AFC North Safety Rankings Reveal Each Team's Starting and Backup Options for 2026

In the wake of this year’s free-agency moves and the 2026 draft, each AFC North franchise has largely set its safety corps. The Ravens count on All-Pro Kyle Hamilton and the promising Malaki Starks, supplementing them with veteran Jaylinn Hawkins. The Bengals introduced former Chiefs safety Bryan Cook, paired with fourth-year Jordan Battle, and added Kyle Dugger as a potential third-string player.

Pittsburgh’s unit combines newly signed Jaquan Brisker with Deshon Elliott, who returns after an injury-shortened 2025, while Darnell Savage is expected to compete for playing time. Cleveland re-upped Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman, and drafted Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, a player many viewed as a first-round talent, to bolster its secondary depth.