Top Free Agents by Position: Safety Edition
Safety
1. Anthony Harris
2. Justin Simmons
3. Jimmie Ward
4. Vonn Bell
5. Ha Ha Clinton Dix
Honorable Mention
· Damarious Randall
· Rodney McLeod
· Tony Jefferson
· Tre Boston
· Devin McCourty
Anthony Harris
Harris has shown the last few seasons the floor and growth potential of his talent. He took a few seasons to get his opportunity, but when he did, he showed great play. In the last two seasons, he has nine interceptions, and this past season tied for the league lead with six. In the last two seasons, he has only given up one touchdown and under 275 yards in coverage, as stated by pro football reference. He can cover well in space as well as come down and help in the running game. He is versatile in his ability to play both safety spots being that he is more experienced and in his prime. He still has a lot of good football ahead of him because he hadn’t started until later in his career. Harris looks to have many suitors in free agency in the Redskins, Giants, Cardinals, Browns, Colts, Cowboys, Eagles and Vikings. His best fits would be the Vikings and Eagles. In the Vikings case, they would love to continue the pairing of Harris and Smith. The Eagles, on the other hand, can use Harris as a replacement for Malcolm Jenkins and a leader in their secondary.
Jimmie Ward
Ward is probably the most versatile safety that will hit the market. He has shown in his five seasons that he can play slot cornerback, free safety and strong safety and can play all three positions at starter level. He is excellent in both run support and coverage. His best spot is at free safety, where he can truly be free to use all his abilities to their fullest and excel with his speed and instincts. He reminds me of a version of Tyrann Mathieu, as he can play multiple spots at a high level. Ward will have plenty of suitors this free agency period that include the Eagles, 49ers, Seahawks, Texans, Rams, Giants, Eagles, Cowboys and Panthers. His best fits would be the Eagles, Cowboys and 49ers. The Eagles need a new leader in the secondary and Ward can do that while playing either safety spot they need. Unlike the Eagles, the Cowboys have been looking for a solid safety for years and can finally get one to solidify their backend.This will help their corners as they all transition with the departure of Byron Jones. Lastly, the 49ers can keep one of the best defenses together after an incredible season they just had.
Devin McCourty
McCourty is the most veteran options on the market as he brings leadership and a lot of championship experience to any team he signs with. We all know that for the last ten seasons, he has been the backbone of the secondary for the New England Patriots and has helped lead them to three Super Bowl titles in five appearances in the last ten years. He has been named to All-Pro teams and Pro Bowls, and played at an elite level, even at the age of 32. The main concern is the possibility of retirement for him. He will have suitors, but not as many as some of the younger options. His best fits are teams that are looking for a short-term player that can help groom a younger prospect such as 49ers, Panthers, and Rams all are good fits for him. His best fit would be the 49ers or Patriots though. As for the 49ers, he can play his single high safety role extremely well. Then in the next two seasons they can bring in a younger option to learn under McCourty as they get groomed to be his successor. In terms of the Patriots, they would love to keep their leader of the backend intact. Not only that, but they don’t have an immediate replacement on the roster for what McCourty brings to the table.
All statistics according to profootballreference.com unless otherwise noted
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