2020 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 on March 16.

These are the best safeties slated to hit the market.

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

Safety

1. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

Clinton is equally proficient at free and strong safety, though he's never reached the level of play expected from a first-round pick. The 27-year-old could potentially be playing for his fourth team in three seasons in 2020.

2. Vonn Bell

Bell could be a perfect fit for a team in need of a physical safety with solid run-defense skills. The former second-rounder led the NFL in fumbles recovered last season (five) and was also the Saints' second-leading tackler (89).

3. Reshad Jones

Jones just turned 32 years old. Though the safety's Pro Bowl days are likely over, he remains a force against the run and should be an enticing stopgap option.

4. Tre Boston

Set to enter free agency for the fourth time in as many years, the underrated Boston had a career-high 11 passes defensed and three interceptions during his second stint with the Panthers in 2019.

5. Karl Joseph

The former first-round pick hasn't played up to expectations through his first four NFL seasons. That said, Joseph flashed his potential before a foot injury prematurely ended his 2019 campaign.

6. Jimmie Ward

Ward picked the perfect time to post a career year. The 28-year-old safety was a key piece for the defense that led the 49ers to the Super Bowl. Teams will hope the injury nightmares that plagued Ward's early career are over.

7. Rodney McLeod

McLeod will be 30 by the time the 2020 campaign rolls around. He's still a strong coverage safety, however, and he should have two or three more years of start-worthy play in him.

8. Tony Jefferson

After tearing his ACL in 2019, Jefferson could be forced to settle for a one-year deal and re-enter the market in search of a more lucrative contract in 2021.

9. Damarious Randall

Randall can play both safety spots and is able to move into the slot in a pinch. That versatility makes him an attractive option, as does his above-average speed.

10. Tavon Wilson

Wilson is best suited to box safety, where he can sniff out the run and cover tight ends when needed. Though he can play deep, his lack of speed stops him from making big plays in coverage.

11. Adrian Phillips

Phillips is known as one of the top special teams players in the league, but he's steadily been improving in coverage at safety. He could be a free-agency steal if he lands with the right team.