There will be plenty of quality cornerbacks to be had in 2022 NFL free agency come March, led by these five veterans looking for a payday.
5. Casey Hayward, Las Vegas Raiders
While Hayward is on the wrong side of 30, he’s still a quality corner who can play with a veteran’s savvy. The Raiders would be wise to bring him back, but considering the team is now being run by a new general manager and coaching staff, he could be on the move for the fourth time in his career. A two-time Pro Bowler, Hayward would be a nice addition to a team trying to contend for a Super Bowl in the next year or two.
4. Carlton Davis, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Davis might end up pricing himself out of Tampa Bay, The Buccaneers have a slew of free agents including running back Leonard Fournette and wide receiver Chris Godwin, and not enough money to keep them all. If Davis finds himself hitting free agency in mid-March, he’s going to have a ton of suitors trying to bring in a boundary corner with size and speed.
3. Darious Williams, Los Angeles Rams
Williams has been overshadowed in recent seasons by his teammate in Jalen Ramsey, but he’s also a quality corner. Coming off his rookie deal, the Rams would love to keep him but can they afford it considering all the other demands on their salary cap in the coming years? It could be tough, and if Williams does get to the open market, he’ll have a nice bidding war for his services. Look for the youngster to get a really nice deal.
2. Stephon Gilmore, Carolina Panthers
Gilmore is a weird study, but we’re slotting him high on the list. The former Defensive Player of the Year is 31 years old and only played eight games this season for the Carolina Panthers, but he still has elite talent. Gilmore might not be the player he was as a shutdown corner with the New England Patriots, but he’s certainly a top corner on a good team. Even with the recent injury history and his age, Gilmore should get a lucrative multi-year deal.
1. J.C. Jackson, New England Patriots
Jackson has a chance to reset the market. With 25 interceptions over his four-year career — and 17 over the past two seasons — Jackson is going to command an enormous sum. If the Patriots can’t or won’t spend the money, the Pro Bowler will have no issue getting north of $15 million+ on an annual basis with a boatload of guaranteed money to accompany it.
