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Ranking the best cornerbacks available in NFL free agency

Ranking the best cornerbacks available in NFL free agency

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The new league year is nearly upon us, and with it comes free agency. Fans of every team except the Seahawks and Patriots are now focused on the offseason and what their favorite team’s roster will look like when the 2026 season starts and which new faces might be on the field in September.

If your team is in the market for a cornerback and has some cap space to work with, it’s a great year to improve the secondary. From underrated Jamel Dean to NFL legacy Asante Samuel, Jr., here are your team’s best options at cornerback in free agency.

Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2025 Stats: 16 games played, 243 attempts for 1065 yards (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 36 receptions for 350 yards (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles

Dean has consistently been one of the best and most underrated cornerbacks in the NFL over the last five years, and 2025 was one of his best seasons. Per Next Gen Stats, he allowed a passer rating of just 41.3 as the nearest defender, allowing just one touchdown to three interceptions.

Alontae Taylor, New Orleans Saints

2025 Stats: 16 games played, 243 attempts for 1065 yards (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 36 receptions for 350 yards (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles

Taylor has established himself as one of the NFL’s most versatile cornerbacks. Per PFF, he led all cornerbacks in stops, PFF’s metric for tackles that result in a successful play for the defense. He had two interceptions in 2025 and finished with a target EPA of -3.

Tariq Woolen, Seattle Seahawks

2025 Stats: 16 games played, 243 attempts for 1065 yards (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 36 receptions for 350 yards (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles

There was speculation that Woolen could be traded at the trade deadline this season, as his playing time went down. However, he remained with the Seahawks and was one of the top defenders for the NFC champions. He allowed only 33 receptions on 65 targets, and his target EPA was a staggering -5.2.

Jaylen Watson, Kansas City Chiefs

2025 Stats: 16 games played, 243 attempts for 1065 yards (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 36 receptions for 350 yards (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles

Watson didn’t allow a touchdown on 478 coverage snaps and 58 targets in 2025. He picked off two passes and allowed a passer rating of just 71.6 in what was his best season with the Chiefs.

Nahshon Wright, Chicago Bears

2025 Stats: 16 games played, 243 attempts for 1065 yards (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 36 receptions for 350 yards (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles

Wright was one of the breakout players of the 2025 season. He picked off five passes in 2025, leading all cornerbacks. He also finished second amongst cornerbacks in forced fumbles and was ninth in solo tackles. Considering that Wright is on his third team in three seasons, and only played in one game in 2024, his production was nothing short of incredible

Eric Stokes, Las Vegas Raiders

2025 Stats: 16 games played, 243 attempts for 1065 yards (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 36 receptions for 350 yards (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles

Stokes was one of the few bright spots on a Raiders team that finished with the worst record in the league. His PFF grade of 73.6 was 18th amongst 114 qualified cornerbacks, and he finished with a catch rate over expected of -6.4.

James Pierre, Pittsburgh Steelers

2025 Stats: 16 games played, 243 attempts for 1065 yards (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 36 receptions for 350 yards (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles

Pierre had a career season in 2025. After spending his career as a depth cornerback and special teams player, Pierre allowed just 13 receptions on 34 targets and a passer rating of just 50.9. Additionally, Pierre posted a catch rate over expected of -24.6.

Rasul Douglas, Miami Dolphins

2025 Stats: 16 games played, 243 attempts for 1065 yards (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 36 receptions for 350 yards (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles

The former Buffalo Bills cornerback joined their AFC East rival this past offseason, and he proved to be a vital piece of a defense that was plagued with injuries. He finished 19th out of 114 cornerbacks in PFF grade, as well as totaling two interceptions and holding opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of just 78.7.

Kader Kohou, Miami Dolphins

2025 Stats: 16 games played, 243 attempts for 1065 yards (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 36 receptions for 350 yards (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles

Kohou missed the entirety of the 2025 season due to a torn ACL. However, in his previous three seasons, he proved to be a reliable player with the Dolphins. In 2024, he allowed a target EPA of -13.2, and a catch rate over expected of -6 percent.

