Here are all the details about the top ten safeties heading into the upcoming 2022/2023 season of the NFL.
The NFL season is about to start again. Football is finally coming back after a long break, and fans are happy about it. All of the teams made the most of the offseason and improved their teams so they could reach their goals this season.
Last year’s season was great, and the playoffs were a big part of that. We saw a lot of upsets, and a lot of players became great in the league because of how well they did last time.
The safety position in the NFL is a very important position on the field, as the players who play that position are there to cover up the mistakes of their CBs and play a huge role in disturbing the offense of the opposing team.
Here we are going to talk about the top ten safeties in the NFL heading into the 2022/2023 season, based on their performance in recent history.
10. Jessie Bates – Cincinnati Bengals
Last season was a very great season for the Bengals. Their young roster overcame all the odds and won the AFC. Jessie Bates transformed himself into one of the best safeties in the NFL and became a huge part of their team. He is expected to carry the same form in the new season.
Jessie Bates has played 4 seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals. He has 289 solo tackles, 119 assists, 2 fumble recoveries, and 10 interceptions.
9. Micah Hyde – Buffalo Bills
Micah Hyde is a part of a great secondary unit for the Buffalo Bills. He has performed well every single season of his career, and his experience will play a huge part in a big season for the Bills.
Micah Hyde has played 9 seasons for the Bills and Packers. He has 441 solo tackles, 142 assists, 5.0 sacks, 9 fumble recoveries, and 22 interceptions. He was selected to play in 1 Pro Bowl.
8. Minkah Fitzpatrick – Pittsburgh Steelers
Minkah Fitzpatrick has been phenomenal for the Steelers. Not so long ago, he was the highest-paid Safety in the NFL, and that speaks to the amount of quality that this young player possesses.
Minkah Fitzpatrick has played 4 seasons for the Steelers and Dolphins. He has 239 solo tackles, 113 assists, 5 fumble recoveries, and 13 interceptions. He was selected to play in 1 Pro Bowl.
7. Tyrann Mathieu – New Orleans Saints
Tyrann Mathieu carried the defensive unit of the Kansas City Chiefs for multiple years. The Honey Badger loved playing for the Chiefs but had to leave them as a free agent. Now he is on the Saints, and arguably has better players on the secondary around him, which will eventually help to elevate his game.
Tyrann Mathieu has played 9 seasons for the Cardinals, Chiefs, and Texans. He has 524 solo tackles, 86 assists, 10.0 sacks, 6 fumble recoveries, and 26 interceptions. He was selected to play in 1 Pro Bowl and has won 1 championship.
6. Harrison Smith – Minnesota Vikings
Harrison Smith has been a long presence on the secondary of the Vikings and has had a great career so far. His experience will play a huge part on what will be an exciting season for the Vikings under a new head coach.
Harrison Smith has played 10 seasons for the Vikings. He has 640 solo tackles, 221 assists, 16.5 sacks, 8 fumble recoveries, and 29 interceptions. He was selected to play in 5 Pro Bowls.
5. Justin Simmons – Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have one of the best defenses in the league, and Justin Simmons has been a huge part of that defense. In what will be a big season for the Broncos due to the arrival of Russell Wilson, Simmons would love to lead their defense to a successful season.
Justin Simmons has played 6 seasons for the Broncos. He has 348 solo tackles, 117 assists, 3.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, and 21 interceptions.
4. Derwin James – Los Angeles Chargers
Derwin James recently became the highest-paid safety in the history of the game. The Chargers have a great roster, and James is one of their most important players. In what will be a huge season for the Chargers, we can see James having a stellar year due to the arrival of great players on the defense of the team.
Derwin James has played 3 seasons for the Chargers. He has 173 solo tackles, 84 assists, 5.5 sacks, and 5 interceptions. He was selected to play in 1 Pro Bowl.
3. Budda Baker – Arizona Cardinals
Budda Baker is one of the most competitive players in the league. He gives his all on every play, and due to it, many players are scared to go against him, and this makes him a very special player for the Cardinals.
Budda Baker has played 5 seasons for the Cardinals. He has 393 solo tackles, 146 assists, 7.5 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries, and 5 interceptions. He was selected to play in 2 Pro Bowls.
2. Antoine Winfield Jr. – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were once again a great defensive team last season, and Winfield was a huge part of their defense. He holds their secondary together, and in his young career, Winfield Jr. has transformed himself into one of the best players in his position.
Antoine Winfield has played 2 seasons for the Buccaneers. He has 126 solo tackles, 56 assists, 5.0 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries, and 3 interceptions. He has won 1 championship.
Best safety in NFL: Kevin Byard – Tennessee Titans
In a conference like AFC where there are great quarterbacks and WRs, Byard has played exceptionally well over the years. He has transformed himself into the best in his position. We are expected to see the very best of him going ahead as well.
Kevin Byard has played 6 seasons for the Titans. He has 365 solo tackles, 154 assists, 4.0 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, and 23 interceptions. He was selected to play in 1 Pro Bowl.
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