New York Jets Cornerback Trade and Free Agent Targets

Nov 3, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) fumbles the ball after being hit by Atlanta Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel (22) during the game at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Dexter McDougle is out with a torn ACL and Dee Milliner is having an ankle examined.  Safe to say the New York Jets living dangerously at corner.  Here are some potential trade and free agent targets.

Free Agency:

Asante Samuel

No team wants to put heavy stock in a 33-year old cornerback but Asante Samuel but he has a strong enough history to warrant consideration.  A four-time Pro Bowler, he posted five interceptions in 2012 for Atlanta.  There is no reason to think he is worth anything more than a one-year deal given his age, but if there’s any juice left in the tank, Rex Ryan can get it out of him.

Dunta Robinson

A former first round draft pick in 2004, Dunta Robinson was a solid player in Houston for six seasons before bouncing around the NFL with stops in Atlanta and Kansas City.  He’s 32-years old so his best days are in the rearview mirror, but his experience is centers around the 3-4 defense and he has a good streak of health throughout his career.

Trade:

Morris Claiborne – Dallas Cowboys

It’s very hard not to apply the “bust” label to Morris Claiborne.  His tenure with the Dallas Cowboys has been a mix of mediocre to not very good.  Despite being a 6th overall pick, he has just two interceptions in two seasons and missed a good chunk of 2013 with a dislocated shoulder.  This has led to speculation of a possible release.  Rather than let him reach the waiver wire, offering up a modest draft pick might be enough for the Jets to get him.  His talent is still hard to ignore and he’s only 24-years old.  A change of scenery and coaching may do him good.

Jarrett Bush – Green Bay Packers

Few teams invest in the cornerback position quite like the Green Bay Packers.  At least once a year they use a draft pick on it and its shown in their depth.  Even after moving Micah Hyde to safety they still have Sam Shields, Tramon Williams, Casey Heyward and Davon House as their top four corners, all with extending playing experience.  That doesn’t even include veteran Jarrett Bush who has been a capable player for them since 2006.  He has good size and versatility, able to play coverage but also blitz the quarterback.  A superstar he is not, but if a team is looking for help they could do a lot worse.