Top 5 Free Agent Cornerbacks

February 27, 2013   ·   5 Comments

1.) Keenan Lewis CB Steelers

Positives: Lewis is a young corner with a lot of upside and potential. Lewis is 26 years old and comes from a division rival which hurts them and helps us. He was 3rd in the AFC in runstopping among cornerbacks. Even though he was the 2nd most targeted cornerback (112 Times) last year he never gave up a 100 yard reciever. Browns new D coordinator Ray Horton was Lewis’ position coach when he was drafted in pittsburgh so he Knows our new system. He also has ties to another prospect we hope to lure to Cleveland Pittsburgh wideout Mike Wallace.

Negatives: Lewis has only one full season (a very productive season) as a starting corner. Still goes a little too high on tackles and sometimes doesn’t wrap up the way he should.

Bottom Line: I believe with all the expensive cornerback options out there in free agency this kid is exactly what the Browns need opposite Joe Haden. He is still a very young player with a ton of upside and low miles. He understands the system we are switching to. He should come in and upgrade our defensive backfield significantly for years to come. No more Buster Skrine being forced to cover a no. 1 reciever sounds pretty great to me!!!

2.) Aqib Talib CB Patriots

Positives: Talib is a lockdown corner who has really come into his own. He has been a good player in every city he has played in. Stepped into his own since arriving in New England. Would be an instant upgrade over any corner on our team not named Haden. He is still relatively young and would give us one of the best CB tandems in football.

Negatives: Talib is on the watch list of the NFL after testing positive for banned substance last season, one more positive test and he would be lost for an entire season. He is a high risk high reward guy. New England will fight tooth and nail to keep him this offseason. He will demand a very large guaranteed contract.

Bottom Line: Talib would be an option if this free agent class wasn’t so cornerback rich. With all of the talent available and the fight that I believe New England will put up to keep him he is not worth the fight and most likely will return to New England.

3.) Cary Wiiliams CB Ravens

Positives: Williams first full year as a starter saw him start all 20 games for the Ravens including the Super Bowl. Taking him away instantly weakens the Ravens which is great for us. Had 4 int. in 2012. Williams has played in major games and on the biggest stage available and has come out on top.

Negatives: Williams while young, did have hip surgery during 2011-2012 offseason (not that it affected his game any!! LOL) May want to stay in Baltimore and as a result may give them a home-town discount.

Bottom LIne: Williams would be a phenomenal addition to our defensive backfield especially when paired with Haden. It appears that williams is 2nd in line on the Ravens free agency list after Flacco. I believe that Williams will cost too much and Banner will not get in an fight with Ozzie Newsome  for his services. The Ravens using more money on Flacco and Williams will set into free agency some of their bigger names like Kruger and Boldin.

4.) Dominique Rodgers Cromartie CB Redskins

Positives: DRC has been a shutdown corner in this league for a long time. He played for ne DC Ray Horton in Arizona so he knows our scheme. Can run and ball with the best recievers in the NFL. Played his best football when he and Horton were together in Arizona.

Negatives: Rogers-Cromartie is unfortunately on the wrong side of 30. That being said he will want a very lucrative contract. His production has fallen off in recent years and he may not be the player he once was.

Bottom Line: If DRC could be had on an incentive  laden contract would be worth risking. Probably will want one last big payday to finish out his career. I don’t think the  Browns will chance signing a 30+ corner back to a big contract.

5.) Michael Adams CB Cardinals

Positives: Michael Adams is  one of Horton’s players from Arizona. He knows this defense well. Wants to be a starter somewhere so his contract demands may be less for a team like Cleveland who want him to come in penciled in as the starter opposite Haden. Because he hasn’t been a full time starter I believe he has more upside and potential than most of the corners available in free agency.

Negatives: Adams is 28 years old and had some injuries that sidelined him in 2012. Has never had an interception in his 6 year career. Has never been a full time starter and as a bit player still had significant injuries which kept him out last season.

Bottom Line: Adams is a Good veteran player who knows Horton’s system. I don’t believe Adams will find anyone outside of Arizona or Cleveland who would be willing to sign him. Unless he is willing to come play for the veteran minimum I don’t believe there is a spot for him in Cleveland.

By J.D. Scudder