2009 NFL Free Agency: Cornerbacks

Joselio Hanson took the place of any potential Free Agent Cornerback catch

Cornerback is a position of strength for the Eagles, but there is still some uncertainty as to what the group will end up looking like at the start of the ‘09 season.  Two Pro Bowlers in Asante and Sheldon at the top clearly, and Hanson resigning means he is still the nickel.  Where will Lil’ Lito go?  Is Nick Graham our dime corner, or will it be a player brought in through the draft?

What about the Free Agents?

The group of CBs in Free Agency this year is pretty deep, and there are quite a few players available who could help upgrade the Eagles secondary.  The 5-year $21mil deal that Joselio Hanson signed the other day really sets the bar for what nickel/dime corners get in Free Agency this year, and it may be a more fiscally responsible option for the Birds to draft a CB.

Sure Things

• Dunta Robinson (Franchised) – 26 – Texans – The Texans can thank the Eagles and Asante Samuels for the $10mil CB franchise tag is year.  I like the move, and the money says Dunta is going to prove he is a top-flight corner in ’09.
• Dre’ Bly – 31 – Denver – Cut by the Bronco’s, Bly was exposed a little bit last year when Champ Bailey when down with an injury.  Bly couldn’t hold up the secondary by himself.  He still has the ability to start in the NFL, but the price will be too high for the Eagles to be in the market.
• Corey Ivy – 31 – Baltimore – Aggressive nickel corner who I would have liked to sign.  Ivy is going to get paid fairly well in free agency, and the Eagles front office was obviously happy enough with Joselio Hanson to give him Ivy’s money.
• Phillip Buchanon – 28 – Tampa Bay – Came into his own last year as one of the better nickel CBs  in the NFL.  With his combination of ball skills and quickness, I’m assuming Tampa is going to do everything they can to resign him.  I would say the Eagles should inquire, but Hanson again.
• Fakhir Brown – 31 – St. Louis – Has been one of the few bright(er) spots on the pathetic Rams defense, and will be a starting NFL corner in ’09.
• Bryant McFadden – 27 – Pittsburgh – The physical nature of the Pittsburgh defense has rubbed off on McFadden.  If he want’s to play in Philadelphia, he’s more than welcome.

Young with Potential

• Domonique Foxworth – 25 – Atlanta – Was traded to Atlanta for a 7th round pick from Denver last year.  The Bronco’s probably regret that decision as their cutting Dre’ Bly leaves them thin at CB.  Foxworth is an aggressive corner, and will be a contributor somewhere in ’09.
• Jabari Greer – 26 – Buffalo – Has been a solid nickel CB on the Buffalo secondary, but Leodis McKelvin stole Greer’s spot.  He will explore his options in free agency, and will probably sign a contract similar to Hanson’s with another team.
• Reynaldo Hill (Restricted) – 26 – Tennessee – Started off his career strong, but hasn’t been able to stay on the field (injured reserved in ’08 with a hip pointer).  It doesn’t look like the Titans are going to resign Hill, but he’s got some potential.
• Keiwan Ratliff – 27 – Indianapolis – Played an almost full season in ’08 (13 games) on the mediocre Colts secondary, and ended with 27 tackles and two picks.  He’s a cover-2 corner, so I don’t really see any interest from the Birds.

Risks

• DeAngelo Hall – 25 – Washington – How many teams are going to sign this guy to big money deals?  He is still young and has talent so someone is going to take the risk, not the Eagles though.  We want to get rid of our opinionated cornerback (Lito), not add another.
• Ricky Manning Jr. – 28 – St. Louis – Trouble has seemed to follow Manning throughout his career, and his 2008 season ended early with a foot injury.  At one point he looked like a dangerous nickel corner, but he’s got a lot to prove to get the contract he wants.
• Justin Miller – 24 – Oakland – More of a kick/punt returner than a cornerback, has made one tackle in the past three seasons.  The Eagles have DeSean Jackson, so they don’t need Miller, but he can be a weapon on ospecial teams and the occasional gadget play.

Old Classics

• Deltha O’Neal – 32 – New England – Had three INTs last season and fit into Belichick’s system well.  I expect Deltha to re-sign with the Pats.
• R.W. McQuarters – 32 – New Jersey A – Has played surprisingly well for the Giants, although I’ve thought that secondary has been playing well above its head for the past two years.  Without Aaron Ross they are nothing.
• Ty Law – 35 – Not to say Ty Law is old, but a month after he was born Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record.  He is old.
• Aaron Glenn – 36 – New Orleans – Played in only four games last season, Glenn won’t sign with a team for a few weeks.  At his age, I’m not sure how much he’s got left.

There are some pretty good nickel corners to be had on the Free Agent market this year (Corey Ivey, Phillip Buchanon, Bryant McFadden, etc.), which makes the re-signing of Hanson even more significant.  The financial commitment the Eagles made with that signing, along with Asante’s contract from last year, make signing another top Free Agent CB doubful.

Bryant McFadden would made a great dime corner, and he would fit in well with Jim Johnson’s aggressive defensive style.  Maybe the Eagles can use the extra $4mil that was added to the salary cap yesterday to sign him.