2014 NFL Free Agents: Exploring the Cornerback Market

With free agency right around the corner, teams are starting to buckle down when it comes to deciding who stays, who goes and who is on the way in.

And speaking of corners, that is where our focus will be for this piece when it comes to the potential open market.

Here’s a look at the top cornerbacks around the NFL who might be available for hire come March 11, as well as a couple who are available immediately.

There are certainly some big names out there at the position, including more than one Pro Bowler. Here, we will take a look at who figures to be on the field in 2014, and we will employ some help in doing so via the following sites.

• Spotrac (subscription required) provides us with a comprehensive list of cornerbacks that could become unrestricted free agents on Mar. 11, as well as those already released by teams this offseason.
• Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranks all NFL cornerbacks’ performances in 2013, including their work as both pass and run defenders.

So here’s a look at who’s cornering the market when it comes to corners on the market.

Say that three times fast.

Aqib Talib, New England Patriots

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2013: 41 tackles, four interceptions, 13 passes defensed

When available, New England Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib can be a difference-maker. Unfortunately, his eventual absence in a pair of AFC title games may have been the difference between a couple more Super Bowl appearances for Bill Belichick’s club.

As we know, the Pro Bowl defender has been injured during the course of each of the last two conference-championship tilts. His departure made life easier for both Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and Denver Broncos signal-caller Peyton Manning in advancing their teams to the Super Bowl.

Now the question becomes: Will Talib return to Foxborough and at what price? And will this latest injury have a bearing on his status for 2014?

According to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, the price may not be right for both parties.

Alterraun Verner, Tennessee Titans

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2013: 57 tackles, five interceptions, 23 passes defensed

It is sometimes forgotten that the Tennessee Titans have now gone five consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance, after sporting the NFL’s top record (13-3) in 2008.

What is not forgotten is the play of Pro Bowl cornerback Alterraun Verner this past season. A former fourth-round selection in 2010, his five interceptions were one less than he managed in his first three NFL campaigns combined. Add in a pair of fumble recoveries, and the four-year pro totaled more than one-fourth of Tennessee’s 25 takeaways in 2013.

It has already been an offseason of change for the Titans. Ken Whisenhunt replaces head coach Mike Munchak, who was let go after three seasons. Verner would also play for a new defensive coordinator if he opts to stay. Ray Horton, a former NFL cornerback himself, steps into that job and could have a big effect on Verner, who may just be hitting his stride career-wise.

It would not be a shock to see the Titans make a concerted effort to bring back their Pro Bowl cornerback. This was an active team in free agency in 2013 and one that could be closer to getting back to the playoffs than some may think.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Denver Broncos

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2013: 31 tackles, three interceptions, 15 passes defensed

It has been a very interesting six-year NFL career for Denver Broncos cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

A first-round draft choice of the Arizona Cardinals in 2008, the talented defender was a starter in Super Bowl XLIII as a rookie. In his second season, he was named to the Pro Bowl.

In 2011, he was part of a trade (for quarterback Kevin Kolb) that saw him land with the Philadelphia Eagles for two seasons. Last winter, he signed a one-year contract with the Broncos and helped the team make an appearance in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Now, he could be headed for a fourth team in seven years if he doesn’t re-sign with Denver by Mar. 11. The Broncos have a number of prominent players who are headed for free agency, such as running back Knowshon Moreno and wide receiver Eric Decker.

Still, given the status of their defense, Rodgers-Cromartie may be the one player that they can least afford to lose.

Sam Shields, Green Bay Packers

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** UPDATED**

Sam Shields agreed to re-sign with the Packers on March 8, 2014.

2013: 61 tackles, four interceptions, 17 passes defensed

Just like the Denver Broncos on the previous page, the Green Bay Packers have some big names that could become unrestricted free agents next month.

Wide receiver James Jones, tight end Jermichael Finley, defensive end B.J. Raji and defensive tackle Ryan Pickett make up a list that also includes four-year veteran cornerback Sam Shields.

With all of the weekly attention on the availability of quarterback Aaron Rodgers last season, Green Bay’s defense struggled all year for any number of reasons. The Packers finished 25th in total yards allowed and defensive coordinator Dom Capers’ unit gave up 30 touchdowns passes.

Green Bay defenders only managed 11 interceptions in 2013 but Shields had four of them and also led the team in passes defensed. According to a recent report by Tom Silverstein of the Journal Sentinel, the Packers’ cornerback intends on hitting the open market.

Charles Tillman, Chicago Bears

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2013: 41 tackles, three interceptions, seven passes defensed

It is always fun to play connect the dots.

In 11 seasons with the Chicago Bears, cornerback Charles Tillman has totaled 44 takeaways (36 interceptions), forced 42 fumbles and been named to a pair of Pro Bowls.

This past season, the team only had the pleasure of having him around for eight games due to numerous injuries. His absence, combined with other issues, made for a forgettable season for the Chicago defense in 2013.

Now, he is set to become an unrestricted free agent and may have played his last game with the Bears. “I'm not really worried about it," said Tillman to Fred Mitchell of the Chicago Tribune back in late January. "I am just going to see what happens. I have some options, I have some thoughts.”

Could one thought be a trip to Tampa and a reunion with Lovie Smith, Tillman’s former head coach in Chicago who will now be roaming the sidelines with the Buccaneers?

