2022 NFL free agents: Safety

With the NFL's franchise-tag deadline in the past, attention moves to the opening of the league's free-agent negotiating window March 14.

These are the best safeties slated to hit the market.

By position
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
DL | ED | LB | CB | S
Top 100

1. Marcus Williams

Williams may not be a household name among NFL fans, but he is among executives. The 25-year-old is coming off his fourth straight multi-interception season and would be a great chess piece for any team.

2. Tyrann Mathieu

Mathieu may not be the player he once was, and his dreaded 30th birthday is on the horizon. However, he's still productive, versatile, and a revered locker-room leader.

3. Quandre Diggs

Diggs is a ball-hawking safety who's had 10 interceptions over the last two seasons. Suitors will need assurances he's fully recovered from a broken fibula and dislocated ankle he suffered in the 2021 season finale.

4. Marcus Maye

Maye blew out his Achilles in Week 9 while playing on the franchise tag, and he was having a down year up to that point. He may have to settle for another one-year deal in order to convince teams he can still perform at a high level.

5. Devin McCourty

One of the most underappreciated staples of the second chapter of the Patriots dynasty will be 35 by the time the 2022 season starts. However, McCourty can still provide solid play and veteran leadership.

6. Jordan Whitehead

A safety that flourishes closer to the line of scrimmage, Whitehead produced 22 tackles for loss while still breaking up 25 passes across four seasons with the Buccaneers.

7. Jaquiski Tartt

The 30-year-old rebounded nicely after missing all but seven contests in 2020. Tartt's reliability in the backend of the defense, along with his play near the line of scrimmage, will likely appeal to clubs.

8. Jayron Kearse

A sure-handed safety, Kearse should attract teams that need a strong tackler in the secondary. The rest of Kearse's game tends to fluctuate.

9. Jabrill Peppers

While he's been serviceable in the box, Peppers has struggled in the past when asked to play coverage. Tack on the fact that he's recovering from a torn ACL, and Peppers could face a difficult market.

10. Anthony Harris