NFL Exec Predicts New Trend of Teams 'Not Willing to Overpay' on Safety Contracts

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.

Howe noted that more than $100 million in safety salaries has already been cut by NFL teams this offseason, which is almost $40 million more than any other position. The players themselves have noticed, with Quandre Diggs joking about moving to cornerback after he was released by the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday.

While some of the moves were focused on creating cap space, this could also be the start of a league-wide belief against paying safeties long-term contracts. It's not difficult to imagine, as front offices have already become hesitant about handing large deals out to other positions such as running backs in recent years.

The theory will be tested on Monday at noon ET when the legal tampering period begins and players can begin speaking with front offices through their representation.