• Franchise tags shake up the defensive back market: With Jaylon Johnson and L'Jarius Sneed now off the market, Kendall Fuller is the top free-agent cornerback for teams such as the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders.
• Kyle Dugger receives the transition tag from the Patriots: Teams can still sign him to offer sheets in the hope of stealing him away from the Patriots, who may not be so inclined to match a hypothetical deal if it reaches a certain number.
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We started our free agent landing spots series with quarterbacks and wide receivers, rounded out the skill position players with running backs and tight ends and wrapped up the offensive side of the ball with offensive linemen.
We examined one of the most promising interior defender classes in years after looking at a deep and diverse edge defender group, and then rounded out the front seven with a lengthy list of linebackers.
Last, but certainly not least, we conclude with the defensive backs. We’re operating under the assumption here that teams do not retain their own top pending free agents at the respective positions.
For our full list of the top 200 free agents, check out our free agent rankings page loaded with player analysis, PFF data and contract projections.
15. CB Kendall Fuller, Washington Commanders
Potential landing spot(s): Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders
Fuller is the primary beneficiary of the franchise tags placed on Jaylon Johnson and L’Jarius Sneed, as he becomes the top cornerback available in free agency. He is looking for his third contract after logging three straight seasons with at least 1,000 snaps played and a 75.0 coverage grade.
The Cardinals and Raiders both need a bona fide veteran presence in their secondaries, and Fuller’s versatility as a former nickel and safety adds value there.
Top free agent comparison: Sean Smith, 2016
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Kendall Fuller | 88.5 | 87.3 | 11.0% | 72.2 | ? |
| Sean Smith | 81.8 | 86.8 | 11.7% | 57.9 | 6.1% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
21. S Kyle Dugger, New England Patriots
Potential landing spot(s): New York Giants
Dugger received the transition tag, so teams can still sign him to offer sheets in the hope of stealing him away from the Patriots, who may not be so inclined to match a hypothetical deal if it reaches a certain number.
The Giants elected to let Xavier McKinney test free agency, so here they hypothetically add a chess piece who can come down and make plays in the box, with linebacker Bobby Okereke being a solid coverage player and the rest of the safety room serving as more ball-hawking types.
Top free agent comparison: Dashon Goldson, 2013
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Kyle Dugger | 58.5 | 55.1 | 5.1% | 82.9 | ? |
| Dashon Goldson | 50.1 | 44.1 | 6.2% | 80.7 | 6.7% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
22. S Kamren Curl, Washington Commanders
Potential landing spot(s): Green Bay Packers
The Packers need to do something at safety, and here we like the idea of them buying low on a player who is good at everything but perhaps not great at any one particular thing. Sound familiar? There are shades of the Adrian Amos signing by Green Bay in free agency a few years back, a move that turned out quite well.
Top free agent comparison: Rodney McLeod, 2016
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Kamren Curl | 80.6 | 84.1 | 8.0% | 74.0 | ? |
| Rodney McLeod | 78.7 | 88.2 | 3.7% | 76.7 | 4.5% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
27. CB Chidobe Awuzie, Cincinnati Bengals
Potential landing spot(s): Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta needs help at cornerback opposite A.J. Terrell, and there are not many options here. Raheem Morris got a lot out of a young, inexperienced crop of cornerbacks with the Los Angeles Rams over the past few years, but here he builds around a strong duo. A major extension for Terrell may necessitate a cheaper move here for Atlanta.
Top free agent comparison: Desmond Trufant, 2020
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Chidobe Awuzie | 74.7 | 76.0 | 14.1% | 54.6 | ? |
| Desmond Trufant | 73.9 | 71.8 | 13.0% | 73.4 | 5% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
34. CB Stephon Gilmore, Dallas Cowboys
Potential landing spot(s): Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs
Here, we highlight two teams that like to play press-man coverage, made their respective conference championship game, and could use the help at cornerback (especially if L’Jarius Sneed is traded). These are simple fits for Gilmore, who is still playing at a high level.
Top free agent comparison: Darius Slay, 2023
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Stephon Gilmore | 85.9 | 77.1 | 15.0% | 74.2 | ? |
| Darius Slay | 77.0 | 90.1 | 9.4% | 79.6 | 6.2% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
36. CB Steven Nelson, Houston Texans
Potential landing spot(s): Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans
Nelson can play in any system, but zone-heavy secondaries that lean on a lot of single-high looks resemble a great fit for the veteran after his strong 2023 season with the Houston Texans.
