One anonymous NFL executive believes that the large amount of starting-caliber safeties that have been cut by teams ahead of free agency is the beginning of a new trend.
"While the market wasn't nearly as strong [in 2023], you saw teams weren't willing to pay," the executive said, per Jeff Howe of The Athletic. "I think we're going to see a trend of teams not willing to overpay for this position."
Notable moves have included the Philadelphia Eagles releasing Kevin Byard, the Buffalo Bills parting ways with Jordan Poyer, the Chicago Bears cutting ties with Eddie Jackson and the Denver Broncos releasing Justin Simmons after he earned the second Pro Bowl nod of his career in 2023.