FA DBs and Safeties Ranked

[membengal]

Per request by TJ:

https://theathletic.com/2424350/2021/03/04/nfl-free-agency-db-rankings-broncos-justin-simmons-is-the-top-safety-whos-the-top-cb/

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Tier 1: Empty out the wallet

These are players who can expect to find deals at or near the top of the market for their positions.

Justin Simmons, S, Denver Broncos (27) (he's now been franchised)

He has 64 career starts and has not missed a single defensive snap in the past three seasons. The Broncos used the franchise tag on Simmons last offseason, and he responded by earning a Pro Bowl bid. Simmons is the type of young difference-maker the Broncos should be looking to build around. He’s been the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for two consecutive years. Given his age and production, Simmons could very well set the top of the safety market. That would mean eclipsing Budda Baker’s four-year, $59 million deal ($14.75 million annually). It’s also possible he gets tagged again.

Tier 2: Just a notch below

These are players who are likely to find deals north of $10 million per year.

Marcus Maye, S, New York Jets (28)

He was one of the few bright spots for the Jets in 2020. Maye played every defensive snap. He was used most often at free safety but also saw significant snaps at slot corner and in the box. Maye allowed just 45 receiving yards in 187 snaps of man coverage. Maye set career highs with 11 passes defended, 88 tackles and two sacks. He has been a 16-game starter in three of four seasons. If Simmons gets the franchise tag again, Maye could be the top safety option on the market. Then again, he’s a candidate for the franchise tag too.

Marcus Williams, S, New Orleans Saints (25)

Williams has 60 career starts and won’t turn 25 until September. He’s young and durable and has been productive. Williams is a ball-hawking free safety. His 13 interceptions over the past four seasons rank sixth among safeties, and his 30 passes defended rank ninth. Williams played more snaps of man coverage than any other safety last season, and he allowed just five catches for 56 yards. Williams will be attractive to teams that are looking for a playmaker who can play deep and also match up in man coverage.

John Johnson, S, Los Angeles Rams (25)

He has 48 career starts and played 100 percent of the Rams’ snaps last season. Johnson’s 105 tackles ranked seventh among defensive backs. He played more than 250 snaps at free safety, slot corner and in the box. He allowed just 44 yards on 128 snaps of man coverage. He should be attractive to teams that incorporate split-safety looks and want a defensive back with versatility. Johnson called the defensive signals for the Rams in 2020 and has the smarts and intangibles that teams should find appealing.

William Jackson III, CB, Cincinnati Bengals (28)

It’s not an especially strong group of cornerback free agents, which could be good news for Jackson. He hasn’t been a shutdown, Pro Bowl-caliber player and has just three interceptions in 59 career games, but Jackson has played well. He ranked 17th out of 106 corners in yards per snap allowed when playing man coverage last year. It seems likely that at least some teams will view him as a number one corner. This market can be tricky. Trae Waynes unexpectedly got $14 million per year from the Bengals last offseason. That’s probably the ceiling for Jackson. And it’s possible that he lands more in the $10.5 million per year range, which is what Bradley Roby got in 2020.

Shaquill Griffin, CB, Seattle Seahawks (26)

A third-round pick in 2017, Griffin started 53 games in four seasons. He has speed and length and should be able to fit any defensive scheme. His 48 passes defended since 2017 rank 10th league-wide, and Griffin had three interceptions last year. He ranked 25th out of 106 corners in yards per snap allowed in man coverage. Griffin hasn’t yet put it all together, but given his age and physical traits, his best football should still be ahead of him. Either Griffin or Jackson figures to be the top-paid corner in this year’s free-agency class.

Anthony Harris, S, Minnesota Vikings (29)

He’s a player who could be negatively impacted by the franchise tag. The Vikings surprisingly tagged Harris last year when he was coming off of a six-interception season. He didn’t play as well in 2020, in part because the surrounding talent wasn’t as good, and now at the age of 29 he’ll enter a crowded group of free-agent safeties. Harris’ nine interceptions over the past three seasons are tied for sixth among safeties, and his 24 passes defended over that span are tied for seventh. Harris allowed just 9 yards in 178 snaps when playing man coverage. He has 47 career starts and has missed just three games in the last five seasons. He should attract teams that are looking for a veteran, rangy free safety who can make plays on the ball.

