2020 NFL free agents: Cornerback
With the NFL's franchise tag deadline in the past, attention moves to the opening of the league's free-agent negotiating window on March 16.
These are the best cornerbacks slated to hit the market.
By position
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
DL | ED | LB | CB | S
Top 100
Cornerback
1. Byron Jones
The supremely athletic Jones has blossomed over the last two seasons after a move from safety to cornerback. Though he doesn't generate many turnovers, the 27-year-old routinely locks down opponents' top receiving threats. Dallas would presumably love to re-sign its top corner, but the Cowboys will likely be forced to watch him leave while they prioritize deals for Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper.
2. Chris Harris, Jr.
Harris is widely recognized as the gold standard for slot cornerbacks and has shown little sign of decline. The Broncos asked the 30-year-old to play almost exclusively outside in 2019, which likely explains why his interception and pass-defense totals dropped. A move back to his natural position should correct that when Harris takes the field for a new team in 2020.
3. James Bradberry
Bradberry is rarely mentioned among the game's great cornerbacks. But that might have something to do with the fact he faces members of the NFC South's insane lineup of wideouts - Michael Thomas, Mike Evans, and Julio Jones - six times a year. The 26-year-old is reportedly looking to challenge Xavien Howard's spot as the league's top-paid corner.
4. Trae Waynes
The 2015 first-rounder hasn't developed into the stud the Vikings thought they were drafting. Waynes is too often beaten for touchdowns and is inconsistent week to week. But he's a good tackler and played well to end 2019.
5. Logan Ryan
Ryan is a consistent slot corner who can hold up on the outside if required - a valuable skill in the modern NFL. The 29-year-old's market should be robust, though few teams will likely view him as a significant difference-maker.
6. Kendall Fuller
Fuller had a subpar 2019 season overall, allowing completions on more than 77% of passes thrown his way while opposing quarterbacks racked up a 131.6 passer rating when targeting him. Still, some strong playoff performances may help his case this offseason.
7. Desmond Trufant
The Falcons released Trufant after an injury-plagued 2019 season, and he'll turn 30 years old in September. While he is no longer capable of locking down No. 1 wideouts every week, the cornerback is still a solid starter when healthy.
8. Eli Apple
Teams are still waiting for Apple to hit his potential. The 24-year-old started strong in 2019, but he'd allowed more than 60% of passes thrown his way to be completed for a 100.9 passer rating by the end of the year.
9. Mackensie Alexander
Alexander's solid performances over the past two seasons make him one of the better slot corners available this offseason.
10. Xavier Rhodes
Despite making the Pro Bowl as a replacement, Rhodes was a shell of his former self in 2019. The former first-round cornerback allowed around 83% of passes thrown his way to be completed. He could, however, be an intriguing reclamation target.
11. Bashaud Breeland
Facing free agency for a third straight year, Breeland is likely targeting a long-term deal after a failed physical kept him from landing one two years ago. He allowed completions on just 48.4% of passes thrown his way in 2019.
12. Jimmy Smith
Injuries and suspensions have limited Smith to 12 games or fewer in four consecutive seasons, but the veteran cornerback remains effective when he's on the field.
13. Ronald Darby
Injuries have cost Darby 23 games (including playoffs) since the Eagles acquired him in 2017. The former first-round pick posted 11 passes defensed and two interceptions in 11 games last season.
14. Prince Amukamara
Amukamara's 2019 campaign marked a step down from 2018, with his turnover and pass-defense totals both dropping. But he could be a difference-maker for teams seeking a reliable No. 2 cornerback.
15. Brian Poole
After getting picked on for three years with the Falcons, Poole fit in nicely with the Jets in his familiar slot role. He won't have to settle for another 1-year, $3-million deal when free agency opens.
16. Darqueze Dennard
The oft-injured Dennard has only played in 16 games once over six NFL seasons. When healthy, though, he's one of the league's best slot cornerbacks against the run and rarely gives up big plays.