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2015 NFL Free Agency: Cortland Finnegan Landing Spots

By Erik Lambert

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Oct 19, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Cortland Finnegan (24) before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Teams never turn down the chance to at least give a veteran defensive back a chance to show they can still play.  For Cortland Finnegan, a former Pro Bowler, he’s hoping to give it one more go at age 31.

Known as a pesky and sometimes antagonistic cornerback for the Tennessee Titans and St. Louis Rams, his 2014 season ended in frustrating fashion.  He played just 12 games for the Miami Dolphins, failing to record an interception for just the second time in his career, leaving most to believe he didn’t have the juice for the position anymore.

That may explain why, upon announcing his return from retirement early in the year, he was open for making a switch to safety.

Many cornerbacks have had success taking this route.  The latest of course is Charles Woodson.  If Finnegan is up to that task, here are some teams that could be open to giving him that chance.

Baltimore Ravens

It’s no accident the Ravens were quick to extend Will Hill.  They are having some issues on the back end of their defense.  Matt Elam is out for the year with injury and none of the others on the depth chart have distinguished themselves this preseason.  Finnegan has the toughness for the position and plenty of experience to draw on.  It would be a nice temporary patch for the team until they can find a long-term solution.

Chicago Bears

Even after signing Antrel Rolle and drafting Adrian Amos in the 5th round, the safety position seems far from secure for the Bears.  There are concerns Rolle doesn’t have the speed he used to and it could make him a liability in coverage.  Former 4th round pick Brock Vereen is also struggling while ex-starter Ryan Mundy has made little noise as well.  It’s the perfect situation for a guy like Finnegan to come in and compete.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The beauty of this team is they not only may need some help at safety given injury concerns surrounding Chris Conte, but also feature a 4-3 scheme that Finnegan would be familiar with.  So it adds versatility in that he could come in as a safety but in an emergency could switch back to corner without much issue.  Part of having value as a free agent is being able to bring more than one thing to a team.  Much will depend on where the Buccaneers see their secondary before the preseason ends.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: Worst Injuries Of 2015 (So Far)

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