Ranking the 5 best safeties in the NFL ft. Tyrann Mathieu
Safety Tyrann Mathieu was released by the Kansas City Chiefs, following the conclusion of the 2021 NFL season, and has yet to be signed to a new team. At just 29-years-old, the Honey Badger still has plenty of good football left in him and has proved he's an elite-level safety during his time with the Chiefs, as well as while he played for the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans.
There is an argument to be made that, despite being a free agent, Mathieu still ranks among the best safeties in the league. Here are the five best safeties in the NFL, featuring Tyrann Mathieu.
5 best safeties in the NFL ft. Tyrann Mathieu
#5 - Derwin James, Chargers
Despite having plenty of injury issues during his time in the NFL, Derwin James of the Los Angeles Chargers has proved he's one of the best safeties in the league when healthy. James missed the entirety of the 2020 season due to a torn meniscus, but on his return in 2021, he didn't disappoint. James set career-highs in tackles with a total of 118, as well as totaling two interceptions and three forced fumbles.
This led to the former-Florida State prospect making the second Pro Bowl of his career in 2021, after making the game following an outstanding rookie year in 2018. If James' health can keep up, there's no reason why he can't be the best safety in the league for years to come.
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#4 - Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals
Since being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2017, Budda Baker has consistently proven he's among the best safeties in the NFL. Baker has made the Pro Bowl in four of his five NFL seasons and has totalled 539 combined tackles and five interceptions, three of which came during the 2021 season.
Baker might be mostly remembered for picking off Russell Wilson in a game against the Seattle Seahawks, only for D.K. Metcalf to chase him down to stop a certain pick-six.
Baker is more than a ball-hawk, as he is able to play all over the field, and this versatility must make him a nightmare to face and a joy to coach!