Football is an incredibly difficult sport. It requires borderline peak athleticism to see the field, and it requires the player to be stalwart in their work ethic and mental processing to stay on it. This is pertinent to the defensive back position, and these characteristics are well-embodied in the best AFC East defensive backs. Some of the league’s best at safety, outside cornerback, and even slot cornerback call the AFC East home. Let’s check out how these great players rank amongst each other in the latest edition of the LWOS “Best Of” series – AFC East defensive backs!
The Best AFC East Defensive Backs for 2026
5. Carlton Davis III, Outside Cornerback, New England Patriots
The #5 spot on the AFC East defensive backs rankings goes to Carlton Davis III, who made his debut in the division just last season after spending 2024 with the Lions. This spot was close between Davis and Bills cornerback Christian Benford, but ultimately Davis’ longevity and contribution to the Patriots’ run in 2025 led to him taking it. Davis had a solid year for the Patriots in 2025, registering 13 pass break-ups (regular and postseason combined) and allowing 515 yards in coverage (36th in the NFL).
Carlton Davis landed at number five due to the rest of the entrants on this list being some of the top performers at their position league-wide. Davis may also not have much upward mobility on this list in the future, as he is approaching 30 years old. Meanwhile, the rest of the division is brimming with young talent such as Azareye’h Thomas (Jets), Chris Johnson (Dolphins), and Maxwell Hairston (Bills).
4. Marcus Jones, Slot Cornerback, New England Patriots
The first, and only, slot cornerback on the AFC East defensive backs rankings is Marcus Jones in this number four spot. Jones is as versatile as they come for the Patriots, as he racked up four interceptions, seven pass break-ups, 75 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble all in 2025. His defensive versatility all comes from the slot position, as he led the division in snaps there with 653. On top of all that, he had two kick return touchdowns as well.
Oh my goodness Marcus Jones. The 94-yard punt return touchdown gives the New England Patriots a two score lead. #NEPats
Jones is an elite punt returner. pic.twitter.com/NlrAMj1Uo4
— Patriots Lead (@Patriots_Lead) December 2, 2025
The fourth spot is perfect for Marcus Jones. He’s one spot above Carlton Davis because he’s the best at his position in the division, but the players above him play more valuable positions at a high level. Jones is only going to be 28 this season, so he could move up this list come 2027 if he continues to make an impact defensively. He’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so as he is asked to do a lot. For now, though, he stays at number four.
3. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Safety, New York Jets
Smack in the middle of the AFC East defensive backs rankings is one of the best safeties of this era – Minkah Fitzpatrick. In 2025, Minkah made his return to the team that drafted him back in 2018, the Miami Dolphins. He was a rare bright spot on a struggling defense. The former three-time First Team All-Pro registered 57 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and an interception while playing all over the field for the Fins. Before this short return stint, he was a huge part of a vaunted Steelers defense that made countless playoff appearances. Despite his career success and solid play last season, he fetched merely a seventh-round pick in a trade to the Jets this offseason.
In 2026, Minkah Fitzpatrick will look to help turn around a disastrous Jets defense with his high-caliber play. If he can do so and re-solidify himself among the league’s best, he has a great chance to move up this list come 2027. He comes in at number three here, though due to the next entrant being one of the top performers of 2025.
2. Kevin Byard III, Safety, New England Patriots
The third, and not the last, Patriot on the AFC East defensive backs rankings is their newest member, Kevin Byard. Byard was a great addition for the Super Bowl runners-up as he had a great 2025 in Chicago. He racked up 77 tackles and a league-leading seven interceptions. This was a no-brainer move for the Patriots after losing Jaylinn Hawkins, who had four interceptions in 2025, in free agency to the Ravens. Byard also has a great connection with Mike Vrabel from their time in Tennessee.
Despite turning 33 next month, Kevin Byard deserves this number two spot. His longevity speaks for itself, having been a relevant NFL name for his whole career. He is also a great leader, as shown below in this “Mic’d Up” video from the Bears clash against the Washington Commanders from 2025. If Byard can use his skill and leadership to help elevate the Patriots even higher, he may reclaim this spot in 2027.
1. Christian Gonzalez, Outside Cornerback, New England Patriots
Finally, the inevitable number one entrant on the AFC East defensive backs rankings is none other than Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez is already stamped as one of the league’s best just three seasons into his career. His 2025 got off to a late start due to a nagging hamstring injury from the offseason, but he made a huge impact regardless.
Gonzalez racked up 74 tackles, a forced fumble, an interception, and 13 pass break-ups in 2025 en route to a Super Bowl appearance. He also only allowed 46 catches for 498 yards on a whopping 106 targets, which was second in all of football. Finally, going back to that Super Bowl appearance, Gonzalez was the lone bright spot for New England in that game. He held the reigning OPOY Jaxon Smith-Njigba to just one catch for 16 yards when he was the primary defender.
Gonzalez is set up quite well to headline this list for years to come as he may not have even hit his true ceiling yet. He is also set up incredibly well to get a massive extension in the near future with New England, as he is now eligible having played his third season. In the end, the Patriots dominate the AFC East defensive backs rankings with four entrants, all of which could very well reappear in 2027.
Main Photo: [Mark J. Rebilas] – Imagn Images
