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Recent surprise moves by Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos reportedly signifies death of big contract for safeties

buffalo bills, denver broncos

Recent surprise moves by the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos are reportedly early signs that the safety position could soon be like running back with contract values on a steep decline.

The secondary would seem like an important area in today’s NFL. With the game leaning toward passing in a way it never has before, the men who defend against an offense’s top pass catchers should be an area that receives big-time contracts. There is some truth to that notion but to a level.

Related: NFL free agent market to be ‘depressed’ at 3 key positions: Impact on Saquon Barkley and others

Over the last week, the safety market ahead of 2024 NFL free agency has all of a sudden become flooded with impact players at the position.

In that time the Philadelphia Eagles released two-time All-Pro Kevin Byard. The Buffalo Bills parted ways with defensive anchor Jordan Poyer. The Chicago Bears cut ties with two-time Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson and the Denver Broncos shockingly released Justin Simmons after he earned Pro Bowl honors for a second time this past season.

Is the safety market in a massive value decline like running back?

buffalo bills, denver broncos

It is a stunning development that apparently is no accident. On Friday, The Athletic’s NFL insider Jeff Lowe reported that a team executive told him “I think we’re going to see a trend of teams not willing to overpay for [safety]” in free agency this year.

Over the last couple of weeks, teams have slashed $100 million in contracts for safeties. That is $40 million more than any other position heading into the start of free agency on March 11. For franchises that need upgrades at safety, like the Philadelphia Eagles, this will be a very good market for them.

Unfortunately, players like New York Giants rising star Xavier McKinney are unlikely to land the first big payday they were hopping for this offseason.

Related: Top NFL free agents of 2024 – Ranking the top 400 overall and by position

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