2014 Cornerback Free Agent Breakdown
By: Matt Harmon
High-end starters
1) Darrelle Revis, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Age: 29 *signed with Patriots*
2) Brent Grimes, Miami Dolphins. Age: 31 *re-signed with Dolphins*
3) Vontae Davis, Indianapolis Colts. Age: 26 *re-signed with Colts*
Good starters
1) Alterraun Verner, Tennessee Titans. Age: 25 *signed with Buccaneers*
2) Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Denver Broncos. Age: 28 *signed with Giants*
3) Chris Harris, Denver Broncos. Age: 25 (RFA) *tendered by Broncos (2nd round)*
4) Sam Shields, Green Bay Packers. Age: 26 *re-signed with Packers*
5) Aqib Talib, New England Patriots. Age: 28 *signed with Broncos*
6) Tarell Brown, San Francisco 49ers. Age: 29 *signed with Raiders*
Solid Contributors
1) Captain Munnerlyn, Carolina Panthers. Age: 26 *signed with Vikings*
2) Walter Thurmond, Seattle Seahawks. Age: 27 *signed with Giants*
3) Brandon Browner, Seattle Seahawks. Age: 30 *signed with Patriots*
4) Antonio Cromartie, New York Jets. Age: 29 *signed with Cardinals*
5) Jabari Greer, New Orleans Saints. Age: 32
Role players
1) Rashean Mathis, Detroit Lions. Age: 34
2) Corey Graham, Baltimore Ravens. Age: 29 *signed with Bills*
3) Nolan Carroll, Miami Dolphins. Age: 27 *signed with Eagles*
4) Antoine Cason, Arizona Cardinals. Age: 27 *signed with Panthers*
5) Mike Jenkins, Oakland Raiders. Age: 29 *signed with Buccaneers*
6) Will Blackmon, Jacksonville Jaguars. Age: 29 *re-signed with Jaguars*
7) Trumaine Brock, New York Giants. Age: 28 *re-signed with Giants*
8) Tracy Porter, Oakland Raiders. Age: 28 *signed with Redskins*
9) Carlos Rodgers, San Francisco 49ers. Age: 32 *signed with Raiders*
10) Champ Bailey, Denver Broncos. Age: 35
11) Drayton Florence, Carolina Panthers. Age: 33
12) DeAngelo Hall, Washington Redskins. Age: 30 *re-signed with Redskins*
13) Terrell Thomas, New York Giants. Age: 29
14) Derek Cox, San Diego Chargers. Age: 27 *signed with Vikings*
15) Asante Samuel, Atlanta Falcons. Age: 33
16) Cortland Finnegan, St. Louis Rams. Age: 30 *signed with Dolphins*
Diamond in the Rough
1) Charles Tillman, Chicago Bears. Age: 33 *re-signed with Bears*
2) Brandon Ghee, Cincinnati Bengals. Age: 27 *signed with Chargers*
3) Eric Wright, San Francisco 49ers. Age: 29 *re-signed with 49ers*
QB--RB--FB--WR--TE--OT--OG--C--Int. DL--Edge Plyr.--LB--CB--S--K/P
High-end starters
1) Darrelle Revis, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Age: 29 *signed with Patriots*
- The fact that a player of Darrelle Revis' caliber is on the open market is shameful. The Bucs released this all-time great because he "didn't fit their system", and now a much smarter team will benefit because of it. Revis is still a great player, and one who can change your entire defense by cutting out one side of the field. Every single team should be interested.
2) Brent Grimes, Miami Dolphins. Age: 31 *re-signed with Dolphins*
- Grimes was outstanding in his first season with the Dolphins. He may have even looked better than ever before. Grimes will be commanding close to top dollar this season. He is not in the shutdown, top tier of guys like Richard Sherman, but he is not far from it.
3) Vontae Davis, Indianapolis Colts. Age: 26 *re-signed with Colts*
- Davis had a few bad games, but that was mostly due to injury. Still young, and learning, Davis might be the most sought after corner on the market. He is one of the better man coverage players in the NFL. If he gets free, his price tag will be high.
Good starters
1) Alterraun Verner, Tennessee Titans. Age: 25 *signed with Buccaneers*
- It seemed like the Titans wanted to faze Verner out of the defense before the season. Good thing that never came to fruition. Verner turned in an outstanding 2013 season for the Titans. He showed he possesses diverse coverage skills and a nose for the ball. Verner is a unique and interesting player, but he might not necessarily be a number one type corner. The market for his services might get very hot.
2) Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Denver Broncos. Age: 28 *signed with Giants*
- DRC rebounded from a rough stint with the Eagles to turn in a fine season with the Broncos. Rodgers-Cromartie can be a great player, but he is very scheme specific. He is a long, lean corner who can mirror and track wide receivers in man coverage with proficiency. However, he does not have a great feel for zones and isn’t the most physical guy around. If a team brings him in, they need to make sure he fits what they like to do.