Tier 3: Starting-caliber options

These are players who project to earn under $10 million per year but will still be viewed as starters.

Patrick Peterson, CB, Arizona Cardinals (31)

There’s certainly a chance that Peterson could find himself in Tier 2, but he has some things working against him. Peterson was suspended for six games in 2019 for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy. He started 16 games and played 99 percent of the Cardinals’ defensive snaps in 2020 but looked like a declining player. Peterson played more snaps of man coverage than any other player, but he ranked 39th out of 106 corners in yards per snap allowed when playing man. Peterson has put together a Hall of Fame-caliber résumé, and he could still have a couple quality years left as a man corner. But given his age, whatever team pays Peterson will be taking a gamble.

Richard Sherman, CB, San Francisco 49ers (33)

He’s a tough player to slot. Sherman will be 33 at the start of next season and appeared in only five games in 2020 because of injury. He was 30 when he signed with the 49ers in 2018 and delivered two great years, making the Pro Bowl in 2019. If healthy, Sherman can still be effective. But given his age, he might be looking at another incentive-laden deal or a one-year contract.

Michael Davis, CB, Los Angeles Chargers (26)

After originally signing with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2017, Davis has developed into a quality starting corner. He has size (6-feet-2) and athleticism. Davis has 35 career starts and was on the field for 92 percent of the Chargers’ defensive snaps in 2020. He ranked 38th out of 106 corners in yards per snap allowed when playing man. Teams will likely view Davis as a number two corner, but given his traits and how young he is, his best football could still be ahead of him.

Tre Boston, S, Carolina Panthers (29)

He was released just one year into a three-year, $18 million contract. Boston has started 76 games in seven seasons. He’s typically been a free safety but played more than 400 snaps in the box last season. Boston did not have his best season in 2020, with 15 missed tackles — third most among safeties, according to Sportradar. But he offers a veteran starting safety option for teams that don’t want to spend at the top of the market.

Xavier Woods, S, Dallas Cowboys (26)

He started 48 games in four seasons for the Cowboys. Woods has typically been a free safety, but he played more than 150 snaps in the box and at slot corner too last season. Woods will be an option for teams that don’t want to spend at the top of the market but need a starting-caliber safety.

Troy Hill, CB, Los Angeles Rams (30)

He made the most out of his contract year. Hill had never played 50 percent or more of the defensive snaps until 2020 when he performed well as a 16-game starter. He saw significant snaps both in the slot and on the outside. He ranked 15th out of 106 corners in yards per snap allowed when playing man, and he has seven interceptions in the past three seasons. Hill has started 39 games in six seasons and turns 30 in August. Those factors will likely limit his payday to a degree. But he should find a job as a starter.

Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Dallas Cowboys (26)

He has 42 career starts, but injuries limited Awuzie to eight games last season. He could be looking at a one-year deal where he builds his value back up and tests free agency again next offseason. Awuzie could be a nice short-term, relatively inexpensive option for teams in need of an outside corner.

Bashaud Breeland, CB, Kansas City Chiefs (29)

He was a free agent last offseason and did not find a big market, settling for a one-year, $3 million deal to return to Kansas City. Breeland started 11 games. He will interest teams that are looking for a physical press corner on the outside. Breeland ranked 61st out of 106 corners in yards per snap allowed in man coverage. He’s shown that he’s a competent starter, but it’s tough to come up with a reason why Breeland’s market will be much different than last offseason.

Xavier Rhodes, CB, Indianapolis Colts (31)

It’s tough to know what his market will be. After a disastrous 2019 season with the Minnesota Vikings, Rhodes signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Colts. He started all 16 games and played well. Rhodes still had struggles in man coverage, ranking 64th out of 106 corners in yards per snap allowed when playing man. But he had 12 passes defended and tackled well. Rhodes is on the wrong side of 30 but projects as a short-term fix for a zone-heavy team.

