Mason's top 10 safety free agents
Andrew Mason lists his top 10 safety free agents for the 2018 offseason.
The 49ers' fortunes faded during Reid's five years with the team, but Reid was a reliable presence in the secondary and was one of the team's steadying forces. Solid against the run and adept in coverage, he posted his best season last year since his rookie campaign and should get a hefty contract. (Ric Tapia via AP)
His willingness to make plays against the run makes him an asset, and for a team that is willing to move him into the box liberally, the 29-year-old nine-year veteran should provide a positive contribution. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
The Seahawks' defense turned McDougald loose to make big plays against the run, and he helped minimize the drop-off when injuries struck the "Legion of Boom" the last two years. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Boston shines in coverage, and he heads into free agency after posting a career-high five interceptions last year -- two more than the total of his three previous seasons combined. If he can improve his tackling, he could be a force whose best days should be ahead of him. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Although the Saints' defense emerged as a force last season, Vaccaro was not one of the biggest reasons why, especially in pass coverage. However, he is one of the league's best safeties against the run, which will attract some notice. (Ric Tapia via AP)
The dependable Gilchrist had a solid season for Houston last year after spending the 2015 and 2016 seasons with the Jets following a four-year stint in San Diego. You know what you're getting with Gilchrist, and while he might linger on the market, he will be a good option for a team that doesn't find its answer on the market right away. (Matt Patterson via AP)
He's coming off of a torn anterior cruciate ligament that ended his season after nine games, and he has missed 45 games over the last five years because of various injuries. Branch can hold his own against tight ends in coverage, but he's a victim of the maxim that the "best ability is availability." (AP Photo/David Goldman)
His restricted status may limit interest in him, but his ability to line up deep and still be a factor against the run could spur interest, especially because it will be cheaper to get him signed to a multi-year contract now than it would be if he hits the unrestricted market next year. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
The seven-year veteran posted 141 total tackles and three interceptions in his two seasons with the Lions following six years as a backup in New England. He missed the last six games of the 2017 season because of a shoulder injury, but he should be back to full health for 2018. (Detroit Lions via AP)
After joining the Bucs following his release by the Broncos, injuries limited him to just 12 games and four starts. He remains a threat to make plays in the box against the run, but he isn't likely to receive a contract like the one he got from the Broncos in 2014. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