3) Chris Harris, Denver Broncos. Age: 25 (RFA) *tendered by Broncos (2nd round)*
- Harris is one of the best, unheralded corners in the league. An expert at shutting down slot receivers, he is a valuable commodity in today’s NFL. Unfortunately, he suffered a nasty knee injury during Denver’s playoff run. Given that fact, and his restricted status, it’s hard to envision him switching teams this offseason.
4) Sam Shields, Green Bay Packers. Age: 26 *re-signed with Packers*
- Shields is another corner who suffered a late season injury. He took a bit of a step back this year, but the entire Packers defense was a mess in 2013. His environment might have negatively affected Shields. Given that he is still young, skilled, and has some very good tape out there, he will be highly sought after. If he comes at a discount rate now, even better.
5) Aqib Talib, New England Patriots. Age: 28 *signed with Broncos*
- The former Buccaneer has become a bit overrated due to some excellent showings on national television. He was outstanding, and verging on the shutdown corner level early in the season, but really fell off late. His play after the win over the Saints was really quite poor. A hip injury might have played a part, but that isn’t exactly a new theme with Talib. His inconsistency, injury and legal history make him a pretty risky signing.
6) Tarell Brown, San Francisco 49ers. Age: 29 *signed with Raiders*
- Brown has been a really nice starter for the 49ers the past several years. Carlos Rodgers is the bigger name, but Brown is the better player. He had a little contract dispute with the 49ers this season so its fair to wonder whether he will be back there or not. He likely won’t force a team to break the bank, but will reward them with solid play.
Solid Contributors
1) Captain Munnerlyn, Carolina Panthers. Age: 26 *signed with Vikings*
- The diminutive, former seventh rounder is coming off his best season. Munnerlyn is by far the best player in a secondary full of no-named guys. The Panthers used Munnerlyn to fill a certain role, and he excelled when kept there. Any team would be thrilled to have a player like this scrappy young cornerback on their team. With the Panthers cap issues; don’t be shocked if another team rushes to sign him early in free agency.
2) Walter Thurmond, Seattle Seahawks. Age: 27 *signed with Giants*
- Thurmond didn’t play the whole of the 2013 season due to a suspension, but played very well as the Seahawks slot corner. He finally seems to be turning his career around after something of a slow start. Thurmond will be a coveted player should he reach the open market.
3) Brandon Browner, Seattle Seahawks. Age: 30 *signed with Patriots*
- Browner’s play had fallen off a bit even before he was lost for the season with and injury and a suspension. He is still a starting caliber cornerback, but certainly comes with some risk. Browner is also a bit scheme-specific, as well. It’s hard to envision him having much success in a system that doesn’t feature a ton of press, man coverage.
4) Antonio Cromartie, New York Jets. Age: 29 *signed with Cardinals*
- There's no getting around it, Antonio Cromartie had a brutal 2013 season. He was beaten deep over and over again, and looked quite sloppy with his technique. His release was inevitable given his poor play, and high salary. On the other hand, Cromartie was injured during a team practice, and his sharp decline mostly started at that point. Remember, it was only year ago that Cromartie was playing at a very high level in the Darrelle Revis shutdown corner role. He's certainly worth a look for a cornerback needy team.
5) Jabari Greer, New Orleans Saints. Age: 32
- The former Bills and Saints' cornerback is a solid starter at his best. He was cut by the Saints in a cost cutting move, and because he suffered a major injury this season. NFL teams can never have too many corners, so he will get a look somewhere. If he can bounce back to his old form, you could have a steal, as he will come cheap.
Role players
1) Rashean Mathis, Detroit Lions. Age: 34
- The former Jaguars’ star resurrected his career and played very well for the Lions this season. Mathis was a stabilizing force for a secondary that has always been in upheaval. A contending team could certainly consider adding him as a complimentary piece to their roster.
2) Corey Graham, Baltimore Ravens. Age: 29 *signed with Bills*
- Graham has been a decent part-time player for the Ravens the last two years. He is at his best as a third corner, and a contributor on special teams.
3) Nolan Carroll, Miami Dolphins. Age: 27 *signed with Eagles*
- Nolan Carroll saw the most action of his career during the 2013 season. He was able to keep most of the playing time over the two rookies Miami drafted. He played pretty well, but is by no means a sure-fire starter.
4) Antoine Cason, Arizona Cardinals. Age: 27 *signed with Panthers*
- He has not lived up to his first round billing, and Antoine Cason only played a limited role with the Cardinals last season. He is not a sure fire starter, but he could rebound in a different setting. There is talent here, but Cason has shown himself to be a flawed player. He would be best off as a third option.
5) Mike Jenkins, Oakland Raiders. Age: 29 *signed with Buccaneers*
- The former Dallas draft bust had a rather uninspiring year as one of the Raiders starting cornerbacks. Still, there were times he was at least passable, when healthy. The entire Raiders secondary had the misfortune of playing behind a front seven that hardly ever pressured the quarterback. A tough task for any corner.
6) Will Blackmon, Jacksonville Jaguars. Age: 29 *re-signed with Jaguars*
- Will Blackmon played pretty well for Gus Bradley and the Jacksonville Jaguars. He seems to be a good fit for an aggressive man coverage defense. He could make a nice cheap addition.
7) Trumaine Brock, New York Giants. Age: 28 *re-signed with Giants*
- Brock played well in a small role for the Giants secondary. 2013 was by far the best season of his career, and it came on his third NFL team. You have to wonder what he has to offer going forward.
8) Tracy Porter, Oakland Raiders. Age: 28 *signed with Redskins*
- Porter did not have a very good season with the Raiders, but like his teammate, Mike Jenkins, there were extenuating circumstances. Porter has never fully developed past the flashes he showed with the Saints, but he is able to start. He would be better on a team that can rush the passer.
9) Carlos Rodgers, San Francisco 49ers. Age: 32 *signed with Raiders*
- One year's worth of interceptions put his expectations through the roof. Carlos Rodgers was really just a solid starter all along. His play has fallen off the last two season, and its unclear just how much he has left.
10) Champ Bailey, Denver Broncos. Age: 35
- He looked really bad in the Super Bowl, and the middle of last season, but let's not forget that Champ Bailey was a really good player in 2012. Bailey is aging, and its very possible he could be done, but he also wasn't healthy las t season. Maybe if he gets healthy and doesn't have to play a big role he could be a valuable piece of a contending defense. Bailey has also more than hinted at moving to safety late in his career, so maybe that transition could extend his career a bit.
11) Drayton Florence, Carolina Panthers. Age: 33
- The Panthers cut Florence at the end of training camp, but brought him back after a few injuries. It turned out to be a wise decision, as Florence had a solid season. He benefited from the dominant front seven in Carolina, but he was a decent option in his own right. His age makes it unlikely he is starting again next season.
12) DeAngelo Hall, Washington Redskins. Age: 30 *re-signed with Redskins*
- Perennially overrated, Hall somehow constantly draws defense from Washington fans. Hall gives up just as many big plays as he makes, and the ratio probably isn’t even that favorable anymore. He’ll get another job, but it shouldn’t be as a starter. Hall has made some noise about moving to safety, but that is laughable given the lack of physicality in his game.
13) Terrell Thomas, New York Giants. Age: 29
- Thomas didn’t have his best season, but remember he was coming back from multiple ACL injuries. He could be better in the coming years, or he could be permanently hampered. The Giants thought about using him at safety prior to his injuries, and maybe he will find a home in a hybrid role going forward.
14) Derek Cox, San Diego Chargers. Age: 27 *signed with Vikings*
- There wasn't a bigger bust amongst the 2013 free agent class than Derek Cox. The Chargers curiously gave him a big contract, and he gave them some downright bad play in return. He's young, but that's about the only thing redeeming about Cox at the moment.
15) Asante Samuel, Atlanta Falcons. Age: 33
- As the Falcons season began to slip away, Asante Samuel saw fewer, and fewer snaps. He is certainly on the downside of his career, and is very limited in what he can offer at this point. Samuel does not show much effort in playing the run game, and is only proficient in off man coverage at this point. He will probably be a late free agent signing to a veteran team. You can't really rely on him to be anything close to the player he once was.
16) Cortland Finnegan, St. Louis Rams. Age: 30 *signed with Dolphins*
- It sure seemed like Cortland Finnegan got really old in a hurry last season. Of all the once great veteran cornerbacks on the market, he was by far the worst. Finnegan can still press well, and play physical football, but that's about it. It's a big mystery as to whether he has anything left to contribute.
Diamond in the Rough
1) Charles Tillman, Chicago Bears. Age: 33 *re-signed with Bears*
- Its odd to find a veteran such as Peanut Tillman down here. However, his 2013 season was such a disaster, he might be a steal in free agency. Is it likely that his career is coming to a close? Of course, but it is equally possible his health jeopardized his effectiveness when he was actually on the field. If he goes to a team that only wants him to play in the nickel on limited snaps, he could once again turn in more big plays.
2) Brandon Ghee, Cincinnati Bengals. Age: 27 *signed with Chargers*
- The former third-round pick has always been buried on the Bengals depth chart. Its Brandon Ghee’s time to breakout on his own. If some team gets him cheap based on his limited tape, they will get a steal. Ghee was highly regarded coming into the league, and he has shown some flashes in the pros too.
3) Eric Wright, San Francisco 49ers. Age: 29 *re-signed with 49ers*
- Everyone forgot about Eric Wright after he flamed out with the Bucs, and didn’t see much action in San Francisco. Provided his injury and conduct issues are behind him, he can still make an impact. He was twice overpaid in free agency, but don’t let that cloud your judgment. Wright is still an NFL caliber corner.
QB--RB--FB--WR--TE--OT--OG--C--Int. DL--Edge Plyr.--LB--CB--S--K/P
Widget is loading comments...
