All articles tagged with #secondary
After the first wave of 2026 NFL free agency, several teams still face notable roster holes: Cincinnati’s inexperienced linebackers need a veteran upgrade; New York Jets’ receiver group remains underwhelming after losses; Washington’s cornerbacks are a weakness; and Miami’s secondary is thin despite some additions. Teams are likely to pursue veterans or rely on the 2026 draft to patch these gaps.
Dallas signed veteran corner Cobie Durant to a one-year contract, adding outside/nickel versatility to a secondary that has already added safeties Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke. Durant, 28, spent four seasons with the Rams and during 2025 appeared in 17 games (15 starts) with 40 tackles and 3 interceptions, including three postseason picks. At 5'11
After a 2025 defensive overhaul that included several signings and a coaching shift, New England added safety Kevin Byard to pair with developing corner Craig Woodson and standout Christian Gonzalez. The result could be the NFL’s best secondary heading into 2026, with Byard guiding the back end and complementing a group that already looked strong in the postseason.
Rams GM Les Snead said adding an All-Pro to the secondary would be nice after the NFC Championship loss to Seattle. With no free-agent All-Pros available, a trade could be on the table, aided by Los Angeles’ two first-round picks. Speculation has linked Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie as a potential target, and Snead’s goal is a move that provides an edge, consistent with his history of bold trades.
Two days into the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, the Pittsburgh Steelers are signaling a heavy focus on upgrading the secondary with multiple formal and informal meetings and potential Day 1–2 picks; inside linebacker is in play as they consider a possible replacement for Patrick Queen and have spoken with prospects like Jake Golday. The defensive-line class skews interior this year, with several nose tackles (Lee Hunter, Cameron Ball, Tim Keenan III, etc.) and potential first‑round targets such as Kayden McDonald and Lee Hunter, plus options like Darrell Jackson Jr. and Rayshaun Benny. Edge players Rueben Bain Jr. and Cassius Howell show historically short arm lengths, a notable note from measurements, but Bain remains a top prospect. The Steelers could delay a defensive-line pick to Day 2 given depth and five picks projected for Days 1–2.
Dallas is rounding out its new defensive staff, hiring Derrick Ansley as their DBs coach/defensive pass game coordinator and Ryan Smith as the secondary coach. Both bring NFL and college experience and will help Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker rebuild a secondary that regressed last season, with additional positions like linebackers and defensive line coaches still to be filled.
After a 41-6 playoff loss to Seattle, the piece argues the 49ers must address three areas: slower overall play speed with perimeter defenders lagging in coverage, a need to strengthen the interior offensive line (left guard and center depth) to handle interior pressure, and a lack of a blue-chip playmaker in the secondary that could be added through the draft or Free Agency to elevate the defense.
The Panthers claimed safety D'Anthony Bell off waivers from the Seahawks to bolster their secondary, placing injured tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders on injured reserve after a broken fibula.
The Steelers signed cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., who is returning from injury and surgery, as a low-risk addition to bolster their struggling secondary, but the team's main issue remains their lack of explosive playmakers on offense, especially at wide receiver, which hampers their ability to score and change game dynamics.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' secondary is significantly weakened due to injuries, with key safeties Jabrill Peppers and Chuck Clark out for the upcoming game against the Colts, complicating their defensive efforts against a strong offense.
The Buffalo Bills received good news with key players like Maxwell Hairston, Terrel Bernard, and Matt Milano returning to practice, while others like Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, Joshua Palmer, and Ray Davis remain injured. The team prepares for their game against the Kansas City Chiefs, with some uncertainties about minor injuries to Matt Prater and Shaq Thompson.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson has signed with the Chicago Bears after a tumultuous season involving multiple team changes, including stints with the Texans, Ravens, and Eagles, and is expected to bolster the Bears' secondary amid injuries. His season has been marked by frustration and team moves, but he remains passionate about continuing his NFL career.
The Chicago Bears have signed veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to strengthen their secondary, adding a fiery player known for his aggressive style to bolster their defense amid injuries.
The Chicago Bears have signed veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to bolster their depleted secondary, bringing him in after a series of team changes within a year, and he will reunite with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
The Patriots traded safety Kyle Dugger and a seventh-round pick to the Steelers for a sixth-round pick, addressing their secondary needs after trading Minkah Fitzpatrick, with Dugger having been a key player since 2020 and recently returning from an ankle injury.