In the modern era of the NFL, the passing game is king. The value of a strong secondary, however, includes both solid pass defense and staunch run support. Defensive backs that are versatile in both man-to-man and zone defense are at a premium. A look at the top cornerbacks and safeties, the top NFC South defensive backs, finds each of the teams in the division with at least one member in our top five.
We return with Last Word on the NFL’s top returning series as we take a look at the best players at their position groups. Who are the best NFC South defensive backs for 2026? Let’s take a look.
The Best NFC South Defensive Backs for 2026
5. Jamel Dean, Cornerback, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cornerback Jamel Dean has eleven interceptions in his seven seasons in the league, and comes in as the division’s fifth-best defensive back. Dean definitely benefits from the play of Antoine Winfield Jr, one of the game’s best free safeties. Dean’s ability to handle the game’s best receivers in one-on-one coverage is a big plus for the Buccaneers. With Tampa’s reloaded defense for 2026, watch for Dean to have more opportunities to boost his interception numbers.
4. Justin Reid, Free Safety, New Orleans Saints
Safety Justin Reid began his career with All-Rookie honors in 2018. He had been a strong leader for both the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs before signing to bolster the New Orleans Saints’ secondary last season. Reid brings physicality and intelligence to the field, and his career numbers represent why he makes our list at #4. Reid has 11 interceptions and 652 tackles in eight seasons. Reid enters 2026 as the leader of the secondary and a key to the Saints’ playoff berth chances.
Best year yet! https://t.co/XPSUHBwNr4
— Justin Reid (@JustinqReid) July 10, 2026
3. Jessie Bates III, Free Safety, Atlanta Falcons
Jessie Bates III entered the NFL in 2018 and made an immediate impact. He was a rookie starter in the Cincinnati Bengals‘ run to the Super Bowl that year, becoming the clear leader of the defense. Bates signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, and he earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors as he turned the Falcons’ secondary into a solid force. He has 811 tackles and 27 interceptions in his eight seasons in the league. Take Bates out of the Falcons’ secondary, and the defense would be reduced to below average. With Bates quarterbacking the defense, the Falcons have a solid chance of returning to the playoffs in 2026.
Most INTs in the 2020s:
Jessie Bates III – 21
Justin Simmons – 21
Trevon Diggs – 20
Kerby Joseph – 20
Kevin Byard – 19
CJ Gardner Johnson – 19
Tyrann Mathieu – 19
Xavier McKinney – 19
JC Jackson – 18
Xavien Howard – 17 pic.twitter.com/lihU5gyZTs— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) July 8, 2026
2. Jaycee Horn, Cornerback, Carolina Panthers
In Jaycee Horn’s five seasons in the NFL, the sixth-year cornerback has evolved into one of the league’s best, a true shutdown cornerback. Horn battled injuries his first and third years in the league, playing only a combined 9 games. Horn ramped up his production last season, collecting five interceptions in arguably his best season yet. Horn has blazing speed but still packs a punch at 6’1 and 200 pounds to be a solid player in the Carolina Panthers’ rushing defense. Horn has earned praised from the league, earning Pro Bowl status the last two seasons.
No. 76 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026…@Panthers CB Jaycee Horn! @NFLFilms pic.twitter.com/CCbqDRMFTM
— NFL (@NFL) July 8, 2026
1. Antoine Winfield Jr., Free Safety, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Antoine Winfield Jr. earned the honors as the NFC South’s best defensive back, collecting a pair of Pro Bowl nods and two All-Pro selections in his six seasons in the league. Winfield Jr. has nine interceptions and twelve forced fumbles in his career, including a league-leading six forced fumbles in 2023. Winfield is more than the winfiedefensive leader for Tampa Bay, he is the one player the Bucs need to shine above all others in order for the team to win the NFC South and make a serious Super Bowl run.
Main Image: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
