2012 NFL Free Agent Predictions: Projecting New Homes for Top Defensive Backs

Depending on which players will get the franchise tag, there's a limited number of top defensive backs who will hit the market next month.

Still, in a pass-happy league, improving the pass defense is the next best thing to a dominating pass rush and a defense can't have ultimate success without both.

That said, here are projected new homes for some of the more notable defensive backs.

Click link to view potential salary cap.

Cortland Finnegan, Denver Broncos

According to Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean, the Titans and cornerback Cortland Finnegan remain opposite in regards to a contract:

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The Titans met with the agent for cornerback Cortland Finnegan on Friday at the NFL Combine, but no progress was made toward keeping him with the team, sources familiar with the situation said.

All signs still point to Finnegan becoming a free agent March 13. The Titans haven’t made him a contract offer, and indications are they have no plans to do so. They aren’t expected to use the $10.6 million franchise tag on Finnegan by the March 5 deadline.

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That said, the Denver Broncos are a suitable fit for Finnegan as they run a 4-3 defense, desperately need a young and talented corner to complement Champ Bailey (and eventually takeover) and will likely have the cap room to pay him.

Right now The Orange Crush defense is on the cusp of becoming one of the NFL's best defenses.

Defending the pass, however, was their biggest weakness in 2011 and had it not been for a stout pass rush and rush defense, Denver would not have made the postseason.

Put Finnegan on the corner and he'll help with edge run support, lockdown any he lines up over, especially in the AFC West where overly dominant receivers are far and few between. Not to mention, but with new defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio coaching, Finnegan will immediately become a consistent All-Pro corner.

Terrell Thomas, Cleveland Browns

For starters, Terrell Thomas won't be asking nearly as much dough as Cortland Finnegan, so that's one less thing the Browns have to worry about.

Secondly, it would be surprising to see the Giants re-sign Thomas considering they won the Super Bowl without him and have most of their other defensive back contributors from 2011 to retain. Also, because of his injury Thomas will be needing a fresh start elsewhere and shouldn't be looking for a long-term deal.

That said, Cleveland needs a solid complement to pair with Joe Haden in the secondary as well as someone who can defend well on the edge against the run. Thomas is everything the Browns need in a corner, considering that he recorded 101 tackles, forced four fumbles, made five picks and defended 21 passes in 2010.

Via the draft, Cleveland needs to address the offense and defensive front seven, but signing a guy like Thomas will vehemently boost the pass defense and immediately make them a more complete unit.

Thomas DeCoud, Jacksonville Jaguars

Strictly looking at the Atlanta Falcons defense, Thomas DeCoud is not one of the primary players they need to retain. With guys like John Abraham, Curtis Lofton and Brent Grimes needing to be retained, DeCoud remaining would be surprising.

Mainly because after (for Falcons' fans sake) re-signing these players, Atlanta won't have much room left in salary cap to give DeCoud an appealing offer. The big question here is whether the Falcons give Abraham, Lofton or Grimes the franchise tag.

Now include return specialist Eric Weems and when healthy, the reliable receiver Harry Douglas, DeCoud becomes even less of a priority. Therefore, expect a team rebuilding like the Jaguars to make a move for him.

One reason is because of Mike Mularkey now their head coach (Falcons former offensive coordinator) and Jacksonville's need for sound talent and depth to remain a top 10 defense.

Not to mention defensive coordinator Mel Tucker would mold DeCoud into an even better safety.

John Rozum on Twitter.