Before free agency officially begins, TGH will be giving you our picks for the top free agents at every position in 2020. Keep in mind, these are our opinions for the top players and will not list every free agent. As of writing, all of the players listed are currently still un-signed.
With that said, let’s take a look at the best cornerbacks on the market in 2020.
Byron Jones
Jones has played at almost every position in the defensive backfield since coming into the league in 2015. In his rookie year he played right and left cornerback, and some free safety as well. He switched to a full-time free safety in 2016, before returning to corner again in 2018. He played both in 2019.
It is hard to base his performance solely on his measurable stats, considering his position changes. For example, he only has two interceptions during his five year career. Jones also has 43 passes defended, 268 solo tackles and three forced fumbles since 2015.
He is officially a veteran now, and will be 28-years-old a couple of weeks into the 2020 season. Again, his stats are not overly impressive, but his ability to play at multiple positions should be a huge draws in need of secondary help.
Dallas has to pay Dak Prescott and/or Amari Cooper in the offseason, so it is unlikely the Cowboys will be able to pay Jones as well. That leaves him wide open to be picked up by anyone who is willing to pay him the money he wants. Reportedly, the Philadelphia Eagles are interested due to his knowledge of the Cowboys and the NFC East as a whole.
The important thing is to put him in a system in which he feels comfortable, and can flex his ability to play in any position in the secondary.
Chris Harris, Jr.
The Broncos’ star corner, Chris Harris, Jr., is also an excellent free agent hitting the market in 2020.
The Super Bowl 50 champion has only missed five games in his nine seasons in the NFL. He has been selected for the Pro Bowl four times, and was an All-Pro in 2016. In that All-Pro season, he had two interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and 11 passes defended.
In 2019, his 30-year-old season, he had one interception, six passes defended and one forced fumble. Harris can play on either side of the field, and often shadows opposing teams’ top defenders. He is a key piece in Vic Fangio’s secondary in Denver, and has played his entire career there.
A veteran corner with Super Bowl-winning experience would be a welcome addition to a lot of teams. But he will likely want to stay with Denver. We will see if the Broncos are willing to pay him what he deserves to keep him.
Kendall Fuller
Fuller started his career in Washington but was traded to Kansas City in the deal that brought quarterback Alex Smith to the Redskins.
In Washington, he only started 12 of the 29 games in which he was available. Despite only starting six games in 2017 (his sophomore season), he still collected four interceptions and defended ten passes. During his two seasons in Kansas City he has only had two interceptions, both of which were in 2018.
Fuller started only four games in the regular season, and played in 11 total. He had the only sack of his NFL career this year. The Chiefs are en route to the Super Bowl, so he may collect a championship ring after Sunday’s game.
The 24-year-old corner is full of raw potential, and could be an asset to a struggling young defense. He may not collect a huge payday, but that plays to teams’ strengths. Kansas City will have to pay a lot of talent very soon, so they may not hang on to Fuller, whose production has not been incredible for them.
His talent, however, is undeniable and someone will inevitably take a chance on him.
Featured Image courtesy of Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports
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