Desmond Trufant, CB, Detroit Lions (31)

It’s not official as of this writing, but the veteran corner is expected to be released by the Lions. Trufant signed a two-year, $20 million deal last offseason. But he was healthy for just six games. Trufant has been on the field for just 15 games over the past two seasons. He’s likely looking at a one-year deal somewhere.

Kevin King, CB, Green Bay Packers (26)

It’s hard to dismiss how poorly he played in the NFC Championship. Even though that was only one game, King has some things working against him. The biggest is durability. King has been active for just 41 out of a possible 64 games in four seasons. Originally the 33rd overall pick in 2017, King has not reached his potential. His best move could be to sign a one-year deal, play well and re-enter the market next offseason. King could attract teams that are looking for an outside corner with size.

Ronald Darby, CB, Washington Football Team (27)

He’s made 72 starts in six seasons. Darby was a free agent last offseason and had to settle for a one-year, $3 million deal with Washington. He played well, ranking 12th out of 106 corners in yards per snap allowed in man coverage. Darby produced 16 passes defended, which ranked fifth. His coverage skills have always been above average, but Darby has often struggled with his tackling and downfield ball skills. He also missed 20 games from 2017-2019 due to injury. Darby probably built his value back up with his performance last year and should find a starting job somewhere.

Ricardo Allen, S, Atlanta Falcons (29)

Allen started 12 games for the Falcons last season and 76 during his seven-year stint there. In 2020, he lined up primarily at free safety. He is a centerfielder-type who can play the deep middle of the field in single-high safety schemes. Allen should offer a low-cost option for teams in need of a veteran safety.

Bradley McDougald, S, New York Jets (30)

McDougald was part of the Jamal Adams trade. He started seven games last year before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. McDougald has 82 career starts and can play free or strong safety. He should be a low-cost option for teams in need of a competent starter.

Rayshawn Jenkins, S, Los Angeles Chargers (27)

He started 32 games in four seasons, including 15 last year. The majority of Jenkins’ snaps came in the box, but he saw more than 100 snaps at slot corner and free safety too. Jenkins has five interceptions in the past two seasons. He should be able to find a job as a starter.

Tier 4:  Fringe starters, rotational pieces and wild cards

These are players who could emerge as starters, could fill specialized roles or could be backups.

Jason Verrett, CB, San Francisco 49ers (30)

He was one of the great, under-the-radar stories of the 2020 season. Dogged by injuries his whole career, Verrett was able to stay healthy for most of the season. He started 13 games and played at a high level. Verrett ranked seventh out of 106 corners in yards per snap allowed when playing man coverage. His talent is undeniable. But Verrett has been healthy for just 39 out of a possible 112 games during his career. Because of that, he’ll likely have a hard time finding anything other than a one-year deal. But he probably offers as much upside as any corner that’s going to be available.

Desmond King, SCB, Tennesee Titans (26)

He’s a tough player to project. King’s career started off great, but he fell out of favor with the Chargers’ coaching staff and was traded to the Titans. In Tennessee, he played just 40 percent of the snaps on one of the league’s worst defenses. King is a slot corner with some versatility to play a safety-like role in certain schemes. He’d previously added value as a return specialist but did not fill that role last season. King could look to take a one-year deal and rebuild his value before re-entering the market next offseason. It seems likely that a team will be comfortable penciling him in as a slot corner.

Brian Poole, SCB, New York Jets (28)

He was limited to nine games last season because of a shoulder injury. Poole was a free agent last offseason and settled for a one-year, $5 million deal. Given that he’s a year older and coming off of an injury, it seems unlikely that Poole will find something better this time around. But the slot corner market is tough to predict. Players at the top end like Justin Coleman and Chris Harris Jr. have signed deals in the $8 million to $9 million per year range. The low end includes players like Kevin Johnson and Mackensie Alexander who were in the $3 million to $4 million per year range.

