Before the Free Agency, DNA of Sports offers you its traditional top 5 of free agents that will be available at each position on March 10. Today in the spotlight, the cornerbacks.
Unlike other positions where tauliers are not legion, the cuvée of the cornerbacks at the end of the contract is proud. Precisely, strengthening and solidifying its air defense are always essential needs for teams.
Playmakers, serious players, there are power holders. This year again the dollars should rain on this premium position.
1 – Byron Murphy – CB – 27 years old
Stats 2024: 17 games, 81 tackles including 4 for loss, 6 interceptions, 14 passes defended
If a cornerback has to touch the jackpot during this offseason, it will be Byron Murphy. Since his arrival in Minnesota, the player has changed dimension. A real playmaker, it is attracted to the ball. At just 27 years old, he finally confirms all the hopes placed in him during his draft.
The ideal destination: Minnesota Vikings
Murphy has been shining since he has evolved under the orders of Brian Flores. Why want to change this? Vikings have a team for playoffs and talent on all lines. It only remains to agree on an amount.
2 – Charvarius Ward – CB – 28 years old
Stats 2024: 12 games, 54 tackles including 1.5 for loss, 7 defended passes
An experienced player, Charvarius won over the seasons like a very efficient cornerback. To the point of being selected from the 2nd All Pro team in 2023. The 2024 exercise was marked by a terrible mourning for the player, which largely explains his drop in diet. At 28, the player still has a lot to offer. He will strengthen any team that will invest in him.
The ideal destination: New York Jets
Ward needs to change air. He said it at the start of the year.
“'I have a lot of trauma in California. »»
New Yorkers are starting a new cycle with Aaron Glenn. The likely departure of DJ Reed, leaves room for the opposite of Gardner sauce. At the jets, Ward would find Steve Wilks as a defensive coordinator, with whom he worked for 2 seasons in San Francisco. It was under his orders that he had been All Pro.
3 – DJ Reed – CB – 28 years old
Stats 2024: 14 games, 64 tackles including 4 for loss, 1 sack, 11 passes defended
In the media shadow of Gardner sauce, DJ Reed is nonetheless an extremely solid cornerback. In the green jersey, he asserted himself as a very high level holder. Since his arrival, the jets have never been more badly classified than 4th in the defense against the pass.
The ideal destination: Green Bay Packers
Green Bay is about to turn the Jaire Alexander page in one way or another. The cornering position therefore becomes a total project for the team with two holders to find. In the youngest team in the league, experience would be welcome. Especially in such a important position. Reed
4 – Carlton Davis – CB – 28 years old
Stats 2024: 13 games, 56 tackles including 4 for loss, 2 interceptions, 11 passes defended
After 6 years in Florida in the Buccaneers jersey, Carlton Davis landed in Detroit as part of an exchange last season. As in his first seasons, he showed that he had a sense of the game and that he was a reliable cornerback. With ideal dimensions to evolve on exteriors, Davis is ready for a new challenge.
The ideal destination: Los Angeles Loaders
The possibility of staying in Detroit is strong for the player. After a promising season, the Michigan franchise has the means to offer it a good contract. But a return to the sun could be a most attractive alternative for Davis. Under the leadership of Jim Harbaugh, he would integrate a defense into enormous progress. He would bring experience to a squad now led by players who will only be in their second year.
5 – Asante Samuel Jr. – CB – 25 years old
Stats 2024: 4 games, 13 tackles, 2 defended passes
A shoulder injury amputated the season of Asante Samuel Jr. in 2024. However, the player should benefit from a good rating on the market. He does not have the scope of a number 1 cornerback, but he will make a solid number 2.. The pro football site focus classified him in the 20 best in his post before the exercise 2024. During his years spent at the expense, Samuel showed his sense of coverage with at least 11 passes defended each of his first 3 seasons.
The ideal destination: New England Patriots
In the footsteps of his father? It would be the great story for the son of the double champion and former All Pro with the Massachusetts team. With the end of Jonathan Jones contract, the Patriots need a counterpart to the excellent Christian Gonzalez.
Other interesting names: Donte Jackson, Benjamin St. Just, Paulson Adobe, Rasul Douglas, Eric Stokes, Jonathan Jones, Kendall Fuller, Stefon Gilmore, Ronald Darby, Mike Hugues, Kristian Fulton, Avonte Maddox, Rock Ya-Sin, Brandon Stephens, Myles Bryant, Akhello Witherspoon, Nate Hobbs
