What happened: Entering the 2026 offseason, Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks have been recognized as the second-best safety duo in the NFL. The defensive secondary is openly targeting the number one overall ranking for the upcoming campaign.
Why it matters: The combination anchors the backfield with complementary skill sets, pairing an established All-Pro with a highly touted sophomore. Pressure is mounting on the roster to rebound from a disappointing 2025 finish, making this positional stability critical to their championship aspirations.
By the numbers: During his 2025 rookie season, Starks logged over 1,000 snaps, recording 84 tackles and two interceptions to fortify the deep coverage.
What to watch: Coaches will look to optimize the tandem's hybrid usage during training camp. Their deployment in preseason joint practices will offer an early gauge of the unit's progress.