Top free agent comparison: Jason McCourty, 2019
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Steven Nelson | 71.6 | 86.4 | 12.9% | 62.0 | ? |
| Jason McCourty | 80.9 | 81.4 | 12.6% | 67.2 | 2.6% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
42. CB Kenny Moore II, Indianapolis Colts
Potential landing spot(s): Dallas Cowboys
Dallas may lose Jourdan Lewis and could look to upgrade with Kenny Moore II coming off a bounce-back 2023 campaign, racking up the second-most defensive stops and total tackles of his career. With a healthy tandem of Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland on the outside, Moore rounds out the unit for new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who has always valued the nickel position.
Top free agent comparison: Buster Skrine, 2019
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Kenny Moore II | 60.4 | 62.7 | 5.7% | 49.2 | ? |
| Buster Skrine | 63.8 | 58.9 | 13.7% | 58.5 | 2.9% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
44. S Xavier McKinney, New York Giants
Potential landing spot(s): Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams
The Bears released former All-Pro safety Eddie Jackson this offseason and need someone to pair with Jaquan Brisker. Brisker and McKinney could be truly “mix and match” in split-safety and single-high looks, with both making plays near the line of scrimmage and McKinney boosting the deep coverage ability that is lost with Jackson’s departure.
The Rams may lose both of their 2023 starters at safety and need some playmaking in their secondary. A new-look defensive front around Aaron Donald will put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but the unit needs more splash plays on the backend. McKinney could be that difference-maker.
Top free agent comparison: John Johnson III, 2021
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Xavier McKinney | 83.8 | 88.4 | 8.4% | 67.3 | ? |
| John Johnson III | 79.4 | 74.2 | 5.6% | 68.6 | 6.1% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
52. S Geno Stone, Baltimore Ravens
Potential landing spot(s): Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans
Stone in this scenario follows defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to Seattle, where Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs were just released. Julian Love was a good signing for the team last offseason, and there are exciting defensive backs across the roster. Adding Stone to once again fill that big nickel role as the third safety, patrolling the backend for opportunities to make plays on the ball, could make a lot of sense.
After the Titans traded away Kevin Byard at last year’s deadline, they need a free safety to pair with Amani Hooker. New defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson was the Ravens' defensive backs coach in 2023, helping Stone have a breakout season.
Top free agent comparison: Duron Harmon, 2017
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Geno Stone | 83.6 | 84.9 | 1.7% | 36.8 | ? |
| Duron Harmon | 76.9 | 80.3 | 6.3% | 47.5 | 2.5% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
66. S Julian Blackmon, Indianapolis Colts
Potential landing spot(s): Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears
Carolina looks prepared to move on from Jeremy Chinn, and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero needs another safety/nickel player to pair with veterans Vonn Bell and Xavier Woods. The Panthers ran a lot of single-high in 2023, which is what Blackmon has been a fixture in, and Blackmon’s 2023 campaign displayed his versatility and former cornerback skills.
There is a reunion with Bears head coach Matt Eberflus here from their shared time in Indianapolis, but this also makes a ton of sense, given Chicago’s positional need. Blackmon was used differently in 2023, coming down in the box and the slot far more often, but he can also be a deep-third patrolman and was primarily given those responsibilities for the prior few seasons.
Top free agent comparison: Jayron Kearse, 2022
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Julian Blackmon | 63.1 | 59.6 | 2.7% | 66.8 | ? |
| Jayron Kearse | 60.8 | 63.7 | 9.4% | 64.6 | 2.4% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
79. S Jordan Fuller, Los Angeles Rams
Potential landing spot(s): Buffalo Bills, New York Jets
The Bills may lose Micah Hyde this offseason after he formed a dynamic duo for years with Jordan Poyer. Fuller is a good deep-quarter safety who would be a nice addition alongside Poyer.
The Jets are effectively starting from scratch at safety this offseason, with Jordan Whitehead set to hit free agency, among others. The Jets ramped up their usage of Quarters and Cover 6 looks in 2023 and could continue that trend with Fuller in the fold.
Top free agent comparison: Chris Conte, 2016
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Jordan Fuller | 61.1 | 74.7 | 14.0% | 78.2 | ? |
| Chris Conte | 67.5 | 73.0 | 7.7% | 78.7 | 1.9% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
82. CB Adoree' Jackson, New York Giants
Potential landing spot(s): Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers
Jackson could reunite with former New York Giants defensive coordinator, now Raiders defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham, who coached him in 2021 when he earned the highest coverage grade of his career to go along with by far his best yards allowed per coverage snap (0.61).
