FanPost

Cornerbacks of Interest


Heading into the offseason, Washington has uncertainty at the cornerback position. Corners Deangelo Hall, Josh Wilson, and EJ Biggers are all set to become free agents leaving David Amerson in his second year, Richard Crawford coming off a major surgery, and Chase Minnifield who hasn't played in a game other than preseason. While it is likely that Deangelo Hall resigns with Washington, the Redskins are still in need of another cornerback to replace Josh Wilson. Washington could address this position in the draft and give them another young corner to pair with Amerson in the future, but for now here's a look at potential free agents that could come to Washington:

1. Aqib Talib: He was close to coming to Washington last season but opted to go to New England on a one year deal. Talib also has a history with Raheem Morris and Bruce Allen and both are very high on Talib. The only issue with Talib is his injury concern. Talib struggled to stay on the field last season for the Patriots but when he did, he made an impact and shut down the opposing teams' top receivers. There are already reports that Washington will pursue Talib and with good reason given his strong play.

2. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: Denver's top corner last season, turned in a very solid year for the Broncos after a disappointing tenure in Philly. Cromartie is still only 27 and is in the prime of his career. He has great speed and size and is a threat to take it to the house when he intercepts the ball. Ask Kirk Cousins. Rodgers-Cromartie will likely cost a lot of money given his play but it is hard to see him leaving Denver given that they need all the help they can get on defense.

3. Brent Grimes: Another solid corner that Washington could potentially target. Grimes is smaller than the two listed above as he stands at 5"10 but he plays bigger. He made the pro bowl last season in Miami and is likely looking to get paid. Grimes is 30 and would likely be around for 2-3 years but given his play and the desperate need for playmaking corners, Washington could look to bring in Grimes to pair with Amerson and Hall.

4. Vontae Davis: Only 25 years old and recording 13 interceptions since entering the league in 2009, Davis is only beginning to enter his prime. Davis is strong in press man coverage and often drew the assignment of covering the other teams top receiver. He graded out the third best corner behind Revis and Grimes according to PFF. Davis is also a sure tackler which is something Washington did not have last season. The only red flag with Davis is his ability to give up the big play. Davis often did not have any safety help so if a receiver got by him it usually resulted in a big play. This is something Davis will have to work on but still someone Washington should consider.

5. Sam Shields: Another young cornerback at 26 with potential and speed. Shields is smaller at 5"11 but his 4.32 speed makes up for it. Shields has recorded 17 interceptions for the Packers since coming into the league in 2010 and he will likely be one of the cheaper possibilities for Washington. Shields has shown the potential to be a number 1 corner as well.

6. Captain Munnerlyn: One of the scrappier corners, Munnerlyn isn't afraid to stick his head in and make the tackle. At 25 Munnerlyn is still young and is improving as a corner. A natural playmaker, Munnerlyn has recorded 7 interceptions in his career, returning 5 of those for touchdowns, and also forced 3 fumbles. He also has experience returning punts on special teams as well which is good for Washington given their mess at returners. Munnerlyn has said he wants to stay in Carolina but given their cap space and Greg Hardy being a free agent, Washington could easily make a strong bid to lure him away and still at a reasonable price.

7. Alterraun Verner: One of, if not the top free agent corner on the market this year, Verner has improved every year, making the pro bowl this past season. Verner is young at 25 and will likely command a high dollar contract. If Washington can somehow make a serious bid for Verner, they definitely should given his abilities and improvements every season. Verner is quickly turning into one of the top corners in the league.

8. Charles Tillman: At 33 and coming off an injury, Tillman at this point is just hoping to have a job next season. When healthy though, Tillman is very opportunistic and is great at creating turnovers, something that would be beneficial to Washington as they want to be known as an opportunistic and turnover creating defense. Tillman would still look for some money and would only be a stop gap but if all else fails in free agency, why not call up Tillman?

9. Walter Thurmond: Lost in the buzz of the Legion Of Boom, Thurmond is looking for his chance to make a name for himself. He is only 26 and has potential to be a starting corner. Assuming Washington resigns Hall, Thurmond would fit in nicely as the teams nickel back. With Amerson and Hall on the outside, Thurmond could play naturally in the slot at only 5"11. There is concern with Thurmond though as he was suspended for drug use last season.

10. Antoine Cason: Cason is entering the prime of his career at 27 years old. He stands at 6"1 and runs a 4.45 forty. His career interception numbers are at 32 to go along with four forced fumbles. Cason is a ballhawk and would be around for a good few years if he were to come to Washington.

Who do you think Washington will target in free agency this year?