Asante Samuel Jr: Pittsburgh Steelers

2025 Stats: 16 games played, 243 attempts for 1065 yards (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 36 receptions for 350 yards (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles

Samuel missed the first half of the season due to undergoing neck surgery, which kept him on the free agent market. The Steelers scooped him up, and he proved he was still a good starting cornerback. In six games, he posted a PFF grade of 67.2.

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Deadspin | Emma Raducanu (leg) withdraws on eve of Wimbledon match Emma Raducanu gets set to serve to Amanda Anisimova during their third-round match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Sunday, March 8, 2026. Great Britain standout Emma Raducanu withdrew from Wimbledon on Sunday night due to a stress fracture in her lower right leg. Raducanu, the No. 30 seed, was confident earlier Sunday that she would answer the bell for Monday first-round match against Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic at the All England Club in London. But hours later, the British No. 1 announced her withdrawal from Wimbledon on social media after a medical scan displayed the injury was more serious than previously thought. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but sadly I’ve had to withdraw from this year’s Wimbledon,” Raducanu wrote. “The niggle I’ve been managing has developed into a stress fracture and I’ve been medically advised to stop pushing through. “Playing at Wimbledon means everything to me, so this is really difficult to process.” Raducanu, 23, was spotted wearing a boot on the leg on Wednesday. She tested the leg in a training session Saturday but had to cut short a practice session with Anna Kalinskaya of Russia when she was having trouble moving and lost four straight games. It has been a challenging season for Raducanu. She has played in just 10 events due to a foot injury and an illness. She was out for more than two months at one point before returning in mid-May. Raducanu said the leg pain increased during her run to the Queen’s Club title match earlier this mnoth. She lost to Croatia’s Donna Vekic in the final. “Queen’s, during that week, was a lot of load for me,” Raducanu said earlier at her Sunday press conference. “Five matches after having not competed for a while. But I’m just managing it with my team as best as I possibly can, exhausting all options and doing what we can.” Raducanu famously emerged in 2021 to win the U.S. Open at age 18 and that remains her lone WTA title. Her best Wimbledon showing is reaching the fourth round in both 2021 and 2024. Wimbledon didn’t announce a replacement for Raducanu on Sunday night. Typically, a lucky loser is selected out of qualifying. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Emma #Raducanu #leg #withdraws #eve #Wimbledon #matchEmma Raducanu gets set to serve to Amanda Anisimova during their third-round match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Great Britain standout Emma Raducanu withdrew from Wimbledon on Sunday night due to a stress fracture in her lower right leg.

Raducanu, the No. 30 seed, was confident earlier Sunday that she would answer the bell for Monday first-round match against Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic at the All England Club in London.

But hours later, the British No. 1 announced her withdrawal from Wimbledon on social media after a medical scan displayed the injury was more serious than previously thought.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but sadly I’ve had to withdraw from this year’s Wimbledon,” Raducanu wrote. “The niggle I’ve been managing has developed into a stress fracture and I’ve been medically advised to stop pushing through.

“Playing at Wimbledon means everything to me, so this is really difficult to process.”


Raducanu, 23, was spotted wearing a boot on the leg on Wednesday. She tested the leg in a training session Saturday but had to cut short a practice session with Anna Kalinskaya of Russia when she was having trouble moving and lost four straight games.

It has been a challenging season for Raducanu. She has played in just 10 events due to a foot injury and an illness. She was out for more than two months at one point before returning in mid-May.

Raducanu said the leg pain increased during her run to the Queen’s Club title match earlier this mnoth. She lost to Croatia’s Donna Vekic in the final.

“Queen’s, during that week, was a lot of load for me,” Raducanu said earlier at her Sunday press conference. “Five matches after having not competed for a while. But I’m just managing it with my team as best as I possibly can, exhausting all options and doing what we can.”

Raducanu famously emerged in 2021 to win the U.S. Open at age 18 and that remains her lone WTA title. Her best Wimbledon showing is reaching the fourth round in both 2021 and 2024.