Former Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau was the Titans' defensive coordinator when the team used a first-round pick on Jackson back in 2017, with Jackson starting strong by logging more than 1,000 snaps as a rookie with the most pass breakups in a season for his career to date.
Top free agent comparison: Leodis McKelvin, 2013
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Adoree‘ Jackson | 62.0 | 62.3 | 10.3% | 47.4 | ? |
| Leodis McKelvin | 67.6 | 69.6 | 9.1% | N/A | 3.4% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
86. S Jordan Whitehead, New York Jets
Potential landing spot(s): New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Saints may look to replace Marcus Maye and prepare for the eventual departure of Tyrann Mathieu, and Whitehead is still just 27 years old looking for his third contract. Whitehead and Mathieu can both line up all over and make plays at or behind the line of scrimmage, with Dennis Allen able to weaponize their versatility pre- and post-snap.
Pittsburgh needs safety help opposite Minkah Fitzpatrick; the question is whether they like him more patrolling the backend or coming down and making impact plays near the line of scrimmage. Whitehead would offer the flexibility to move both around a bunch.
Top free agent comparison: Bradley McDougald, 2018
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Jordan Whitehead | 71.1 | 68.7 | 9.1% | 63.4 | ? |
| Bradley McDougald | 67.3 | 79.4 | 12.2% | 64.9 | 2.5% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
101. S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Detroit Lions
Potential landing spot(s): Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles
New Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen coached Gardner-Johnson with the New Orleans Saints for several years, and the Jaguars just released safety Rayshawn Jenkins. The team has question marks at the slot cornerback position, as well. The Jaguars need an attacking, edgy player over the middle of this defense.
Philadelphia felt the loss of Gardner-Johnson throughout 2023, fielding one of the worst coverage units over the middle of the field, especially when Avonte Maddox was hurt. A safety pairing with Reed Blankenship who also adds nickel ability is a glaring need for the Eagles.
Top free agent comparison: Keanu Neal, 2021
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| C.J. Gardner-Johnson | 71.2 | 60.2 | 6.6% | 59.0 | ? |
| Keanu Neal | 70.4 | 67.5 | 1.5% | 64.9 | 2.2% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
137. S Deshon Elliott, Miami Dolphins
Potential landing spot(s): Seattle Seahawks
Elliott spent time with Mike Macdonald in Baltimore before venturing off to Detroit and then Miami. He would make sense as another low-cost addition with familiarity on the backend for Seattle.
Top free agent comparison: Louis Delmas, 2015
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| DeShon Elliott | 66.3 | 59.2 | 12.3% | 78.3 | ? |
| Louis Delmas | 69.4 | 60.3 | 6.0% | 65.3 | 1.7% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
138. S Tashaun Gipson, San Francisco 49ers
Potential landing spot(s): New York Jets
Gipson has been a great veteran presence for several teams in recent years, with San Francisco most recently. He’s connected to Jets head coach Robert Saleh from long before that, with the two working together in Jacksonville nearly a decade ago. The Jets' safety room could be very inexperienced in 2023, so why not add a player with a wealth of knowledge at the position?
Top free agent comparison: Mike Adams, 2015
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Tashaun Gipson | 63.8 | 76.8 | 7.0% | 90.5 | ? |
| Mike Adams | 58.0 | 80.5 | 4.4% | 81.5 | 1.5% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
139. S Alohi Gilman, Los Angeles Chargers
Potential landing spot(s): Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers
Gilman had a really strong 2023 season at the right time, seeming to make a play on the ball with every opportunity he got. The Rams and 49ers need rangy playmakers on the backend who won’t necessarily come at a premium.
Top free agent comparison: Tre Boston, 2019
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Alohi Gilman | 85.8 | 90.6 | 14.8% | 71.2 | ? |
| Tre Boston | 89.8 | 87.8 | 19.0% | 67.1 | 1.1% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
147. S Darnell Savage, Green Bay Packers
Potential landing spot(s): Los Angeles Rams, Washington Commanders
Savage is a good coverage player as a deep free safety who still demonstrates the closing speed and athletic ability that made him a first-round pick.
Top free agent comparison: J.J. Wilcox, 2017
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Darnell Savage | 66.2 | 69.0 | 13.0% | 66.0 | ? |
| J.J. Wilcox | 66.9 | 75.8 | 11.4% | 53.3 | 1.9% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
148. CB Keisean Nixon, Green Bay Packers
Potential landing spot(s): Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta not only needs help in the slot but also had one of the weaker kick return units in 2023, so Nixon is a good fit on both counts.
Top free agent comparison: Desmond King II, 2022
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Keisean Nixon | 56.0 | 56.8 | 3.4% | 62.1 | ? |
| Desmond King II | 55.3 | 59.6 | 4.2% | 40.2 | 1.7% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
150. S Mike Edwards, Kansas City Chiefs
Potential landing spot(s): Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers
Edwards is another safety who just seems to make plays on the ball whenever it’s thrown into his coverage area, and the ascending Bears defense could use one of those profiles heading into a 2024 season where it looks like the rest of the unit could be extremely stingy.
A potential pairing with Minkah Fitzpatrick would allow the Steelers safety to come down in the box or carry No. 3 receivers out of the slot and truly let his versatility shine, something that was a challenge in 2023 with so little secondary help around him.
Top free agent comparison: Tashaun Gipson, 2020
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Mike Edwards | 60.1 | 61.8 | 6.9% | 45.3 | ? |
| Tashaun Gipson | 59.9 | 63.0 | 9.8% | 61.4 | 1.4% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
151. CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, Tennessee Titans
Potential landing spot(s): New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders
New Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen in this scenario recruits Murphy-Bunting to follow him from Tennessee, where recent draft picks like 2023 first-round pick Deonte Banks started to show a lot of promise to close out the season. Depth is still needed, though.
Murphy-Bunting also worked with Raiders linebackers coach and run game coordinator Mike Caldwell for a few years in Tampa Bay. Las Vegas may focus its spending efforts on defense in the front seven but needs some reinforcements at cornerback.
Top free agent comparison: Eli Apple, 2022
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Sean Murphy-Bunting | 68.2 | 63.2 | 8.8% | 33.7 | ? |
| Eli Apple | 63.1 | 73.2 | 10.5% | 38.4 | 1.7% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
152. S Jeremy Chinn, Carolina Panthers
Potential landing spot(s): Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City loves to add highly drafted, athletic defensive backs coming off their rookie contracts where the market may underwhelm. If they lose linebackers Willie Gay Jr. and Drue Tranquill, a hybrid role for Chinn as a quarterback spy and the primary coverage backer alongside the bigger Nick Bolton and Leo Chenal could make a lot of sense for Steve Spagnuolo, who would also probably love to send Chinn on the occasional blitz.
Top free agent comparison: Andrew Sendejo, 2016
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Jeremy Chinn | 57.2 | 56.4 | 8.3% | 52.0 | ? |
| Andrew Sendejo | 57.4 | 63.8 | 5.6% | 65.5 | 2.6% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
155. CB Myles Bryant, New England Patriots
Potential landing spot(s): Houston Texans
Tavierre Thomas and Desmond King are both free agents for Houston, and general manager Nick Caserio signed Bryant as an undrafted free agent with the New England Patriots back in 2020.
Top free agent comparison: Brian Poole, 2019
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Myles Bryant | 58.2 | 58.1 | 7.2% | 42.7 | ? |
| Brian Poole | 65.0 | 62.9 | 5.7% | 53.7 | 1.6% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
173. CB Ronald Darby, Baltimore Ravens
Potential landing spot(s): Houston Texans
Darby had a strong 2023 for the Baltimore Ravens and is effectively the Steven Nelson replacement here. Nelson is expected to sign a stronger contract after years of good durability.
Top free agent comparison: Rashaan Melvin, 2019
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Ronald Darby | 74.5 | 66.5 | 13.8% | 62.1 | ? |
| Rashaan Melvin | 67.3 | 67.0 | 12.2% | 64.3 | 1.1% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
174. S Jayron Kearse, Dallas Cowboys
Potential landing spot(s): Houston Texans
Houston claimed two veteran safeties off waivers at the end of the 2023 season and could use help in addition to Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward. Kearse is still a strong run defender, given his size, and brings a different skill set.
Top free agent comparison: N/A
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Jayron Kearse | 45.3 | 53.9 | 6.1% | 66.2 | ? |
| N/A | – | – | – | – | – |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
175. S Brandon Jones, Miami Dolphins
Potential landing spot(s): Indianapolis Colts
The Colts may need to replace Julian Blackmon in free agency, and even if not, they could stand to add some talent on the backend. Jones made the most of his opportunities in 2023, with two interceptions on just 11 targets, and he’s shown a knack for punching out the football, forcing a fumble in every season of his career.
Top free agent comparison: Clayton Geathers, 2019
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Brandon Jones | 61.4 | 71.6 | 7.0% | 71.8 | ? |
| Clayton Geathers | 64.9 | 70.7 | 6.0% | 71.9 | 1.4% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
176. CB Dane Jackson, Buffalo Bills
Potential landing spot(s): Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers in this scenario add a young cornerback who was quickly trusted to log snaps in Sean McDermott’s defense. Jackson is a bit light but has good stop-and-start ability, closing well from off coverage.
Top free agent comparison: Davon House, 2017
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Dane Jackson | 61.4 | 66.8 | 14.5% | 49.9 | ? |
| Davon House | 60.1 | 66.3 | 15.6% | 52.6 | 1.7% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
177. CB Jourdan Lewis, Dallas Cowboys
Potential landing spot(s): Washington Commanders
We have Dan Quinn recruiting a host of players over to the Washington Commanders, and his defense needs the help at pretty much every position besides the interior of the defensive line. Lewis brings a physicality against the run with sound tackling ability over the middle.
Top free agent comparison: N/A
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Jourdan Lewis | 48.9 | 53.2 | 3.9% | 42.1 | ? |
| N/A | – | – | – | – | – |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
179. CB Kristian Fulton, Tennessee Titans
Potential landing spot(s): Minnesota Vikings
Fulton was drafted by a Titans regime with Patriots ties, and there are still flashes on tape of what made the LSU product a second-round pick. With spending needed along the defensive line, Minnesota will have to continue to trust recent draft picks in the secondary to go along with depth options like Fulton.
Top free agent comparison: N/A
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Kristian Fulton | 55.2 | 66.7 | 6.4% | 28.3 | ? |
| N/A | – | – | – | – | – |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
180. CB Amik Robertson, Las Vegas Raiders
Potential landing spot(s): Dallas Cowboys
Dallas could stand to add depth in the secondary but probably can’t afford to spend a ton, and both the current Cowboys and Mike Zimmer in Minnesota have gotten a lot out of smaller cornerbacks who play with physicality, as Robertson does.
Top free agent comparison: N/A
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Amik Robertson | 66.0 | 54.8 | 10.0% | 48.4 | ? |
| N/A | – | – | – | – | – |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
183. CB Jeff Okudah, Atlanta Falcons
Potential landing spot(s): Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers don’t have many resources at their disposal this offseason but need help at cornerback alongside Asante Samuel Jr. after trading J.C. Jackson and with Michael Davis set to hit free agency. This is a bet on traits and upside that won’t come at a huge cost.
Top free agent comparison: N/A
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Jeff Okudah | 47.5 | 52.4 | 11.1% | 42.3 | ? |
| N/A | – | – | – | – | – |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
185. S Taylor Rapp, Buffalo Bills
Potential landing spot(s): New York Giants
The Giants could be set to lose safety Xavier McKinney and need potentially several additions. Rapp is a good playmaker down in the box who could pair well with the rangy Jason Pinnock at free safety.
Top free agent comparison: N/A
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Taylor Rapp | 64.9 | 61.8 | 4.6% | 77.0 | ? |
| N/A | – | – | – | – | – |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
189. S Jalen Mills, New England Patriots
Potential landing spot(s): San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco has gotten a lot out of versatile defensive back veterans in recent years, as they prioritize defensive spending in the front seven. Mills worked with former 49ers defensive passing game specialist/secondary coach Cory Undlin for years in Philadelphia, and while Undlin is now in Houston, there is a familiarity there for another defensive back who is willing to line up all over.
Top free agent comparison: N/A
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Jalen Mills | 50.7 | 53.5 | 6.8% | 72.9 | ? |
| N/A | – | – | – | – | – |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
191. CB Rock Ya-Sin, Baltimore Ravens
Potential landing spot(s): Arizona Cardinals
Jonathan Gannon was the cornerbacks coach with the Indianapolis Colts when Rock Ya-Sin was selected with a second-round pick back in 2019. Arizona’s rookie cornerbacks in 2023, Kei’Trel Clark and Garrett Williams, both showed some promise out of the gate, but this cornerback room still needs significant bolstering.
Top free agent comparison: N/A
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Rock Ya-Sin | 65.5 | 68.1 | 15.1% | 51.4 | ? |
| N/A | – | – | – | – | – |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
200. CB Michael Davis, Los Angeles Chargers
Potential landing spot(s): Green Bay Packers
Davis’ longtime cornerbacks coach with the Chargers, Derrick Ansley, was added to the Packers' coaching staff this offseason. With injuries and depth questions at cornerback, Davis provides insurance.
Top free agent comparison: N/A
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Michael Davis | 69.1 | 72.9 | 16.2% | 52.9 | ? |
| N/A | – | – | – | – | – |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
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