Ranking the NFL’s Five Best Safety Duos for 2026
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- Safeties have become increasingly valuable in the NFL due to offenses frequently using multiple tight ends, requiring versatile defenders who can cover and support the run.
- The Atlanta Falcons boast the top safety duo with Xavier Watts and Jessie Bates III, combining youthful impact and seasoned excellence, including multiple All-Pro honors and high interception totals.
- Baltimore’s Kyle Hamilton, regarded as the best safety in football, pairs effectively with rookie Malaki Starks, both showing strong playmaking and durability.
- Other notable safety tandems include Green Bay’s Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams, Denver’s Brandon Jones and Talanoa Hufanga, and Cincinnati’s Jordan Battle and Bryan Cook, each bringing a mix of experience, coverage skills, and run support.
- Recent drafts and free agency moves highlight the emphasis teams place on securing versatile safeties, with multiple first and second-round picks dedicated to the position in the latest NFL draft.
