Before the free agency, DNA of Sports offers you its traditional Top 5 free agents which will be available at each position on March 13. The last curtain is in the spotlight with cornerbacks and safeties.
In an increasingly airy NFL, the last curtain is more and more predominant in defense. This year the vintage of defensive backs does not lack flavor. Whether they are at the top of their career or on the rise, a lot of accomplished starters are available, especially in the safety position. If the franchises want to heal the back of the field, it’s now.
1 – Jessie Bates (S) – 26 years old
2022 stats: 71 tackles including 3 for loss, 4 interceptions, 8 passes defended, 1 forced fumble
Tagged in 2022, Jessie Bates will be able to “test” the market in a few days. Among the most regular in his position, Bates made the heyday of the last curtain of the Bengals for 5 years. A good tackler, effective in coverage, he has just turned 26 and seems to be at the peak of his career. Arguments that could make him one of the highest paid players in his position.
The ideal destination: Atlanta Falcons
With more than 63 million available under the salary cap, the Falcons have enough to strengthen and continue their reconstruction. If the exteriors already have the presence of the solid AJ Terrell, the safety position deserves a high-caliber leader. A few weeks ago, Bates was having dinner with Terrell and Casey Hayward. Their potential association in the backfield could surely have been mentioned.
2 – James Bradberry (CB) – 29 years old
Stats 2022: 44 tackles including 1 for loss, 3 interceptions, 17 passes defended, 1 touchdown
Picked up by Philadelphia after being cut by rival Giants, James Bradberry gave regrets to his former employers. Author of an exceptional season, logically rewarded by a selection in the second All Pro team, he formed with his sidekick Darius Slay the best duo of cornerbacks in the NFL. Despite an unfortunate holding at the Super Bowl, Bradberry has proven that he was a real anti-aircraft threat and should logically land a new fine contract.
The ideal destination: Jacksonville Jaguars
Surprise guest of the playoffs, where they even spent a round, the Jaguars need reinforcements to confirm. One identified weakness is pass defense where Floridians finished 28th in the league. After cutting Shaq Griffin a few days ago, the team is looking for a counterpart to Tyson Campbell. Bradberry ticks all the boxes. The franchise, however, needs to make room in its payroll to be able to attract the cornerback.
3 – CJ Gardner-Johnson (DT) – 25
Stats 2022: 67 tackles, 1 sack, 6 interceptions, 8 passes defended
A good player for 3 seasons at the Saints, CJ Gardner-Johnson changed dimension by joining the Eagles at the start of the season. An NFL co-leader in interceptions, he was a major contributor to his team’s stellar season and played an immense role in the league’s best pass defense.
The ideal destination: Philadelphia Eagles
After a successful exchange, why not continue the adventure in Pennsylvania? Howie Roseman the general manager has hinted that he would like to keep the player. It will be necessary to sign him a nice check when we know that the player wanted to leave New Orleans precisely because of his contractual situation. But in a defense which should already lose several executives at the end of the contract, it is important to be able to keep some vital forces to remain ambitious.
4 – Jordan Poyer (S) – 31
Stats 2022: 63 tackles including 2 for loss, 4 interceptions, 8 passes defended, 1 forced fumble
Much more than a simple “strong” safety, Jordan Poyer is one of the most complete safety. A formidable tackler, he is also formidable when it comes to punishing the quarterback as shown by his 9 interceptions over the past two years. Able to transcend the backfield, the Bills realized that playing with or without him isn’t quite the same. A pillar of the franchise for six years, he decided to embark on another challenge.
The ideal destination: Dallas Cowboys
A challenge that should be met in a state with little tax as announced by the player himself. And for this native of Dallas, a return home would therefore be logical. A competitive team with a major need on the position and a favorable state for the player portfolio.
5 – Taylor Rapp (S) – 25 years old
2022 stats: 92 tackles including 2.5 for loss, 2 interceptions, 6 passes defended, 1 fumble covered
Just 25 years old and already 4 seasons and a championship title. Taylor Rapp is not behind in her career. In constant progress since his entry into the NFL, he has gradually become indispensable for Los Angeles. Basically a slugger and running defender, he proved he could be more than interesting in coverage as well. A valuable versatility that should give it interest on the market.
The ideal destination: Green Bay Packers
Weak point of the Packers defense in 2022, the safety position should also lose Adrian Amos. Rapp’s versatility along with his past with defensive coordinator Joe Barry at the Rams make him the perfect target to base the position overhaul on. With already talented cornerbacks, the contribution of Rapp would give a very good look to the secondary of Wisconsin.
Other interesting names: Juan Thornhill (S), Nasir Adderley (S), Von Bell (S), Marcus Peters (CB), Shaquill Griffin (CB), Bradley Roby (CB), Adrian Amos (S), Jonathan Jones (CB ), Bobby McCain (BC), Deshon Elliot (S)
