We are seeing NFL offenses reverting back to the run game more, as secondaries across the league are getting a lot better at taking away the deep pass. Right now, it's clear that defenses have an advantage over offenses.
Not only is that the case, but it's also easier to field a competent defense than it is an offense. Teams can simply go out in the free agency market and 'buy' defenses, but that isn't always the best idea for offenses. Given how this trend has continued to years now, there really isn't an indication that it's going to stop anytime soon.
And it's not a surprise to see that the best secondaries in the NFL are all a part of elite defenses. Let's power-rank the best seconadaries for the 2026 season here, using raw talent and 2025 performance.
NFL Power Rankings, 2026: Ranking the best secondaries in the league
5. Philadelphia Eagles - Riq Woolen, Marcus Epps, Andrew Mukuba, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean
The safety room is a bit shaky after Reed Blankenship departed for the Houston Texans, but this is still a formidable unit. Philadelphia added Riq Woolen in free agency this offseason on a one-year deal to finally sort out the cornerback room, which could be the best in the league alongside Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
Philly adding a safety at some point later this offseason would put the icing on this cake.
4. Los Angeles Rams - Jaylen Watson, Kamren Kinchens, Kam Curl, Trent McDuffie, Quentin Lake
The Los Angeles Rams truly went from having a shaky secondary to having one of the best in the NFL, as they signed Jaylen Watson in free agency and traded for Trent McDuffie. Both players began their careers with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Suddenly, while already sporting a top-tier safety duo, the Rams addressed their biggest needs and are primed to field one of the more complete rosters in the NFL for the 2026 season.
3. Seattle Seahawks - Devon Witherspoon, Ty Okada, Julian Love, Josh Jobe, Nick Emmanwori
The Seattle Seahawks elite defense was the driving force in this team winning it all this year, and the secondary is a huge reason why the unit was so good. Losing Woolen in free agency was clearly something this team planned for, but on paper and based on 2025, it's hard to argue that Seattle's unit isn't among the best.
This unit has a perfect blend of everything you want - elite coverage, solid in run defense, and the presence of a big, physical safety in Nick Emmanwori.
2. Denver Broncos - Riley Moss, Talanoa Hufanga, Brandon Jones, Patrick Surtain, Ja'Quan McMillian
The Denver Broncos built their elite safety duo in free agency, but have drafted and developed at cornerback. This seems to be the winning method, as Denver's secondary has been among the best in the league for years now, but it does also help having the best defensive player in the NFL at cornerback in Patrick Surtain II.
Riley Moss is one of the better CB2s in the NFL given the amount of passes he has thrown his way, and slot cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian is a clever, frisky player wiith an affinity for the big play.
1. Houston Texans - Derek Stingley Jr., Reed Blankenship, Calen Bullock, Kamari Lassiter, Jalen Pitre
The most complete secondary in the NFL, even before adding Blankenship to the mix, is Houston. This unit was a takeaway machine in 2025, as all of Calen Bullock, Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, and Jalen Pitre had four interceptions, and all four players had least least 10 passes defended, too.
The one issue that could stick out for the long-term with this group is being able to keep everyone, as the Texans may eventually have to make some tough decisions on who they would want to pay and continue paying, for example.
But foor the time being, it's clear that Houston's unit is the best and most talented in the league right now.