All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (2024)

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (1)

Jeff Risdon

June 13, 2024 4:54 pm ET

The Detroit Lions overhauled the cornerback position group and swapped out safety coach Brian Duker, but they didn’t do much to address the safety spot in the current offseason. How does that sit with the pundits who evaluate and rank different teams and position groups>

ESPN’s Mike Clay released his 2024 positional projections, including ranking every safety group in the NFL. Detroit’s safety group is understandably low in the rankings after a largely underwhelming 2023, even though box safety Ifeatu Melifonwu had a nice run of games late in the season, notably with his blitzing against both the run and pass.

Note that Clay doesn’t include Brian Branch in the Lions’ safety group. Branch primarily played slot CB as a rookie and played it at a very high level, but that leaves him out here. Despite that, many expect Branch to play more of a traditional safety role in his second NFL season.

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32. New York Giants

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (2)

Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Ryan Selig (33) and Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) celebrate a defensive stop during the NCAA football game against the Purdue Boilermakers, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Purdue Boilermakers won 49-30.

Jason Pinnock, Tyler Nubin, Dane Belton, Jalen Mills, Elijah Riley

31. Denver Broncos

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (3)

Oct 6, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Phillip Lindsay (30) runs through the tackle of Denver Broncos safety Caden Sterns (30) as linebacker Bradley Chubb (55) defends in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Jones, Caden Sterns, P.J. Locke, Delarrin Turner-Yell, JL Skinner

30. Detroit Lions

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (4)

Oct 15, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) is tackled by Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) in the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Kerby Joseph, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Brandon Joseph, C.J. Moore, Chelen Garnes

29. Los Angeles Rams

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (5)

Bills receiver Emmanuel Sanders holds on to this pass behind Washington’s Kamren Curl for a 5 yard touchdown.

Kamren Curl, Russ Yeast, Kamren Kinchens, Jason Taylor II, Tanner Ingle

28. New York Jets

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (6)

Baltimore Ravens safety Chuck Clark (36) tackles Cincinnati Bengals tight end Hayden Hurst (88) at the inch yard line in the third quarter during an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.

Baltimore Ravens At Cincinnati Bengals Afc Wild Card Jan 15 205

Chuck Clark, Tony Adams, Ashtyn Davis, Jarrick Bernard-Converse, Jaylen Key

27. Seattle Seahawks

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (7)

Dec 18, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) celebrates on the bench after his second interception of the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Julian Love, Rayshawn Jenkins, K’Von Wallace, Coby Bryant, Jerrick Reed II

26. Indianapolis Colts

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (8)

A pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) goes incomplete as Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon (32) gives chase Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.

Julian Blackmon, Nick Cross, Rodney Thomas II, Ronnie Harrison, Trevor Denbow

25. Tennessee Titans

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (9)

Tennessee Titans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (2) and safety Amani Hooker (37) chase after a blocked Miami Dolphins field goal during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Fla., Monday, Dec. 11, 2023.

Amani Hooker, Elijah Molden, Mike Brown, Shyheim Carter, Matthew Jackson

24. Buffalo Bills

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (10)

Jan 7, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Taylor Rapp (20) limps after a play against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Taylor Rapp, Mike Edwards, Cole Bishop, Cameron Lewis, Damar Hamlin

23. Kansas City Chiefs

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (11)

DENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 11: Justin Reid #20 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after beating the Denver Broncos 34-28 at Empower Field At Mile High on December 11, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

Justin Reid, Bryan Cook, Chamarri Conner, Jaden Hicks, Deon Bush

22. Washington Commanders

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (12)

Oct 1, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) is tackled by Carolina Panthers safety Jeremy Chinn (21) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Darrick Forrest, Jeremy Chinn, Percy Butler, Jeremy Reaves, Dominique Hampton

21. Philadelphia Eagles

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (13)

S Chauncey (C.J.) Gardner-Johnson: Signed by Philadelphia Eagles (previous team: Detroit Lions)

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, Tristin McCollum, Mekhi Garner

20. Green Bay Packers

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (14)

(Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

Xavier McKinney, Javon Bullard, Anthony Johnson Jr., Evan Williams, Kitan Oladapo

19. New Orleans Saints

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (15)

Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) looks on against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Tyrann Mathieu, Jordan Howden, Johnathan Abram, J.T. Gray

18. San Francisco 49ers

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (16)

