The NFL free agency period is one of the craziest times in the league and it also can be the time when teams make the one move that will put them over the top for a championship and the cornerback position could get shaken up if the New York Jets decide to trade Darrelle Revis.
Both offensive and defensive signings can be important, as the Giants showed a few years ago when they brought in Chris Canty, Antrel Rolle and Michael Boley, who all contributed to their championship season in 2011.
This year there will be a number of high-profile players moving teams, but most of them won't be free agents, with Darrelle Revis, Alex Smith and Tim Tebow all possible trade targets. The biggest offseason free agents include running back Reggie Bush and quarterback Joe Flacco, but at another position there is a lot of depth on the market as well, with a number of defensive backs and cornerbacks looking to cash in this year.
The position has many athletes who will be searching for new deals, including Eagles corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Patriots' back Aqib Talib, Falcons corner Brent Grimes and Chargers defensive back Quentin Jammer.
Sports World Report also looked at the TOP PLAYERS at each position, the top RUNNING BACKS, top LINEMEN, top QUARTERBACKS and the top WIDE RECEIVERS. Here is a look at some of the top cornerbacks on the market and where they might end up for next season.
Quentin Jammer, San Diego Chargers
Jammer is one of the longest tenured cornerbacks in the league and he has been a consistent presence for the Chargers since bring drafted over 10 years ago. He has never been named to the Pro Bowl, but he was never known as one of the worst cover man's in the league either. He has been able to stay healthy for the majority of his career, laying in at least 14 games in every season he has been in San Diego. On top of that, all but three times he played in all 16 games. The biggest question for Jammer is if he can keep up his consistent play when he will turn 34 next season. He had three interceptions last season and has 21 in his career, but it is likely he will not be with the Chargers next year as they try to get younger under a new regime with Mike McCoy. He could land in Kansas City or Oakland and the Vikings are also a strong possibility.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Philadelphia Eagles
Rodgers-Cromartie was the big steal in the deal that sent quarterback Kevin Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals and he has been a solid player since Nnamdi Asomugha has fallen in skills. Rodgers-Cromartie is one of the most athletic players on the team and he was healthy all last season, playing in the entire 16 game schedule while making three interceptions with 43 tackles. Over his first three years in the league he made 13 interceptions with four touchdowns, but both those numbers have fallen since coming over to Philadelphia. Rodgers-Cromartie and Asomugha were considered to be the best tandem in football a year ago, but that clearly is not the case now. Rodgers-Cromartie could head back to Arizona, but if he wants to cash in he might head to the Jets if they decide to trade Revis.
Aqib Talib, New England Patriots
Talib is one of the most maddening and frustrating players for coaches in the NFL. Talib clearly has the skills and the size to be an excellent corner, but he had attitude and off the field issues in Tampa Bay, which was one reason why he was traded. Bill Belichick helped snap him into shape, as he was a model citizen for the Patriots, but it is likely he will head elsewhere if looking for a big contract. The Patriots will not pay top dollar for him and even though he has the skills, he also had a four game suspension for taking a banned substance. He was the best corner for the Patriots in the playoffs and down the stretch, but he will end up in Cleveland, Denver or Kansa City if he decides he wants too much money.
Brent Grimes, Atlanta Falcons
Grimes might be the best defensive back on the free agent market, but he is a bit uncertain since he missed the entire season (played in one game) after suffering an Achilles injury that knocked him out for the year. He was the best corner for the Falcons over the past couple years and he made the Pro Bowl in 2010 after playing in 16 games and making five interceptions with 70 tackles. He has proven to be able to get his hands on the ball and has been a solid cover man while with Atlanta. Chances are he will re-sign with the team, but if the price gets too high, he could Bolt to the Chargers, Vikings, Jets or Buffalo Bills.
