Free Agent Cornerbacks Philadelphia Eagles Should Consider
Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) reacts after intercepting a pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the third quarter in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
The 2014-15 Eagles secondary struggled yielding the NFL’s second worst total passing yards (4,238) and passing yards per game (264.9). I wrote this article last week detailing Philadelphia’s problems in the defensive backfield. Neither starting cornerbacks Cary Williams nor Bradley Fletcher performed well for the team. While Williams did seem to improve his play over the last month of the season, his high salary cap hit may force the Eagles into a decision to part ways with him. Bradley Fletcher never looked comfortable and was challenged by opponents throughout the year too, and I do not believe the Eagles will bring him back. With the return of both of their previous starters in doubt, I evaluate free agent cornerbacks the Philadelphia Eagles should consider for the 2015-16 season.
Pro Football Focus published its list of top performing free agent cornerbacks that can be found here. While numbers don’t lie, there are players who stand out to me as a better fit for defensive coordinator Bill Davis’ 3-4 scheme than just the top 10. Also, newly signed defensive backs coach Cory Undlin will have a lot to say in overhauling Philadelphia’s secondary. The free agents are as follows:
Darrelle Revis
Technically, Revis is not considered a free agent because he signed a two year $32 million contract with the New England Patriots last March. However, Revis would count a huge $25 million against New England’s salary cap in 2015, so he must have a restructured deal if he chooses to stay with the team after the Super Bowl. While Darrelle’s numbers (47 tackles 16 pdef 2 ints) weren’t staggering this season, teams have learned that throwing at Revis is a risky proposition. If he somehow ends up as a free agent, the Eagles (and every other NFL team for that matter) would be wise to consider his services.
Kareem Jackson
The 27-year-old Houston Texan is PFF’s top rated 2015 free agent cornerback. Jackson has great speed, excellent tackling technique, and is considered a lock-down corner who can play isolated against wide receivers. Because of his youth and ability, he will command a big free agent salary cap hit estimated in the $6-7 million per year range. The knock on Jackson is that he had an inconsistent 2013 due to a knee injury, but he bounced back in 2014.
Rashean Mathis
Detroit’s savvy veteran Mathis started every game at right corner for the Lions and anchored arguably one of the best defenses in the league. Ranked as the 12th best cornerback by Pro Football Focus; one could argue his best attribute was mentoring Detroit’s younger CB’s like Darius Slay. Rashean’s 35-years-old and would not command a huge salary of the Eagles, and in my mind his prospective signing would have the same type of feel as the free agent safety Malcolm Jenkins acquisition which paid dividends for Philadelphia last season.
Chris Culliver
The 27-year-old corner was lost for 2013 after suffering a torn ACL in August, but he bounced back nicely in 2014. His 45 tackles, one forced fumble, 14 passes defended, and four interceptions weren’t eye-popping stats for the San Francisco 49ers CB, but Chris surged in the final months and seemed to improve with every game. He’s an intriguing young CB who could be had for a bargain price.
Brandon Flowers
Flowers signed with San Diego in 2013 after Kansas City cut him to create cap space. The 29-year-old veteran missed two games due to injury (game 2 groin, and game 8 concussion), but his ability to effectively play both the left and slot corner positions more than made up for it. Brandon plays “bigger” than his 5-foot-9 187-pound stature indicates, as he is known as a tough tackler with great technique. He also snagged three interceptions in 2013.
Byron Maxwell
The Super Bowl bound young (27 years) Seahawks cornerback is the free agent cornerback many teams covet. Maxwell has ideal size at 6-foot-1 207 pounds is a sure tackler and exhibited the ability to play both outside and slot corner. He also has six interceptions over the past two years playing opposite of Pro Bowler Richard Sherman. The one problem with Byron is that he is going to command a lot of money with some speculating he may ask for over $12 million per year. If he can be had at the right price, he could be the impact corner the Eagles have needed for a few years.
Next week I will take an in-depth look at the rookies who the Eagles may want to pick. Whether Philadelphia chooses to improve their secondary through free agency or the draft, the team can only improve in 2015.