With a few exceptions, perhaps no position in football is more difficult to fill than cornerback. The top players at the position are highly coveted in the draft, rarely getting past the top half of the first round. Once acquired, teams try not to let those players hit the open market. On the rare occasions that they do, those cornerbacks receive enormous contracts, such as Nnamdi Asomugha's five-year, $60 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.
2015 NFL free agents: Expected FA Darrelle Revis headlines free agent cornerback class
The class has plenty of second-tier options as well.
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However, 2015 is the rare year in which multiple quality corners are set to hit free agency. Most surprisingly, the list of possible options includes perhaps the best cornerback in the league: Darrelle Revis.
While it's sometimes possible to predict which teams might dive into free agency for a certain player or position, it's nearly impossible with cornerback. Very few teams wouldn't consider adding a quality cover man to the roster, a fact made clear last year when the New England Patriots made an eight-figure offer to Revis. Even the Seattle Seahawks, with their "Legion of Boom" secondary, could realistically add a player this offseason.
Below is a list of available free agent cornerbacks.
1. Darrelle Revis (New England Patriots)
Any list of the best corners in the league must include Revis. In his first year with the New England Patriots, Revis held opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of just 74.7 according to Pro Football Focus, and he helped transform Bill Belichick's defense into one of the league's better units.
Cornerbacks the caliber of Revis rarely hit the open market. Technically, his contract extends into next season, but by design it carries such a large cap number that the Patriots must either decline the All-Pro’s option or sign him to a new deal. While he is understandably the team’s top priority this offseason, Belichick may decide that resources are better served addressing other areas.
The Patriots have until March 9 to decline Revis’ $20 million option for next season. If they do, as they are widely expected to, Revis will then hit the market with the rest of the class when free agency begins on March 10.
Update: Revis signed a five-year deal worth $70 million to return to the Jets.
2. Byron Maxwell (Seattle Seahawks)
Maxwell is the least heralded member of Seattle’s starting secondary, but he’s still a very good player despite being overshadowed. That can happen easily when you play in a secondary full of All-Pro stars. Last year was Maxwell’s first full season as a starter and he responded well. He is tremendous with his hands, which allows him to recover well when he is beaten and knock down passes. He’s also good at forcing fumbles after the catch, mastering the punch to break the ball free.
Teams will certainly know what they are getting in Maxwell, who was the frequent target of opposing quarterbacks. That will happen when you line up opposite of Richard Sherman. Not only did Maxwell more than hold his own, but Seattle’s defense was noticeably worse without him. That isn’t always the case in that defense, which seems to crank out starting corners.
Update: Maxwell signed a six-year deal worth $63 million with the Eagles.
3. Antonio Cromartie (Arizona Cardinals)
Left for dead after a middling 2013 campaign with the New York Jets, Antonio Cromartie rebounded in fine fashion with the Arizona Cardinals this past season. With teammate Patrick Peterson enduring a down year, Cromartie often served as the team's top cover corner. Per Pro Football Focus' numbers, quarterbacks produced a mere 74.9 passer rating on balls thrown in his direction. He also finished second on the team with three interceptions.
The only factor that could limit Cromartie’s market is his age. He turns 31 before the start of the 2015 season, and that’s already past the usual sell-by date for cornerbacks. Still, with teams always desperate for quality cover men, it shouldn’t take long for the four-time Pro Bowler to find a home.
4. Brandon Flowers (San Diego Chargers)
Brandon Flowers was once one of the league's most promising young corners before a scheme change in Kansas City made him expendable. The Chiefs cut Flowers last offseason, allowing him to land with the San Diego Chargers for a fraction of his actual value. He responded with a solid year, intercepting three passes and providing consistent pass coverage. Now, at 29, he hopes to cash in during free agency.
But Flowers isn’t a fit for every team. Defenses that rely on a great deal of press-man coverage have as much use for him as the Chiefs did at this time last year. However, those that can better utilize Flowers’ skill set will consider a multi-year offer.
Update: Flowers re-signed with the Chargers for four years.
5. Tramon Williams (Green Bay Packers)
One of the oldest starting corners in the league, Tramon Williams had a resurgent season with the Green Bay Packers. Limited by the lingering effects of a shoulder injury suffered during the first week of the 2011 season, Williams finally looked recovered in 2014. The Packers often assigned him with covering the opposing team's top receiver, a task rarely asked of defensive backs his age. Still, Williams played well, giving up few big plays during the regular season.
But because he’ll be 32 entering the season and he has an injury history, it stands to reason that Williams’ market might fall beneath his playing ability. Accordingly, his next deal might only be a one- or two-year pact at a fairly reasonable price.
Other notable names
Davon House (Green Bay Packers)
Though overshadowed by his Pro Bowl teammate, Davon House has built himself into one of the league’s better young corners. At 6’0 and 195 pounds, House possesses rare size for the position. He also provides above-average athleticism and speed, making him an attractive option for teams that miss out on the top corners on the market.
Yet like Williams, House has a bad track record with injury. He missed the final three games of the regular season with a fractured scapula and was relegated to special teams upon his return. He also missed substantial time in previous years to an assortment of other maladies. However, because of his age (26) and rare physical tools, some team will make House a lucrative offer.
Update: House signed a four-year, $25 million deal with Jacksonville.
Rashean Mathis (Detroit Lions)
The Lions squeezed far more quality play out of the 34-year-old Mathis than anyone could have predicted. Perhaps the former All-Pro has one more year left in him.
Walter Thurmond (New York Giants)
The Giants made a play for Thurmond last offseason after he won a ring with the Seahawks. Injuries limited him to just two games in 2014, but the team may want to bring him back for another spin.
Update: Thurmond signed a one-year deal worth $3.25 million with Philadelphia.
It’s unclear whether Tillman wants to play another season, but his career in Chicago appears over. Because of his physicality and playmaking skills, he could be a candidate to transition to safety.
Terence Newman (Cincinnati Bengals)
Even at 36, Newman provided the Bengals with nearly 1,000 snaps and reliable coverage ability. He probably has another season left in him.
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