a prolific season in 2024. He joined Denver after four years in Miami, and the on-field product certainly shone. In all, Jones issued 115 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and three picks. It was good enough to earn an 86.7 PFF grade, which was the third-highest overall rating at safety.

8. C.J. Gardner-Johnson

Fresh off a Super Bowl title, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is joining the Houston Texans. Gardner-Johnson's arrival in H-Town will mark his fourth different stop around the NFL, and, transparently, he has performed well at all junctures. CJGJ collected 12 passes defended and six interceptions in 2024 en route to an 81.3 PFF coverage grade.

Now playing for the defensive-minded DeMeco Ryans, Gardner-Johnson will hope to get Houston over the hump.

9. Cam Bynum, Indianapolis Colts

Cam Bynum proved his talents over the past four years, and the Indianapolis Colts subsequently rewarded the former California Golden Bear with a $60 million contract. Bynum managed 233 combined tackles, 19 pass breakups, and five interceptions over his final two seasons in Minnesota. He'll look to provide reinforcements to a secondary in Indy that needs help.

10. Julian Love, Seattle Seahawks

Free safety Julian Love has put the NFL on notice since joining the Seattle Seahawks from New York. After two seasons in the Pacific Northwest, Love has contributed 22 pass breakups, seven interceptions, and four forced fumbles.

In 2024, he registered an 82.2 PFF grade, which was the eighth-best rating amongst all qualified safeties.

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11. Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James has been bruising up opposing receivers, tight ends and running backs for quite some time now. Throughout six NFL campaigns, James has amassed nearly 600 total tackles. He is strong, athletic, and instinctive, continually making plays in the backfield. In 2024, he contributed 10 TFL and 5.5 sacks. James will bring more of that in the coming year along with edge, attitude, and experience.

12. Brian Branch, Detroit Lions

Along with the aforementioned Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch is part of arguably the NFL's top safety tandem. Last year was Branch's first full season as a starter for the Detroit Lions, and he certainly answered the call. He logged 109 combined tackles last year while intercepting four passes and breaking up 16 more. Keep an eye on Branch's development in 2025.

13. Jabrill Peppers, New England Patriots

The New England Patriots are thrilled to return safety Jabrill Peppers for a fourth campaign in Foxborough. Overall, 2025 will be Peppers' ninth NFL season out of Michigan and he appears as motivated as ever following a shortened 2024 (wherein he scored an 83.1 PFF grade). Look for him to fly around the defensive backfield alongside other talented players in New England's secondary. 

14. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Miami Dolphins

Minkah Fitzpatrick is back in South Beach as a member of the Miami Dolphins in 2025. Over his six previous seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Fitzpatrick earned two more First-Team All-Pro designations. He has high-quality ball skills and the required coverage abilities to match up all over the formation. Riding a streak of three-straight Pro Bowl nods, expect Fitzpatrick to be motivated after being traded for a second time.

15. Malik Mustapha, San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers safety Malik Mustapha was amongst the top rookie secondary players in 2025. Already known for booming hits, Mustapha logged 72 total tackles (five for a loss) and five pass breakups last year. He also showcased his skills in the tackle box, earning a 72.1 pass rush grade at PFF. He'll start the upcoming season on the IL (knee), but when he returns, look for Mustapha to play with his hair on fire.

16. Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Despite missing eight weeks of action in 2024, safety Antoine Winfield Jr. will return with a vengeance this season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive standout is looking to shake off multiple lower-body injuries (foot, knee), but he has not played since early last December. If Winfield can get back to his All-Pro form from 2023 (when he produced six forced fumbles and three interceptions), the Bucs will be the NFC South's most well-rounded team.

17. Justin Reid, New Orleans Saints

After three decorated campaigns with the Kansas City Chiefs, safety Justin Reid will suit up for the New Orleans Saints in 2025. Throughout seven years in the NFL, Reid has never been named an All-Pro, but he is one of the most complete defensive backs in the game. He is hyper-intuitive, a sure tackler, and athletic in coverage. Reid will take on a big role in New Orleans' secondary after the recent retirement of Tyrann Mathieu.

18. Jevon Holland, New York Giants

New York Giants defensive back Jevon Holland is another notable player in new surroundings. Following four years with the Miami Dolphins, Holland certainly proved he can succeed at either safety spot. However, he is looking to produce his first full campaign since 2022. If Holland can stay healthy in the upcoming season, he'll be a leader for the Football Giants. Additionally, he'll be hungry for the football going forward, as he did not log an interception last year.

19. Reed Blankenship, Philadephia Eagles

A key cog of the defending-champion Philadelphia Eagles, Reed Blankenship is a safety who offers both durability and versatility. He has made 30 total starts for the Birds since 2023, and in that time, registered 191 combined tackles and seven interceptions. Since entering the NFL, Blankenship has produced a 78.8 PFF grade overall, which ranks 14th at his position.

20. Kevin Byard III, Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard III is a few campaigns removed from his First-Team All-Pro days (2021, 2017), but he still has plenty of good football left to play. Notably, Byard outpoured a career-high 130 tackles in 2024 — his first season with Chicago — which included five TFL and two sacks. Look for Byard to continue playing with a high motor and sharp IQ in Year 10.