Atlanta Falcons

Projected Starters: Mike Hughes (LCB), Jessie Bates III (SS), Jordan Fuller (FS; Free agent acquisition), A.J. Terrell Jr. (RCB), Dee Alford (NB)

As Atlanta approaches the 2025 NFL season, the team is hoping that elite veterans Jessie Bates III and A.J. Terrell Jr. will lead by example in a secondary that was middle of the pack last season. With the addition of Jordan Fuller, who played for the Panthers last year, the Falcons aim to further solidify their defensive backfield as they continue to pursue their first playoff appearance since the 2017–2018 season.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 69.9% (Highest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 9.9 yards (2nd fewest in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 34 (2nd most in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 49.5% (3rd least in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 12 (tied 15th least in NFL)

Carolina Panthers

Projected Starters: Mike Jackson (LCB), Tre’von Moehrig (SS; Free agent acquisition), Demani Richardson (FS), Jaycee Horn (RCB), Chau Smith-Wade (NB) 

Like many position groups in Carolina last season, the secondary did not measure up to the rest of the NFL. This offseason, the Panthers signed Tre’von Moehrig, a free agent from Las Vegas, to bring more experience to an otherwise young secondary. However, with several other areas of the roster needing attention, Carolina wasn’t able to focus on the secondary as much as they would have liked and will have to rely on some young, unproven players this year.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: (67.9%) (7th highest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 11.2 yards (11th most in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 35 (Most in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 56.9% (3rd most in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 9  (tied 8th fewest in the NFL)
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New Orleans Saints 

Projected Starters: Kool-Aid Mckinstry (LCB), Justin Reid (SS; Free agent acquisition), Julian Blackmon (FS; free agent acquisition), Isaac Yiadom (RCB; Free agent acquisition), Alontae Taylor (NB)

If there’s any position group expected to stand out for New Orleans this year, it’s likely the secondary. It will look a bit different from last season with the additions of free agents Justin Reid and Isaac Yiadom. With minimal expectations for the team as a whole, this season presents a great opportunity for the Saints to develop second-year cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 61.9% (4th lowest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 11.7 yards (5th most in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 19 (4th fewest in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 53% (13th most in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 14 (11th most in the NFL)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected Starters: Zyon McCollum (LCB), Tykee Smith (SS), Antoine Winfield Jr. (FS), Jamel Dean (RCB),  Christien Izien (NB)

After a solid 2024 campaign, the main area of concern heading into this season for Tampa Bay is the secondary. While early production may be limited, the Bucs will be hoping for mid- to late-season contributions from their second- and third-round picks, Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish. If this group can work through its issues in 2025, Tampa Bay could become a serious threat in the NFC.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 66.4% (11th highest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 10.7 yards (tied 13th fewest in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 27 (14th most in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 50.7%  (tied 8th least in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 7 (tied for 4th fewest in the NFL)