2013 NFL Free Agents: Cornerbacks Rankings and Predictions
Oct 7, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) pulls in a touchdown pass against Miami Dolphins cornerback Sean Smith (24) during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Dolphins won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
1. Sam Shields (RFA), Green Bay Packers (25)
Shields has developed into a very good NFL cornerback. He will get a big payday with the Packers in the near future.
Prediction: Re-signs with Packers
Actual: Tendered by Packers (2nd round)
2. Aqib Talib, New England Patriots (27)
Talib is one of the best corners in the league, but he’s got a lot of off-field issues. The Patriots took a gamble on him and it looks like it will pay off.
Prediction: Franchised by Patriots
Actual:
3. Sean Smith, Miami Dolphins (26)
It would be a really big loss if the Dolphins are unable to retain Smith, who was the man leftover after Vontae Davis was dealt to Indy. The Dolphins have a tough situation with Randy Starks and Sean Smith both about to command big contracts, and only one guaranteed to be back.
Prediction: Signs with Colts
Actual: Signed with Kansas City Chiefs
4. Keenan Lewis, Pittsburgh Steelers (27)
It doesn’t feel like the Steelers usually lose key starters on their defense to free agency, and I don’t expect Lewis to be any different here.
Prediction: Re-signs with Steelers
Actual: Signed with New Orleans Saints
5. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Philadelphia Eagles (27)
The Eagles won’t be using the franchise tag on Rodgers-Cromartie, who is a big, young, former Pro Bowl player. I think his age will make him a desired player on the open market.
Prediction: Signs with Chargers
Actual: Signed with Denver Broncos
6. Dunta Robinson, Atlanta Falcons (30) — Signed 3-year deal with Kansas City Chiefs
7. Derek Cox, Jacksonville Jaguars (26) — Signed with San Diego Chargers
8. Leodis McKelvin, Buffalo Bills (28) — Re-signed with Buffalo Bills
9. Chris Houston, Detroit Lions (28) — Re-signed with Detroit Lions
10. Bradley Fletcher, St. Louis Rams (26) — Signed with Philadelphia Eagles
11. Brent Grimes, Atlanta Falcons (30) —
12. Nnamdi Asomugha, Philadelphia Eagles (32)
13. DeAngelo Hall, Washington Redskins (29)
14. Cary Williams, Baltimore Ravens (28) — Signed with Philadelphia Eagles
15. Tony Carter, Denver Broncos (27) — Re-signed by Denver Broncos
16. William Gay, Arizona Cardinals (28) — Signs with Pittsburgh Steelers
17. E.J. Biggers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26) — Re-signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
18. Quentin Jammer, San Diego Chargers (34)
19. Sheldon Brown, Cleveland Browns (34)
20. Jerraud Powers, Indianapolis Colts (26) — Signed with Arizona Cardinals
21. Captain Munnerlyn, Carolina Panthers (25)
22. Antoine Cason, San Diego Chargers (27)
23. Mike Jenkins, Dallas Cowboys (28)
24. Greg Toler, Arizona Cardinals (28) — Signed with Indianapolis Colts
25. Robert McClain (RFA), Atlanta Falcons (25)
26. Jacob Lacey, Detroit Lions (26)
27. Terrance Newman, Cincinnati Bengals (34)
28. Aaron Ross, Jacksonville Jaguars (30) — Signed with New York Giants
29. Kyle Arrington, New England Patriots (27)
30. Pacman Jones, Cincinnati Bengals (30)
31. Darius Butler, Indianapolis Colts (27) — Re-signed with Indianapolis Colts
32. Tracy Porter, Denver Broncos (27)
33. William Middleton, Jacksonville Jaguars (27)
34. Alan Ball, Houston Texans (28)
35. Rashean Mathis, Jacksonville Jaguars (33)
36. Christopher Owens, Atlanta Falcons (26)