Top FA Cornerbacks on the Market
Apr 26, 2010, 6:31PM
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While the Ravens’ 2010 Draft has been widely applauded, many fans wondered why Baltimore didn’t address its need at cornerback.
Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome and Head Coach John Harbaugh didn’t seem concerned, however.
Newsome reminded reporters that there are still four months till Training Camp and that the Ravens’ roster is “fluid.” In essence, the Ravens will be looking at free agency options.
“We’ll find a way to add a corner,” Harbaugh said. “We’ve got guys who can play. Two guys are getting healthier, and I’m real excited about what we’re going to do in the secondary. We’ll be fine.”
The Ravens have already reportedly reached an agreement with Georgia free agent rookie Prince Miller, according to the Baltimore Sun.
But the Ravens, who still can sign one unrestricted free agent for more than $5.8 million, may still be in search of veteran depth. Don’t forget, Harbaugh said that Ravens free agent Frank Walker is a possibility and Corey Ivy is also still on the market.
With that in mind, here are some other top unrestricted free agent cornerbacks:
Will Allen, Miami Dolphins
Age - 31; Experience - 10; Size - 5-10, 195
2009 Stats: 6 games/6 starts, 21 tackles, 2 interceptions
Breakdown: Allen began 2009 as the Dolphins’ No. 1 corner but tore his ACL in Week 6. He was then arrested on Feb. 6 for driving under the influence.
Dre’ Bly, San Francisco 49ers
Age - 32; Experience - 12; Size - 5-10, 188
2009 Stats: 16 games/6 starts, 29 tackles, 3 interceptions
Breakdown: Bly has been a playmaker throughout his career, logging at least six interceptions three times. But his pass deflections have trailed off considerably and he has bounced between three different teams over the past four seasons. He also had this embarrassing high-stepping incident last year.
Nick Harper, Tennessee Titans
Age - 35; Experience - 10; Size - 5-10, 182
2009 Stats: 11 games/11 starts, 81 tackles, 1 interception
Breakdown: Harper is still trying to recover from shoulder surgery and, according to the National Football Post, is currently at 80 percent. He notched 81 tackles in 11 games (a personal-best since 2003) as part of the Titans pass defense that ranked 31st in the NFL last year.
William James, Detroit Lions
Age - 30; Experience - 9; Size - 6-0, 200
2009 Stats: 16 games/14 starts, 73 tackles, 2 interceptions
Breakdown: James’ career was derailed early on by two season-ending back injuries, which has left him bouncing between three teams in the past three seasons trying to make an impact. He had one of his best years last season, earning a starting spot in Detroit (ranked No. 32 in pass defense) and finishing second among the teams’ defensive backs in tackles.
Ken Lucas, Seattle Seahawks
Age - 31; Experience - 10; Size - 6-0, 205
2009 Stats: 16 games/6 starts, 34 tackles, 1 interception
Breakdown: Lucas has good size to jam receivers and plays with a lot of confidence. He was a starter for four years in Carolina before returning to Seattle (ranked No. 30 in pass defense) as a backup. The veteran has seen his interception totals consistently diminish and lacks great speed.
Fred Smoot, Washington Redskins
Age – 31; Experience – 10; Size – 5-11, 185
2009 Stats: 15 games/6 starts, 28 tackles
Breakdown: The longtime Redskin is a fluid coverage corner, but isn’t the playmaker he once was when he averaged four interceptions a year from 2001 to 2004. He’s an engaging personality, but was involved in the Minnesota Vikings boat scandal in 2005 and isn’t one to stick his nose in to stop the run.