Cameron Sutton, SCB, Pittsburgh Steelers (26)

He played a career-high 47 percent of the defensive snaps last season, lining up primarily in the slot. Sutton had eight passes defended, three forced fumbles and an interception. He ranked 44th out of 106 corners in yards per snap allowed when playing man. Sutton should find a home as a full-time nickel or hybrid defensive back.

Mike Hilton, SCB, Pittsburgh Steelers (27)

He played 43 percent of the snaps last season and was up over 50 percent the previous three years. Hilton played primarily in the slot, but Pittsburgh tried to take advantage of his aggressiveness. He had 9.5 sacks, 23 quarterback hits and 30 tackles for loss in four seasons. His skill set is best-used in a creative, aggressive scheme.

Kevin Johnson, SCB, Cleveland Browns (29)

He was a free agent last offseason and signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Browns. Johnson played both in the slot and on the outside. He ranked 29th out of 106 corners in yards per snap allowed when playing man coverage. Johnson should find a home in a scheme that values versatile defensive backs.

P.J. Williams, DB, New Orleans Saints (28)

The key word with Williams is versatility. He played 50-plus snaps at slot corner, outside corner, free safety and strong safety last season. When playing man coverage, he ranked 11th out of 106 corners in yards per snap allowed. Williams’ playing time dipped to 48 percent of the defensive snaps, but because he can offer competency at different spots, he will have value.

Jourdan Lewis, SCB, Dallas Cowboys (26)

Lewis has played almost exclusively inside. He’ll be an option for teams in the market for a slot corner. Lewis played 74 percent of the defensive snaps last year and has missed just three games in four seasons. He ranked 18th out of 106 corners in yards per snap allowed when playing man coverage.

Duron Harmon, S, Detroit Lions (30)

Harmon was a 16-game starter for the first time in his career last season. Previously he had been a rotational player with 29 starts in seven seasons with the Patriots. He’ll be a veteran option for teams looking for a relatively low-cost, competent free safety.

Tashaun Gipson, S, Chicago Bears (31)

He hit the market last offseason and had to settle for a one-year, $1.05 million deal. Gipson has started 120 games, including 16 last season. Given that his market wasn’t great last offseason, Gipson may have to compete for a starting job somewhere in 2021.

A.J. Bouye, CB, Denver Broncos (30)

The Broncos acquired him via trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars before last season. Bouye appeared in only seven games for Denver and was released after the season. He missed five games due to injury and four for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy. Bouye will have to sit out the first two games of the 2021 season. He’s probably looking at a one-year deal.

Terrance Mitchell, CB, Cleveland Browns (29)

Mitchell saw a full-time role for the first time in his career in 2020 and looked like a competent starter. He got picked on at times in man coverage, ranking 76th out of 106 corners in yards per snap allowed. But he had 13 passes defended, which was tied for 14th, and he was a good tackler. He signed a three-year, $10 million deal with the Browns in 2018. Mitchell has made 38 starts in seven seasons. Zone-heavy teams could view him as a starter, but he might have to settle for a job where he competes for playing time.

Quinton Dunbar, CB, Seattle Seahawks (29)

He struggled to stay healthy, appearing in only six games before being shelved for season-ending knee surgery. Dunbar is likely looking at a one-year deal where he can compete for playing time on the outside.

Keanu Neal, S, Atlanta Falcons (26)

He made the most out of his contract year, starting 14 games and producing 100 tackles. The issue with Neal has been durability. He played just four games combined in 2018 and 2019. There’s definitely upside, given how young Neal is, but there’s also risk, given the injury issues. A team in need of strong safety help could take a flier.

K’Waun Williams, SCB, San Francisco 49ers (30)

An ankle injury sidelined him for eight games last season, and Williams turns 30 in July. Because of those factors, he might not find a lucrative deal in free agency. But Williams has been a solid slot corner for a long time and could offer good value on a short-term deal.

Mackensie Alexander, CB, Cincinnati Bengals (27)

He was a free agent last offseason and had to settle for a one-year, $4 million deal. Alexander has been exclusively a slot corner. He ranked 51st out of 106 corners in yards per snap allowed when playing man coverage. It seems unlikely that Alexander’s market will be much different this time around.

Gareon Conley, CB, Houston Texans (26)

Originally a first-round pick in 2017, Conley was traded from the Raiders to the Texans in 2019. He missed all of last season because of an ankle injury but has made 26 starts and is still young. Conley will likely sign a one-year deal somewhere to show he’s healthy and build up his value.

Jalen Mills, DB, Philadelphia Eagles (27)

He hit the market last offseason and had to settle for a one-year, $4 million deal to return to the Eagles. Mills started 34 games at cornerback before transitioning to safety, where he started 15 games last season. It seems unlikely that Mills will have more of a market this offseason than last.

Karl Joseph, S, Cleveland Browns (28)

Joseph signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Browns last offseason. He started eight games and played 59 percent of the snaps. Joseph will be a veteran option for teams in need of a strong safety.

Daniel Sorensen, S, Kansas City Chiefs (31)

He started 11 games and played 82 percent of the Chiefs’ snaps last season. Sorensen had previously been a rotational player. He was a hybrid strong safety/linebacker in Kansas City’s scheme. Returning to the Chiefs on a one-year deal could make sense.

Jaquiski Tartt, S, San Francisco 49ers (29)

The big issue for Tartt has been durability. He has been healthy for just 36 of a possible 64 games over the past four seasons. Tartt will interest teams that are in need of a starting-caliber strong safety, but given the injuries, he might not find more than a one-year deal.

Damontae Kazee, S, Atlanta Falcons (28)

A torn Achilles tendon limited Kazee to four games last season. He’ll spend the offseason rehabbing and likely sign a one-year deal somewhere. Kazee has 34 starts in four seasons and if healthy would be a starting-caliber free safety option.

Malik Hooker, S, Indianapolis Colts (25)

Like Kazee, Hooker will have to rehab from an Achilles injury. He tore his in the second game last season. Hooker started 35 games in four seasons, but the Colts declined his fifth-year option. He’ll have to get healthy and compete for playing time.

Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, San Francisco 49ers (26)

He started 33 games in four seasons and played 32 percent of the snaps last year. Witherspoon’s size (6-feet-2) and speed could intrigue a team that wants competition at outside corner.

Josh Norman, CB, Buffalo Bills (33)

Injuries and age slowed him down, and Norman ended up playing just 31 percent of the defensive snaps, despite signing a one-year, $6 million deal with the Bills. If he wants to continue his career, Norman will look to compete for a spot in a zone-heavy scheme.

Buster Skrine, SCB, Chicago Bears (32)

In a puzzling move, the Bears signed him to a three-year, $16.5 million deal two years ago, but they released him this offseason. Skrine played 52 percent of the snaps in 2020 and struggled. On the wrong side of 30, he’s probably looking at a one-year deal to compete for a slot corner job.

Jason McCourty, CB, New England Patriots (34)

He played 65 percent of the snaps last season and 47 percent in 2019. McCourty offers versatility and experience (137 career starts). If he decides to keep playing, he’s likely looking at a one-year deal.

Tier 5: Depth, special teams, fighting for a roster spot

These are players who could fill backup roles. Some will be competing for roster spots.