Corey Graham, Baltimore Ravens

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2013: 74 tackles, four interceptions, 12 passes defensed

Here is a name that hasn’t gotten a lot of attention this offseason.

Make no mistake, Baltimore Ravens cornerback Corey Graham is worth taking a closer look at.

A fifth-round draft choice by the Bears in 2007 from the University of New Hampshire, he totaled only four interceptions in five seasons in the Windy City.

This past season for the Ravens, the seven-year veteran totaled four interceptions. In two seasons in Baltimore, he has collected six interceptions.

Who could forget his performance in the 2012 AFC divisional round, when he picked off Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning twice (returning one for a touchdown) in the Ravens' stirring double-overtime victory?

The Baltimore defense made strides in 2013 after a shaky performance the previous season. Retaining Graham may or may not be a priority for the team, but losing him could be a step backward.

Captain Munnerlyn, Carolina Panthers

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2013: 73 tackles, two interceptions, 12 passes defensed

Talk about making the most of your opportunities.

In five seasons with the Carolina Panthers, cornerback Captain Munnerlyn has picked off only seven passes, with four of those coming in the last two years.

However, the former seventh-round draft choice has taken back five of those miscues for scores. In fact, over the last two seasons, each of the former South Carolina Gamecock's four thefts was returned for a touchdown.

He turned in quite a performance for the league’s second-ranked defense in 2013. Along with his 73 stops and two interceptions, the Panthers defender had one fumble recovery and three sacks.

Re-signing Pro Bowl defensive end Greg Hardy was priority No. 1, as Carolina slapped him with the franchise tag. Keeping Munnerlyn around would be a step in the right direction as well.

Champ Bailey (Released by Denver Broncos)

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2013: 14 tackles, zero interceptions, three passes defensed

This past season, his 15th in the NFL, cornerback Champ Bailey played in nearly as many regular-season games (five) as postseason contests (three) for the Denver Broncos.

Now we have to wait and see who the 12-time Pro Bowler will be suiting up for in 2014. The Broncos released the veteran defender on Mar. 6.

“I'm good. It's bittersweet. Now I get to go see what is out there,” Bailey told Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today on Wednesday. “I'm looking at the positive side of it.”

This season, injuries were a major factor in limiting Bailey’s time on the field. His total of five games played was a career low for a season, and he failed to record an interception for the first time in his career.

But that doesn’t mean a healthier Bailey won’t be back to making an impression somewhere else this fall.

Asante Samuel (Released by Atlanta Falcons)

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2013: 30 tackles, one interception, three passes defensed

You would think a player that is available who possesses the kind of resume that veteran cornerback Asante Samuel owns would create more of a buzz.

Oh well.

In 11 seasons with the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons, Samuel picked off 51 passes, returned four of those thefts for scores and was named to four Pro Bowls.

That’s not all. In 21 playoff games with those three aforementioned teams, the former University of Central Florida product totaled seven interceptions and owns the NFL postseason records for interception return yards (227) and returns for touchdowns (four).

Samuel was released by the Falcons on Feb. 5. He played in just 11 games in 2013 and picked off just one pass.

But will the well-traveled veteran be making an appearance with another team in 2014?

Best of the Rest

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Vontae Davis, Indianapolis Colts

2013: 46 tackles, one interception, 12 passes defensed

There is still a lot of work to be done when it comes to the Colts defense. This past season, Indianapolis ranked 20th in the league in total yards allowed but gave up just 21 touchdown passes in 16 games. In the playoffs, Chuck Pagano’s team gave up a combined 87 points in the split with the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots. Nonetheless, Davis has four interceptions in two seasons with the Colts and is a valuable commodity.

Tarell Brown, San Francisco 49ers

2013: 32 tackles, zero interceptions, 11 passes defensed

The seven-year veteran has spent his entire career with the 49ers, totaling 11 interceptions over that span. Last season, a rib injury limited him to just 13 games. A fifth-round pick from Texas in 2007, the solid defender totaled a career-high four interceptions in 2011. Over the last three seasons, he has started 42 out of a possible 48 games and made 10 starts in 2013.

Mike Jenkins, Oakland Raiders

2013: 65 tackles, two interceptions, six passes defensed

In his second season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2009, Jenkins totaled five interceptions and was named to the Pro Bowl. In his last four seasons, including last season with the Raiders, the former first-round draft choice has picked off only four passes. He was part of an Oakland defense that was rebuilt through free agency in 2013, and that could be the case again this season—with or without the former Cowboys standout.

Tracy Porter, Oakland Raiders

2013: 67 tackles, two interceptions, 13 passes defensed

Back in 2009, Porter totaled four interceptions in his second NFL season, and he and the New Orleans Saints went on to championship glory in Super Bowl XLIV. Late in that game, the former second-round pick picked off Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and returned it 74 yards for a score.

Now, he could be on the verge of suiting up for a fourth team in as many seasons. He has spent the last three years with the Saints (2011), Denver Broncos (2012) and Raiders (2013).

Rashean Mathis, Detroit Lions

2013: 47 tackles, zero interceptions, 16 passes defensed

In 2013, the Detroit Lions lost six of their last seven games to finish 7-9. In the process, they also lost their head coach at the end of the season. But Mathis, despite having zero interceptions, enjoyed a strong season in the Motor City by leading the team in passes defensed.

Could he be headed for a reunion with Jack Del Rio in Denver this season if the Lions opt not to bring him back? We’re just connecting the dots.