Dallas Cowboys

Projected Starters: TBD (LCB; due to Trevon Diggs knee injury), Malik Hooker (SS), Donovan Wilson (FS), Kaiir Elam (RCB; acquired via trade w/Buffalo), DaRon Bland (NB)

Like much of the Dallas team last season, the secondary was fairly average—though it didn’t help that the offense often put the defense in tough situations. For the most part, the secondary remains intact, with the exception of the outside corners. Trevon Diggs is recovering from an injury and is likely to miss a good portion of the first half of the season, while new free-agent addition Kaiir Elam steps in to help fill the gap on the other side of the field. If this unit can deliver even a marginal improvement, the secondary could become a real asset in a competitive NFC East.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 68.2% (6th highest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 11.6 yards (tied 6th most in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 28 (tied 8th most in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 50.1% (5th least in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 13 (tied 12th most in the NFL)
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New York Giants

Projected Starters: Paulson Adebo (LCB; Free agent acquisition), Tyler Nubin (SS), Jevon Holland (FS; Free agent acquisition), Deonte Banks (RCB), Dru Phillips (NB)

The secondary was one of several areas the Giants needed to address this offseason. They added two key free agents—Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland—who will bring a veteran presence to an otherwise young group. If the secondary can take a step forward this season, the defense could become a strong point for this team. Whether the same can be said for the offense, however, remains to be seen.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 69.4% (tied 2nd highest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 11.1 yards (12th most in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 23 (tied 9th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 50.7% (tied 8th least in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 5 (2nd least in the NFL)

Philadelphia Eagles

Projected Starters: Kelee Ringo (LCB), Sydney Brown (SS), Reed Blankenship (FS), Quinyon Mitchell (RCB), Cooper DeJean (NB)

With two rookies in the starting lineup last season, many experts questioned how effective this group could be—but they ended up being one of the strongest secondaries in the NFL. Now, with the departures of Darius Slay, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Isaiah Rodgers, new players will need to step up. Kelee Ringo and Sydney Brown, who primarily contributed on special teams last year, are expected to take on larger roles this season. It remains to be seen whether this secondary can perform at the same high level as it did a year ago.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 62.2% (6th least in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 9.7 yards (fewest in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 22 (tied 6th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 47.5% (2nd least in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 13 (tied 12th most in the NFL)

Washington Commanders

Projected Starters: Jonathan Jones (LCB; Free agent acquisition), Will Harris (SS; Free agent acquisition), Quan Martin (FS), Marshon Lattimore (RCB), Mike Sainristil (NB)

After an unexpected breakout season, the Commanders are looking for continued improvement from their secondary to help keep the team competitive—even when the offense isn’t firing on all cylinders. Midway through last season, Washington acquired Marshon Lattimore to bolster the unit, and this offseason they added Jonathan Jones and Will Harris, both of whom are expected to play significant roles. This secondary group will definitely be one to watch heading into the new season.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 61.9% (tied 3rd least in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 11.4 yards (9th most in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 25 (16th in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 57% (2nd most in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 7 (tied 4th least in the NFL)