2012 NFL Free Agent Predictions: Where Brandon Carr and Other Top Corners Sign

As the NFL offseason progresses, the market for cornerbacks is quite hot considering pro football being so reliant on the passing game.

Therefore, expect to see more than a few corners go on the move before 2012 begins. The interest, though, is where the top corners land.

Well, here's a look and it's certainly with franchises needing to remain stout or improve against the pass.

Full view of projected salary cap space.

Carlos Rogers, Broncos

Before signing with the San Francisco 49ers in 2011, Carlos Rogers had a solid career from 2005 to 2010 with the Washington Redskins.

There, Rogers made 300 tackles, picked off eight passes and defended a total of 76 passes (24 in 2008).

In San Francisco, though, Rogers' game went to another level and he intercepted six passes, defended a total of 18 and made 44 tackles.

The effort earned him an All-Pro selection; however, the 49ers decided to franchise tag safety Dashon Goldson, so despite expecting to have solid cap space available, it's likely that Rogers goes elsewhere.

That said, the Denver Broncos are a suitable fit as they have the cap space, desperately need a corner to complement Champ Bailey and to assist the pass-rush. Last season, the Broncos finished ranked No. 18 against the pass and it clearly affected the rest of the Orange Crush defense.

With Rogers on the outside locking down coverage, the young safeties will have a better opportunity to develop quicker. Plus, Denver will be able to slow down the development of plays to provide the pass-rushers more time to get sacks.

After all, the Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil combo is arguably the best pass-rush duo in the league. 

Cortland Finnegan, Jaguars

Despite having six good years with the Tennessee Titans from 2006 to 2011, Cortland Finnegan has yet to find mutual grounds with his team for the 2012 season.

Well, although they are Tennessee's AFC South division rival, the Jacksonville Jaguars are definitely a nice spot for Finnegan to land.

For one, Jacksonville's strong defense, led by defensive coordinator Mel Tucker, finished No. 6 last season. Not to mention the Jags were No. 8 against the pass and No. 9 against the rush.

However, veteran Rashean Mathis will be 32 years old before 2012 starts, and after an injury cut short his 2011 campaign, the Jags need to add younger and healthier talent, regardless of what happens with Mathis.

In addition, youngster Kevin Rutland displayed promise last season, but guys like Morgan Trent and Drew Coleman aren't on Finnegan's level. Jacksonville is expected to have great cap space available, and since Finnegan wants to be paid, the Jags can fork some nice dough over.

On a team that has largely been known for strong defenses, Finnegan is the type of player that Jacksonville needs.

Brandon Carr, Cowboys

Even with all their expected cap space available, it would now be surprising if the Kansas City Chiefs re-signed Brandon Carr.

The reason? Well, after acquiring Stanford Routt and giving him a hefty deal, the Chiefs also have Brandon Flowers and, provided he gets back to full health, safety Eric Berry. The question here is whether Carr is willing to make the move to safety and/or take a smaller deal than Routt.

Considering that Carr has played consistently well throughout his short career and that it's likely for Routt to start over him at corner, he'll get a better offer elsewhere.

Such as the Dallas Cowboys.

It's imperative that Big D improves in pass defense, especially with the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants thrashing them each season. Plus, with the likelihood of Washington landing Robert Griffin III in the NFL draft, the Cowboys and their No. 23 ranked pass defense will continue to get dominated.

Now, the Cowboys aren't in the best of salary cap positions, but as evidenced by the ginormous stadium in which they play, Jerry Jones will find a way to get what he wants.

As for Carr, he'll start right away, have an attractive contract and will be assisted by a strong pass-rush and run defense in front of him.

Terrell Thomas, Giants

Although he would be one of the most sought-out cornerbacks in free agency, it appears that Terrell Thomas is going to remain with the New York Giants.

According to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, Thomas plans on suiting up for Big Blue in 2012:

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"They know you best. Obviously this industry is a business so I’m definitely open to free agency, but the talks with the Giants are going very well."

The Giants and Thomas will likely come to an agreement on a short-term contract, most likely two years in duration, that will enable him to re-establish his market value as he returns from reconstructive knee surgery.

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This is a smart move by the Giants, because in terms of their cap space, Thomas isn't going to be asking for a lot.

Plus, the man proved his ability by recording over 100 tackles, intercepting five passes, forcing four fumbles and defending 21 total passes in 2010. Also at 6'0", 190 pounds, Thomas has ideal size for a strong corner who can be a great edge run-supporter.

The Giants' No. 29 ranked pass defense in 2011 (allowed 255 pass yards per game) will significantly improve with Thomas shutting down receivers on the outside.

John Rozum on Twitter.