Skip to content

Top Free Agents: Amukamara, Smith headline strong cornerback class

Tim Heitman / USA TODAY Sports

With free agency just around the corner, theScore takes a look at the top available players at each position. Unrestricted free agents can officially sign at 4 p.m. ET on March 9.

Cornerbacks

Prince Amukamara

Height: 6'0"
Weight: 207 lbs.
Age: 26

2015 stats: 1 INT, 10 passes defensed, 63 tackles

Injury issues have kept Amukamara from living up to his potential. He's missed 25 games since joining the Giants as a first-round pick in 2011, and 13 of those absences have come over the past two years. His ability is very much apparent when he is on the field, however, so a number of teams should line up with long-term offers. An extension also remains possible, as the Giants have plenty of salary-cap flexibility.

Potential landing spots: New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans

Sean Smith

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 218 lbs.
Age: 28

2015 stats: 2 INTs, 12 passes defensed, 45 tackles

Kansas City's defense didn't start playing at a high level this past season until after Smith's return from a three-game suspension. That's no coincidence. The seven-year veteran is the rare cornerback who can match up with some of the league's most imposing wide receiver talents. He'll be paid accordingly when he hits the open market.

Potential landing spots: Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, San Diego Chargers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Janoris Jenkins

Height: 5'10"
Weight: 198 lbs.
Age: 27

2015 stats: 3 INTs, 15 passes defensed, 64 tackles

Jenkins is the definition of a playmaking cornerback. Though he'll give up his fair share of receptions, his ability to get his hands on the ball and take it back the other way has done more than enough to justify the gambles in coverage. Just four years into his NFL career, having tallied 10 interceptions and five defensive touchdowns, Jenkins won't be on the market for very long.

Potential landing spots: Los Angeles Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Casey Hayward

Height: 5'11"
Weight: 192 lbs.
Age: 26

2015 stats: 7 passes defensed, 65 tackles

The Packers' selection of two cornerbacks at the top of last year's draft appears to suggest Hayward's unlikely to re-sign. Teams in need of secondary help will be all the better for it, as the four-year veteran has done well to establish himself as a highly versatile cover man. Hayward was always productive in the slot, and maintained that level of play while transitioning from a nickel role to start a career-high 11 games in 2015.

Potential landing spots: Oakland Raiders, Chicago Bears, San Diego Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers

Adam Jones

Height: 5'10"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Age: 32

2015 stats: 3 INTs, 12 passes defensed, 62 tackles

Jones only appears to be getting better with age. The 2015 season was likely his strongest to date, and he was appropriately rewarded with his first career Pro Bowl appearance. Though he's unlikely to land a long-term deal - he turns 33 in September - Jones would be a strong addition to any contender looking to bolster its defensive backfield and punt return unit.

Potential landing spots: Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts

Leon Hall

Height: 5'11"
Weight: 195 lbs.
Age: 31

2015 stats: 2 INTs, 9 passes defensed, 55 tackles

Hall made a seamless transition to the slot last season, and as offenses continue to feature three-receiver sets, having a player with that ability becomes all the more valuable. Cincinnati should have interest in an extension, but there will be no shortage of interest elsewhere in free agency.

Potential landing spots: Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots

Antonio Cromartie

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 210 lbs.
Age: 31

2015 stats: 12 passes defensed, 29 tackles

Cromartie was released by the Jets ahead of free agency, ending his second stint with the team just one season after he rejoined the club on a four-year deal. The move makes plenty of sense given his price tag, but Cromartie is still worthy of another opportunity. He'll be a short-term option for a team in need of secondary help that can't afford to spend much against the cap.

Potential landing spots: Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins

Other notable free-agent cornerbacks

  • Leodis McKelvin
  • Brandon Boykin
  • Jeremy Lane
  • Greg Toler
  • Jerraud Powers
  • Patrick Robinson
  • Terence Newman
  • Tracy Porter

MORE STORIES

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox