Cardinals Free Agency Targets: Cornerback
Welcome to another edition of Arizona Cardinals free agency targets. We've covered other positions such as defensive line and edge, which will be linked at the bottom of the article.
Today, we'll dive into the cornerback position:
The Elite/Franchise Tag Candidates
- L'Jarius Sneed
- Jaylon Johnson
Analysis: it's very likely neither of these will be available and Arizona would not likely pay what would be required for these studs at corner, but are still the top prospects nonetheless.
Solid, but Older
- Kendall Fuller
- Chidobe Awuzie
- Steven Nelson
- Adoree' Jackson
- Ronald Darby
- Xavien Howard
- Stephen Gillmore
- Rock Ya-Sin
Analysis: This might end up being where Arizona chooses to solidify its number one corner position while trying to build through the draft.
Kendall Fuller was solid last year for Washington and has versatility, inside and out. He has played the majority of his career in Washington, and they have the most cap space in the league.
Chidobe Awuzie has been solid for the Bengals after joining them as a free agent and could do the same for the Cardinals should Cincy not bring him back, as they also have a ton of cap space. Same could be said for Steven Nelson with the Texans.
Adoree' Jackson was thought to be a huge get for the Giants and while he wasn't a star, he has been solid.
Ronald Darby seems like he has been around forever but has been solid wherever he has gone (five NFL teams now).
Xavien Howard may be the biggest boom or bust of the bunch. The four-time Pro Bowler was just released by the Dolphins but has had his fair share of injuries. He is only a few years removed from a 10-interception year as well.
Stephon Gillmore's days as a lockdown corner may be behind him but he's still very solid. He also was added by the Patriots when now Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort was there.
Rock Ya-Sin was there in Indianapolis when Jonathan Gannon was on the defensive staff, but he was also available last off-season and Arizona did not bite.
Young Players That May Need Opportunity?
- Keisean Nixon
- Kristian Fulton
- Dane Jackson
Analysis: Keisean Nixon is an interesting possible add - he has return ability and played a lot for Green Bay in 2023. The Packers tend to bring their draftees back but with a new DC in place, they may choose not to with Nixon.
Kristian Fulton was there in Tennessee when Ossenfort was helping run the show, so he may want to bring Fulton into the fold, and he would likely come cheap.
Dane Jackson is likely not to be retained by the cash-strapped Bills, but there is also a reason that the Bills traded for a corner late in the year.
Other Solid Additions:
- Sean Murphy-Bunting
- Jeff Okudah
- Levi Wallace
- Michael Davis
- Emmanuel Moseley
Analysis: Sean Murphy-Bunting has bounced from Tampa Bay to Tennessee and doesn't seem to have a ton of upside but would not be expensive and has been a starter wherever he has been.
Jeff Okudah would be very interesting, since Dave Sears would know about him very well as Detroit drafted him in round one in 2020. Does he still have CB1 ability? Many experts would say no, but he would likely not be expensive, as he has not lived up to his hype.
Levi Wallace has been solid with Pittsburgh and may want a chance to be the number one corner, but I'm sure that the Steelers would want to retain him.
Michael Davis was the definition of hot and cold. At times he's been a great corner and other times not so much. I personally don't think he'd be a target - but you never know.
Emmanuel Moseley was added as a vet to Detroit in 2022 and may be a good stopgap to help the young corners Arizona has, provided the cash-flushed Lions don't want him back.
Prediction: Arizona will likely bring in someone of starting caliber, even if it's Antonio Hamilton back on a one-year deal and continue to build through the draft. Okudah and Fulton seem to be the easiest to connect with Arizona, but given that they will likely prioritize the front seven and even offensive line higher, there is no telling what could happen here.