Wimbledon didn’t announce a replacement for Raducanu on Sunday night. Typically, a lucky loser is selected out of qualifying.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Emma #Raducanu #leg #withdraws #eve #Wimbledon #match">Deadspin | Emma Raducanu (leg) withdraws on eve of Wimbledon match Emma Raducanu gets set to serve to Amanda Anisimova during their third-round match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Sunday, March 8, 2026. Great Britain standout Emma Raducanu withdrew from Wimbledon on Sunday night due to a stress fracture in her lower right leg. Raducanu, the No. 30 seed, was confident earlier Sunday that she would answer the bell for Monday first-round match against Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic at the All England Club in London. But hours later, the British No. 1 announced her withdrawal from Wimbledon on social media after a medical scan displayed the injury was more serious than previously thought. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but sadly I’ve had to withdraw from this year’s Wimbledon,” Raducanu wrote. “The niggle I’ve been managing has developed into a stress fracture and I’ve been medically advised to stop pushing through. “Playing at Wimbledon means everything to me, so this is really difficult to process.” Raducanu, 23, was spotted wearing a boot on the leg on Wednesday. She tested the leg in a training session Saturday but had to cut short a practice session with Anna Kalinskaya of Russia when she was having trouble moving and lost four straight games. It has been a challenging season for Raducanu. She has played in just 10 events due to a foot injury and an illness. She was out for more than two months at one point before returning in mid-May. Raducanu said the leg pain increased during her run to the Queen’s Club title match earlier this mnoth. She lost to Croatia’s Donna Vekic in the final. “Queen’s, during that week, was a lot of load for me,” Raducanu said earlier at her Sunday press conference. “Five matches after having not competed for a while. But I’m just managing it with my team as best as I possibly can, exhausting all options and doing what we can.” Raducanu famously emerged in 2021 to win the U.S. Open at age 18 and that remains her lone WTA title. Her best Wimbledon showing is reaching the fourth round in both 2021 and 2024. Wimbledon didn’t announce a replacement for Raducanu on Sunday night. Typically, a lucky loser is selected out of qualifying. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Emma #Raducanu #leg #withdraws #eve #Wimbledon #match

South Africa v Canada: Round Of 32 - FIFA World Cup 2026
South Africa v Canada: Round Of 32 - FIFA World Cup 2026

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 28: Stephen Eustaquio #7 of Canada celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between South Africa and Canada at Los Angeles Stadium on June 28, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sarah Stier – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
FIFA via Getty Images

#World #Cup #advanced">World Cup 2026: Who has advanced to the Round of 16? INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 28: Stephen Eustaquio #7 of Canada celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between South Africa and Canada at Los Angeles Stadium on June 28, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sarah Stier – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) FIFA via Getty Images #World #Cup #advanced

Canada beat South Africa 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time strike by Stephen Eustaquio ​from distance on Sunday to reach the World Cup last 16 ‌for the first time in its history.

Eustaquio received the ​ball on the edge of the South Africa penalty ⁠area and hammered it past diving goalkeeper Ronwen Williams in a thrilling conclusion to the first knockout-round match of the World Cup.

South Africa, ‌which had seemed content to play for extra time and a possible penalty shootout, made a few furious ‌but unsuccessful attempts to level before the final whistle.

Canada will next face either the Netherlands or Morocco on July 4 in Houston for a place in the quarterfinals.

“It’s about the two years we’ve ​been together,” Canada coach Jesse ‌Marsch told the team in a huddle after the final whistle.

“Think about how we talked about sticking to the plan… you guys showing your character. You guys are Canadian heroes ‌here.”

Tense first-half

Chances were scarce in a cagey first ​half, with little to separate the sides, who were both playing in the knockout rounds for the ⁠first time.

Canada’s best opening came just before halftime when a corner sparked a scramble in the South Africa box, Moise Bombito sending ‌a header goalward that was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba before Tajon Buchanan’s close-range effort struck Williams in the chest.

Moments later, Richie Laryea went down in the area, prompting Canadian appeals for a penalty, but the decision not to award a spot kick stood after a VAR review, prompting loud ‌boos from Canada’s red-clad army of supporters, who dominated the stands.

Marsch continued ​to protest as the teams left the field at halftime, with Bombito appearing to urge him away from ⁠the referee.

Frustration for Canada only grew early in the second half ⁠as South Africa appeared in no rush to press the issue.

