It's not often that a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback hits the open market just over a week before the regular season begins.
But that's the case right now, after the Cleveland Browns were unable to find a trade partner for Joe Haden - likely because he was paid like a top-10 player at his position - and cut the veteran on Wednesday.
Cleveland's move should lead to a flurry of interest and competition for the former first-round pick's services. While Haden isn't the player he once was, here are five teams that would be wise to bring him into the fold:
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts' secondary looked weak even before their best defensive player, Vontae Davis, was lost for multiple weeks due to a "significant" groin injury.
Davis, like Haden, is a physically talented corner who gives up too many big plays due to his lack of composure. It wouldn't be ideal, but Haden could fit fairly easily into Davis' role - and Indy's man-coverage scheme - while the latter is sidelined.
On the other hand, whether the rebuilding Colts want to spend money on an aging corner who's past his prime, especially with second-round pick Quincy Wilson waiting in the wings after an impressive preseason, remains to be seen.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints' pass defense has been a problem for what seems like forever. New Orleans drafted Marshon Lattimore in the first round, but was unable to swing a trade for Malcolm Butler so reinforcements are still needed - especially after an injury to Delvin Breaux.
Money may be an issue, however. The Saints have around $8 million in cap space, according to overthecap.com. It's likely enough to squeeze in a mid-level contract for Haden, but if the corner's market is strong, New Orleans could be priced out of contention.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Could Haden stay in the AFC North?
If he's looking to join a contender, there aren't many better options than the Steelers. Pittsburgh needs as many solid corners as it can get in order to stop New England's arsenal of weapons, and after playing against Haden twice a year for the past seven seasons, the Steelers should know how to deploy him.
There's little doubt that even a declining Haden would be an upgrade over Ross Cockrell and Coty Sensabaugh. Pairing the former Brown with Artie Burns might finally give the Steelers a secondary that can do its part and keep up with the team's high-flying offense.
Miami Dolphins
Second-year cornerback Xavien Howard is a lock for one of the Dolphins' starting jobs, but who will play opposite him is much more uncertain. Byron Maxwell and Alterraun Verner have been competing in camp, and while Maxwell is probably the better option, he's definitely upgradable.
The Dolphins could have written this campaign off after Ryan Tannehill's season-ending injury; instead, they coaxed Jay Cutler out of retirement.
Therefore, Haden ending up with the Dolphins, who have a history of paying over-the-hill veterans, makes sense if they believe he could be the difference between a .500 finish and a wild-card spot.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles already made a splash to boost their cornerback group this offseason, trading with the Buffalo Bills for Ronald Darby. However, with legitimate playoff aspirations, Philadelphia should at least kick the tires on Haden.
Darby and Jalen Mills - both 23 years old - are the projected starters. After that, it's second-rounder Sidney Jones, third-rounder Rasul Douglas, and underwhelming vet Patrick Robinson. Both rookies are talented, but the Eagles need more veteran options, especially with Jones set to miss at least the start of the season due to an Achilles injury.
The Eagles don't necessarily need to gamble on a declining Haden, but if the price is right, he could be a good stopgap option while the team's younger players grow.
