2012 NFL Free Agents: Highlighting This Year's Best Cornerbacks

The 2012 class of free agent cornerbacks isn't as flashy as it was last season when Nnamdi Asomugha and Jonathan Joseph headlined the group. However, there are a few defensive backs who could make an impact in a new uniform next season. 

Let's give those free agent cornerbacks a closer look. 

Stanford Routt 

Routt was cut by the Oakland Raiders last week, which mean he's had a head start on the "free agent" tour. So far, he's visited the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs and will meet with the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday. 

Other teams in the mix are the Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys. 

At 6'1'' and 195 pounds, Routt is a bigger cornerback capable of playing aggressive press man coverage. 

As a clear-cut No. 2 in 2010, Routt fed off Nnamdi Asomugha and emerged as one of the more underrated defensive backs in the league. 

In 2011, he intercepted four passes, but was the most penalized cornerback in the league. 

This seven-year veteran would be a solid addition to just about any team, but not as a true No. 1 corner. 

Brent Grimes

Grimes is listed only at 5'10'' and 183 pounds, but he's one of the better man cover corners in the league due to his immense athletic and leaping abilities. 

He is a key cog in the Atlanta Falcons defense, especially playing in a division with Cam Newton and Drew Brees. 

If the Falcons want to franchise him, it will cost them a shade over $10 million next season. The 28-year-old Grimes could be in line for a four-year deal, according to sports writer D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

If he hits the open market, there should be a variety of teams looking to add him to their secondary. He's a gritty playmaker who seemingly overachieves every season. 

Cortland Finnegan 

Finnegan has an established reputation as one of the most physically intimidating, never-back-down cornerbacks in the NFL. 

His fight with Houston Texans wideout Andre Johnson in 2010 will remind you of that. 

He'll likely garner a great deal of attention if he's not re-signed by the Titans, especially by the Detroit Lions and St. Louis Rams. 

At 28, Finnegan isn't in the prime of his career anymore. However, he's still a productive player who can be relied upon in pressure moments. 

Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean noted that talks are still stagnant between the Titans and Finnegan. 

Carlos Rogers 

Rogers had a career resurrection in San Francisco this season, playing amidst a group of young and talented defensive players. 

He reeled in six interceptions with the 49ers and was vital to their run to the NFC title game. 

At 6'0'' and 200 pounds, he has ideal size to match up with big-bodied receivers on the outside. 

However, he's reportedly looking for a four-year or five-year deal and will be 31 in July. 

That doesn't bode well if he ultimately wants to remain a member of the 49ers. 

Look for a few teams to make an offer to him with shorter terms. 

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