Cornerbacks might be more the rage in the DB hierarchy, but a good safety can also change a defense. Once considered a lower-priority position, we’ve seen an uptick in importance placed on safeties since the emergence of players such as Eric Berry, Earl Thomas and Devin McCourty, all of whom were members of the 2010 draft class.
It has leaked over into free agency, too, with six safeties making more than $10 million per year and another 13 who make in excess of $6 million per season. Teams are starting to realize the value of a quality safety to help combat prolific passing attacks, help line up defenses against fast-paced offenses and defend a wide variety of pass catchers, from smaller deep receivers up to massive tight ends.