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) tries to make the stop on San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (29) after Hufanga intercepted a Lawrence pass early in the third quarter. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the San Francisco 49ers at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL Sunday, November 12, 2023. The Jaguars trailed 13 to 3 at the half and fell to the 49ers with a final score of 34 to 3. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]

Talanoa Hufanga, Ji’Ayir Brown, George Odum, Tayler Hawkins, Malik Mustapha

17. Las Vegas Raiders

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (17)

Oct 17, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders free safety Trevon Moehrig (25) celebrates his interception the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Trevon Moehrig, Marcus Epps, Isaiah Pola-Mao, Chris Smith II, Trey Taylor

16. Atlanta Falcons

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (18)

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 08: Dameon Pierce #31 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball while being tackled by Jessie Bates III #3 of the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Jessie Bates, DeMarcco Hellams, Richie Grant, Micah Abernathy, Dane Cruikshank

15. Carolina Panthers

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (19)

Oct 29, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans running back Devin Singletary (26) looks for room to run facing Carolina Panthers safety Xavier Woods (25) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, Sam Franklin, Alex Cook

14. Houston Texans

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (20)

Nov 5, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Chase Edmonds (22) and Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre (5) react after a play during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Pitre, Jimmie Ward, Eric Murray, Calen Bullock, M.J. Stewart

13. Cincinnati Bengals

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (21)

Nov 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (34) runs with the ball as Baltimore Ravens safety Geno Stone (26) defends during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

Geno Stone, Vonn Bell, Jordan Battle, Daijahn Anthony, Tycen Anderson

12. Jacksonville Jaguars

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (22)

Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andre Cisco (5) runs onto the field before a regular season NFL football matchup Monday, Dec. 4, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-31 in overtime. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Darnell Savage Jr., Andre Cisco, Andrew Wingard, Terrell Edmunds, Daniel Thomas

11. Dallas Cowboys

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (23)

Dec 24, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson (6) reacts after a fourth down play during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Donovan Wilson, Malik Hooker, Juanyeh Thomas, Israel Mukuamu, Sheldrick Redwine

10. New England Patriots

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (24)

Nov 5, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) runs the ball out of the end zone after an interception during the first half against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Marte Mapu, Jaylinn Hawkins, Joshuah Bledsoe

9. Chicago Bears

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (25)

Sep 25, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Houston Texans tight end Pharaoh Brown (85) is brought down in the first quarter Chicago Bears defensive back Jaquan Brisker (9) and defensive back Eddie Jackson (4) after catching a pass at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard, Jonathan Owens, Elijah Hicks, Quindell Johnson

8. Los Angeles Chargers

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (26)

Oct 29, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Chicago Bears running back D’Onta Foreman (21) is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) and cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, JT Woods, AJ Finley, Jalyn Phillips

7. Arizona Cardinals

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (27)

Oct 3, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals strong safety Budda Baker (3) celebrates after a fumble recovery in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, Andre Chachere, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Joey Blount

6. Pittsburgh Steelers

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (28)

Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) takes the field to play the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Trenton Thompson, Miles Killebrew

5. Miami Dolphins

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (29)

Sep 24, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland (8) is introduced onto the field before a game against the Denver Broncos at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Jevon Holland, Jordan Poyer, Elijah Campbell, Patrick McMorris, Jason Maitre

4. Cleveland Browns

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (30)

Dec 4, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Troy Hairston (34) is hit by Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit (22) while attempting to make a reception during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Grant Delpit, Juan Thornhill, Rodney McLeod, Ronnie Hickman, D’Anthony Bell

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (31)

Nov 5, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) celebrates after a fumble recovery during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Antoine Winfield Jr., Jordan Whitehead, Tykee Smith, Kaevon Merriweather, Chris McDonald

2. Minnesota Vikings

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (32)

Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (19) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Harrison Smith, Camryn Bynum, Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, Jay Ward

1. Baltimore Ravens

All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (33)

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) is pulled down by Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) after a catch in the first quarter during an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.The Ravens led 10-9 at halftime.

Baltimore Ravens At Cincinnati Bengals Afc Wild Card Jan 15 148

Sam Greene/The Enquirer-USA TODAY NETWORK

Marcus Williams, Kyle Hamilton, Sanoussi Kane, Beau Brade, Ryan Cooper

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All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their safeties (2024)

FAQs

What team has the most safeties in NFL history? ›

The Detroit Lions have the most safeties by a team, with 62 safeties. StatMuse has team, season-level data for safeties going back to the 1921 season.

