Former Denver Broncos CB Aqib Talib shares his thoughts about the future of defensive back play in the NFL

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Nick Roesch | Last updated Mar 26, 2025 1:13 PM ET

Retired NFL cornerback Aqib Talib is one of the best defensive backs in recent memory.

Some of his best years came while he was a member of the Denver Broncos from 2014-2017. During that four-year span, he earned one of his two All-Pro and four of his five Pro Bowl selections. Talib was also a part of the Broncos' roster when they won Super Bowl 50.

A first-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008, Talib put together a Hall of Fame worthy career. Throughout his 12 years in the league, he recorded 462 total tackles, 35 interceptions (10 returned for touchdowns), 125 passes defensed, one sack, and five forced fumbles.

His 10 interception-returned touchdowns are the fourth-most in NFL history. However, his 35 INTs rank tied for 132nd all-time. Talib took to X (Twitter) on Tuesday to express his opinion that the day of DBs intercepting 50 or more passes are over, which will lead to shorter careers for CBs and safeties alike.

The days of a DB getting 50 ints are OVER!!! QBs & OCs are too good now. DBs will not play 15+ years anymore. Today’s WRs are too fast! New int # for a great defensive back career is 35 ints. Talib-35, Sherman-41, Pat P-37, Revis-32, Gilmore-34, A Cromartie-34, D.R Cromartie-33.
— AqibTalib21 (@AqibTalib21) March 25, 2025

Talib isn't off base with that take. Only six of the top-100 leaders in interceptions began their playing career during the 2000s, and only 18 in the 90s. Talib also cites wide receivers being faster nowadays, which is definitely true as a whole. Offenses have greatly evolved in general over the past few decades, both positional and coaching wise.

The current active player with the most interceptions is Minnesota Vikings S Harrison Smith with 37, who has played 13 seasons. It seems as though the mid-30s range is the new sweet spot for long tenured DBs who can make a case for the Hall of Fame. However, I have to disagree with Talib about the correlation between INT numbers and shorter careers.

With all of the analytic information that has emerged over the past decade, we have much more data to judge a DB on than just INTs or passes defensed. As long as DBs are continually containing pass catchers, they'll have a job. As for the Broncos, they have one of the best in the business with CB Patrick Surtain II, who is the reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year. As Surtain enters his fifth season in 2025, he'll look to continue to build his own case for the HOF.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: