Micah Parsons is entering the final year of his rookie deal and has publicly sought a long-term extension, with his absence from practice adding fuel to a spiraling Cowboys saga. A trade, while unlikely, is the spark that could reframe Dallas’ window. ESPN’s Mike Tannenbaum pitched three bold routes to land Parsons with a legitimate Super Bowl contender: to Buffalo for Ed Oliver plus two first-round picks; to Detroit for a first, two seconds, and Brian Branch; or to Tampa Bay for Vita Ve a plus Bucky Irving and a first. Dallas has shown no interest in moving him, but with Parsons off the field, Dallas’ ceiling could wobble.

Fantasy angles abound. Parsons’ absence bumps up risk for Dallas’ defensive upside; Bills, Lions and Buccaneers each offer distinct implications if the deal goes through. Oliver would bolster Buffalo’s interior pressure, Branch would boost Detroit’s secondary play alongside a rising defensive front, and Vita Ve a would anchor Tampa’s run defense. Across all scenarios, Parsons remains the centerpiece alongside Prescott and Lamb, making every practice and lineup decision carry extra weight as momentum builds toward Week 1.

Morice Norris is in concussion protocol after a preseason collision, with the Lions planning to take him slow over the next 10 to 14 days and reassess. This timeline matters for Detroit’s early-depth safety plans, as Norris is a UDFA vying for a spot behind Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.

Norris returned to Detroit after a brief hospital stay in Atlanta, where the play ended with teammates from both teams linking in a show of concern and unity. Detroit’s camp continues, and the NFL’s preseason rhythm means committee-style safety usage could unfold early, testing Lions’ depth behind the two presumed starters.

From a fantasy-leaning lens, Norris’s absence would nudge the safety rotation toward Joseph and Branch more quickly, elevating the perceived floor of their targets. If Norris returns within the 10–14 day window, Detroit could maintain a versatile, rotating trio rather than committing to a single reliable safety option, reducing downside risk for the two stars while keeping the door open for a late-season breakout from Norris if he secures a roster spot.

In a recent edition of ESPN’s positional rankings, the top 10 safeties have been revealed, showcasing a new wave of talent in the NFL. Leading the list is Kyle Hamilton of the Baltimore Ravens, followed closely by Brian Branch of the Detroit Lions and Xavier McKinney of the New York Giants. The list highlights an emerging trend where younger players dominate the safety position, with both Hamilton and Branch still on their rookie contracts.

Despite the influx of new talent, veteran Derwin James of the Los Angeles Chargers continues to be recognized for his skills, securing a position in the top 10. James's career has had its ups and downs, but he remains a key player in the Chargers' defense. As teams increasingly rely on young safeties, the dynamics of the position are shifting, presenting both challenges and opportunities for seasoned players like James.

A recent ESPN survey has revealed that the Detroit Lions boast two of the top five safeties in the NFL as they prepare for the 2025 season. Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch have both made significant impacts on the field, showcasing exceptional skills that have earned them recognition among the league's elite. This development not only highlights the Lions' strong defensive unit but also sets the stage for an exciting season ahead, especially for fantasy football enthusiasts looking to capitalize on defensive strategies.

As training camps for the 2025 NFL season approach, the league's top executives, coaches, and scouts have ranked the best players in each position. The sixth edition of this comprehensive survey reaffirms the continual evolution of player rankings influenced by performance and positional versatility. The upcoming series will reveal the top players at various positions over 11 days, starting with running backs.

The rankings reflect contemporary gameplay, especially in the safety position, which has become increasingly hybrid due to offensive innovations. This year, Kyle Hamilton of the Baltimore Ravens tops the safety rankings, showcasing his exceptional versatility despite a decline in traditional metrics. Fellow safeties like Brian Branch and Xavier McKinney follow closely, proving that adaptability and instinct are paramount in today's defenses.