What was the Lions worst season? ›

The Detroit Lions had their worst record in a season in 2008 and in 1942, with a record of 0-16.
TEAMRECPTS
Detroit Lions0-16268
Detroit Lions0-1138
Detroit Lions1-10142
Detroit Lions2-14262
24 more rows

How many times have the Lions gone 0-16? ›

The team has had 39 winning seasons, 49 losing seasons, and 6 seasons with as many wins as losses. The Lions were the first franchise to finish a full (non-strike shortened) regular season with no wins or ties, since the move to sixteen regular season games in 1978, going 0–16 during the 2008 NFL season.

Why do the Lions wear Honolulu blue? ›

The short answer

George Richards — who owned the Detroit radio station WJR and bought the team in the spring of 1934 — chose that name Honolulu blue because it reminded him of the ocean water he saw on a trip to Hawai'i, according to an old Lions media guide. So began a new — and blue — era for the Detroit Lions.

Who was the best safety in NFL history? ›

Who are the greatest NFL safeties of all time?
  • Ronnie Lott (1981-1995) Although a cornerback in his early days, Lott transitioned to the safety position and was enshrined at Canton in both positions. ...
  • Ed Reed (2002-2013) ...
  • Troy Polamalu (2003-2014) ...
  • Ken Houston (1967-1980) ...
  • Paul Krause (1964-1979) ...
  • Brian Dawkins (1996-2011)
Oct 18, 2023

Has a team ever gotten 2 safeties in one game? ›

The NFL team record for safeties in a game is three, which all occurred when the Los Angeles Rams recorded three against the New York Giants on September 30, 1984. The individual record is two, by the Rams' Fred Dryer against the Green Bay Packers on October 21, 1973.

What was the best year for the Lions? ›

The 1953 Detroit Lions were a dominant force in the NFL and one of the league's powerhouse teams during that era. Coached by Buddy Parker, the Lions had a remarkable season from start to finish.

What year did the Detroit Lions have a winning season? ›

The Lions play in the National Football Conference (NFC) of the National Football League (NFL) and have won four NFL championships (1935, 1952, 1953, and 1957). However, the team has never played in a Super Bowl. (Read Walter Camp's 1903 Britannica essay on inventing American football.)

What is the Detroit Lions record the last 10 years? ›

The Detroit Lions have a record of 101-124-2 since 2010.

Have Lions ever won a Super Bowl? ›

The Lions are one of the NFL's oldest franchises (founded in 1930), yet they have zero Super Bowl appearances and arguably the worst postseason résumé in league history. That's why this year's run to the NFC Championship Game was such a big deal for Detroit fans.

What is the Lions' best record ever? ›

The Detroit Lions had their best record in a season in 1953, with a record of 10-2.
TEAMRECSEASON
Lions10-21953
Lions9-2-11954
Lions11-31962
Spartans11-31931
24 more rows

What team went 0-14? ›

1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0–14)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were another expansion team in 1976, three years after they were confirmed as the next NFL team.

Who owns the Detroit Lions? ›

Sheila Ford Hamp, 72, is the current Lions principal owner. She is one of four children of William Clay Ford Sr. and Martha Firestone Ford, born in 1951. She has three sons and resides in Ann Arbor with her husband, Steve.

What are the two lines on the Detroit Lions helmet? ›

The Lion's logo has two vertical stripes, one blue and one silver, on the sides of the helmet, with a silver facemask attached to the shell. This was the symbol of the Lions when they were playing in the 1960s, but never wore the emblem on the team's helmets until now.

When did Lions wear black jerseys? ›

Detroit previously had black uniforms after a 2003 reveal, but after one of the worst eras of Lions football under former general manager Matt Millen, Detroit removed them from the rotation with their 2017 uniform release.

What NFL player has the most safeties? ›

Leaders
PlayerSftyYears
Ted Hendricks+41969-1983
Justin Houston42011-2023
Jared Allen42004-2015
Ernie Stautner+31950-1963
54 more rows

What's the record for most safeties in a game? ›

The Los Angeles Rams have scored the most safeties by a team in a game, with 3 safeties versus the Giants on September 30, 1984.

How many safeties does an NFL team have? ›

Safety: Like cornerbacks, there are always two safeties on the field. They line up in the deep part of the field and play almost like central defenders. Safeties must be aware of the deep passing plays, and tackle anyone that gets free.

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