The NFL free agency period is filled with a flurry of moves by teams looking to upgrade and one of the primary positions this year will be in the defensive secondary, primarily at safety where there is a nice amount of depth on the market.
The Baltimore Ravens won the Super Bowl, but the fact that they will have to pay Joe Flacco a mega contract (if they decide to), means they likely won't be able to keep defensive stalwart and future Hall of Fame safety Ed reed. He is the primary player on the market, but there is a ton of depth out there, including with Dashon Goldson, Jairus Byrd, Chris Clemons, Kenny Phillips, Stevie Brown and LaRon Landry
The secondary played a big part on both championship teams this year, with Reed on the Ravens and Goldson on the 49ers. Throughout the playoffs the safety position proved crucial for many teams, highlighted by players like Earl Thomas of the Seahawks, and William Moore of the Falcons.
Here is a look at some of the top players at the position that are on the market for NFL teams. Sports World Report also looked at the TOP PLAYERS at each position, the top RUNNING BACKS, top LINEMEN, top QUARTERBACKS and the top WIDE RECEIVERS.
Jairus Byrd, Buffalo Bills
Byrd is the top free agent safety on the market this season and he young at just 26-years-old. He was the best rated player at his position on the market by Pro Football Focus and after spending his early years on losing teams in Buffalo he may want to move on to greener pastures. He put in one of his best seasons last year, recording 76 tackles, causing four fumbles and making five interceptions. The Bills will be looking towards the future and if Byrd wants too much money he will move on to someone like the Jets or the Chargers.
Dashon Goldson, San Francisco 49ers
Goldson played a huge part in the 49ers' run to the Super Bowl last season and he will cost a price if the team wants to keep him. He was already playing under a one-year deal and he has expressed that he would like to sign a long-term contract as a free agent. After making the Pro Bowl this year he will cost about $7.5 million if the 49ers choose to tag him again. Goldson brings a physical presence and if the 49ers want to keep him they may have to outspend someone like the Vikings, Bears or Dolphins.
William Moore, Atlanta Falcons
Moore has been a consistent player all season for the Falcons despite missing four games due to injury. He has been one of the primary stars for the team since losing Brent Grimes at cornerback and he had 75 tackles this season with four interceptions and two forced fumbles. He could be a solid addition to any secondary and likely won't cost too much.
LaRon Landry, New York Jets
Landry is considered one of the hardest hitting safeties in the NFL and he likely will have a number of suitors come free agent time. He had a career resurgence with the Jets in 2012 after a couple injury riddled seasons on Washington, making 99 tackles and two interceptions while going to the Pro Bowl for the first time. Any team looking to get more physical will look to Landry, including the Vikings, 49ers, Browns and Panthers.
Stevie Brown, New York Giants
Brown was arguably the defensive MVP for the Giants this season, but he is a restricted free agent, so there is a good chance he wil stay put. He played on three different teams over his first three career seasons and had his best one in 2012, making 76 tackles with eight interceptions and 11 passes defended. The Giants will wants to keep him, but with Kenny Phillips also a free agent the team will have to do it at a reasonable price.
Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens
Reed is a Hall of Fame player and one of the most important to the Ravens defense, but it is likely his final ride in Baltimore. The Ravens will need to pay a steep price for Joe Flacco and that could leave Reed the odd man out. New England has always looked like a sensible destination since Bill Belichick has always expressed his admiration of Reed. He had four interceptions this season and one in the Super Bowl and he could be one of the first safeties to sign once the free agent period starts. He could add veteran leadership and skills to any secondary he joins.