Canada had another chance just before the second ‌half hydration break when Tani Oluwaseyi’s shot hit the keeper and Jonathan David was unable to head the ricochet home ​thanks to an excellent defensive effort by Mbekezeli Mbokazi to clear the ball.

RSA vs CAN Player Ratings

South Africa: Williams (7.2), Mudau (7.9), Okon (7.4), Mbokazi (6.9), Modiba (7.6), Mokoena (6.6), Sithole (7.6), Maseko (6.7), Mofokeng (6.3), Appollis (6.0), Makgopa (6.0). Substitutes: Mbatha (6.2), Rayners (no rating), Moremi (no rating).

Canada (4-4-2): Crépeau (7.6), Johnston (7.3), Bombito (6.8), Cornelius (7.5), Laryea (7.5), Buchanan (6.7), Saliba (7.4), Eustaquio (8.7), Millar (6.5), Oluwaseyi (6.9), David (6.3). Substitutes: De Fougerolles (7.4), Sigur (6.3), Shaffelburg (6.2), Promise David (6.5), Davies (6.1).

Published on Jun 29, 2026

#South #Africa #Canada #player #ratings #Eustaquio #scores #injurytime #stunner #send #Canada">South Africa vs Canada player ratings — Eustaquio scores injury-time stunner to send Canada into next round Canada beat South Africa 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time strike by Stephen Eustaquio ​from distance on Sunday to reach the World Cup last 16 ‌for the first time in its history.Eustaquio received the ​ball on the edge of the South Africa penalty ⁠area and hammered it past diving goalkeeper Ronwen Williams in a thrilling conclusion to the first knockout-round match of the World Cup.South Africa, ‌which had seemed content to play for extra time and a possible penalty shootout, made a few furious ‌but unsuccessful attempts to level before the final whistle.Canada will next face either the Netherlands or Morocco on July 4 in Houston for a place in the quarterfinals.“It’s about the two years we’ve ​been together,” Canada coach Jesse ‌Marsch told the team in a huddle after the final whistle.“Think about how we talked about sticking to the plan… you guys showing your character. You guys are Canadian heroes ‌here.”Tense first-halfChances were scarce in a cagey first ​half, with little to separate the sides, who were both playing in the knockout rounds for the ⁠first time.Canada’s best opening came just before halftime when a corner sparked a scramble in the South Africa box, Moise Bombito sending ‌a header goalward that was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba before Tajon Buchanan’s close-range effort struck Williams in the chest.Moments later, Richie Laryea went down in the area, prompting Canadian appeals for a penalty, but the decision not to award a spot kick stood after a VAR review, prompting loud ‌boos from Canada’s red-clad army of supporters, who dominated the stands.Marsch continued ​to protest as the teams left the field at halftime, with Bombito appearing to urge him away from ⁠the referee.Frustration for Canada only grew early in the second half ⁠as South Africa appeared in no rush to press the issue.Canada had another chance just before the second ‌half hydration break when Tani Oluwaseyi’s shot hit the keeper and Jonathan David was unable to head the ricochet home ​thanks to an excellent defensive effort by Mbekezeli Mbokazi to clear the ball. RSA vs CAN Player Ratings South Africa: Williams (7.2), Mudau (7.9), Okon (7.4), Mbokazi (6.9), Modiba (7.6), Mokoena (6.6), Sithole (7.6), Maseko (6.7), Mofokeng (6.3), Appollis (6.0), Makgopa (6.0). Substitutes: Mbatha (6.2), Rayners (no rating), Moremi (no rating). Canada (4-4-2): Crépeau (7.6), Johnston (7.3), Bombito (6.8), Cornelius (7.5), Laryea (7.5), Buchanan (6.7), Saliba (7.4), Eustaquio (8.7), Millar (6.5), Oluwaseyi (6.9), David (6.3). Substitutes: De Fougerolles (7.4), Sigur (6.3), Shaffelburg (6.2), Promise David (6.5), Davies (6.1). Published on Jun 29, 2026 #South #Africa #Canada #player #ratings #Eustaquio #scores #injurytime #stunner #send #Canada

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