Fabian Moreau, CB, Washington Football Team (27)
Erik Harris, S, Las Vegas Raiders (31)
Shawn Williams, S, Cincinnati Bengals (30)
T.J. Carrie, CB, Indianapolis Colts (30)
Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Arizona Cardinals (31)
Rasul Douglas, CB, Carolina Panthers (27)
Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Houston Texans (26)
Nevin Lawson, CB, Las Vegas Raiders (30)
Josh Jones, S, Jacksonville Jaguars (27)
Darryl Roberts, CB, Detroit Lions (30)
Damarious Randall, S, Seattle Seahawks (29)
Dean Marlowe, S, Buffalo Bills (29)
Andrew Sendejo, S, Cleveland Browns (34)
Will Parks, S, Denver Broncos (27)
Will Redmond, DB, Green Bay Packers (27)
Sidney Jones, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars (25)
LeShaun Sims, CB, Cincinnati Bengals (28)
Cre’Von LeBlanc, SCB, Philadelphia Eagles (27)
Nickell Robey-Coleman, SCB, Philadelphia Eagles (29)
Darqueze Dennard, CB, Atlanta Falcons (29)
Corn Elder, SCB, Carolina Panthers (26)
Johnathan Joseph, CB, Tennessee Titans/Arizona Cardinals (37)
Arthur Maulet, CB, New York Jets (28)
Daryl Worley, CB, Las Vegas Raiders (26)
Dontae Johnson, CB, San Francisco 49ers (29)
De’Vante Bausby, CB, Denver Broncos (28)
Phillip Gaines, CB, Houston Texans (30)
Blidi Wreh-Wilson, CB, Atlanta Falcons (32)
Ross Cockrell, SCB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (30)
Greg Mabin, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars (27)
D.J. Hayden, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars (31)
Jamar Taylor, CB, San Francisco 49ers (31)
Tye Smith, CB, Tennessee Titans (28)
Antonio Hamilton, CB, Kansas City Chiefs (28)
Kevin Peterson, CB, Arizona Cardinals (27)
Tony McRae, CB, Detroit Lions (28)
C.J. Goodwin, CB, Dallas Cowboys (31)
Ken Crawley, CB, New Orleans Saints (28)
Neiko Thorpe, CB, Seattle Seahawks (31)
Ryan Smith, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (28)
Justin Bethel, CB, New England Patriots (31)
Johnson Bademosi, CB, New Orleans Saints (31)
Artie Burns, CB, Chicago Bears (26)
Chris Milton, CB, Tennessee Titans (29)
Bennett Jackson, CB, New York Jets (30)
Chris Banjo, S, Arizona Cardinals (31)
Sharrod Neasman, DB, Atlanta Falcons (29)
Terrence Brooks, S, New England Patriots (29)
Tavon Wilson, S, Indianapolis Colts (31)
Jahleel Addae, S, Los Angeles Chargers (31)
Matthias Farley, S, New York Jets (29)
D.J. Swearinger, S, New Orleans Saints (30)
Jaylen Watkins, DB, Los Angeles Chargers (29)
Adrian Colbert, S, New York Giants (27)
Michael Thomas, S, Houston Texans (31)
DeAndre Houston-Carson, S, Chicago Bears (28)
Lano Hill, S, Seattle Seahawks (25)
Deon Bush, S, Chicago Bears (28)
Brandon Wilson, S, Cincinnati Bengals (27)
Sean Davis, S, Pittsburgh Steelers (28)
Rudy Ford, S, Philadelphia Eagles (26)
Kavon Frazier, S, Miami Dolphins (27)
George Iloka, S, Minnesota Vikings (31)
Charles Washington, DB, Arizona Cardinals (28)
Nate Ebner, DB, New York Giants (32)
Anthony Levine, S, Baltimore Ravens (34)
Sherrick McManis, DB, Chicago Bears (33)
Andrew Adams, S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (28)
Cody Davis, S, New England Patriots (32)
Jordan Dangerfield, S, Pittsburgh Steelers (30)
Miles Killebrew, S, Detroit Lions (28)

 

 

[TJJackson]

Thanks.

I wish they had a corner-only listing, but this will work

[membengal]

Well, we kinda need a back-up S too, so both together is fine by me. 

[TJJackson]

How about this guy....George Iloka?

He seems good

[membengal]

Do you know what year it is?

[TJJackson]

Im still hiding from COVID, so I am going to guess......2020?

anyway, that guy is on the tier 5 list, so he should come cheap

[membengal]

We can do way better than tier 5. They've already visited with 3rd tier guy from ATL. 

[TJJackson]

wow, Dre Kirkpatrick is tier 5

same as Sims

 

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Did Apple even make the list?