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NFL·July 7, 2026 05:03 PM ET

Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks ranked as elite NFL safety tandem

The defensive backs aim to become the league's top unit.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 71 min read
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Baltimore RavensNFL
No. 2 safety duo in the NFL. Kyle Hamilton + Malaki Starks. The case for No. 1 starts this season 😈 https://t.co/hvGP2c

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.

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