×
Ranking the best cornerbacks available in NFL free agency

Ranking the best cornerbacks available in NFL free agency

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.

Source link
#Ranking #cornerbacks #NFL #free #agency

Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich scored through Michael Olise with the last ​kick of the game to snatch a 3-3 draw against ‌bottom club Heidenheim in the league on ​Saturday, after battling back from two goals ⁠down.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany rotated his side heavily after Tuesday’s 5-4 loss to Paris St Germain in its Champions ‌League semi-final first leg and ahead of next week’s return match in Munich.

Treble-chasing Bayern, which ‌has already secured the league title, quickly found ‌itself ⁠two goals down with Budu Zivzivadze and ⁠Eren Dinkci finding far too much space to beat keeper Jonas Urbig.

ALSO READ: Germany delays its FIFA World Cup 2026 squad reveal by nine days to give injured players more time

The Bavarians, who last week came from 3-0 down to beat ​Mainz 05 4-3 in ‌the Bundesliga and cut the deficit against PSG from 5-2 to 5-4 on Tuesday, pulled back a goal with Leon Goretzka’s superb freekick just before ‌the break.

The midfielder, who will be leaving Bayern ​at the end of the season, volleyed in from close range in the 57th to ⁠level but Heidenheim, desperate for points to have a shot at reaching the relegation playoff spot in the ‌last two remaining matchdays, hit back once more.

Zivzivadze curled a shot into the top far corner after shaking off Olise in the 76th to put his team 3-2 up and set a club record for scoring for a fourth successive league match. Substitute ‌Olise then grabbed a point for the hosts with a long-range ​effort that went in off the back of Heidenheim keeper Diant Ramaj 10 minutes into ⁠stoppage time.

Bayern is on 83 points with second-placed Borussia ⁠Dortmund, on 67, in action at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Sunday.

Heidenheim is in last place on 23, ‌two behind VfL Wolfsburg, and three off St Pauli in the relegation playoff spot. Both the ​Wolves and St Pauli play on Sunday.

Published on May 02, 2026

#Bundesliga #Olises #late #goal #snatches #draw #Bayern #Heidenheim">Bundesliga 2025-26: Olise’s late goal snatches draw for Bayern against Heidenheim  Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich scored through Michael Olise with the last ​kick of the game to snatch a 3-3 draw against ‌bottom club Heidenheim in the league on ​Saturday, after battling back from two goals ⁠down.Bayern coach Vincent Kompany rotated his side heavily after Tuesday’s 5-4 loss to Paris St Germain in its Champions ‌League semi-final first leg and ahead of next week’s return match in Munich.Treble-chasing Bayern, which ‌has already secured the league title, quickly found ‌itself ⁠two goals down with Budu Zivzivadze and ⁠Eren Dinkci finding far too much space to beat keeper Jonas Urbig.ALSO READ: Germany delays its FIFA World Cup 2026 squad reveal by nine days to give injured players more timeThe Bavarians, who last week came from 3-0 down to beat ​Mainz 05 4-3 in ‌the Bundesliga and cut the deficit against PSG from 5-2 to 5-4 on Tuesday, pulled back a goal with Leon Goretzka’s superb freekick just before ‌the break.The midfielder, who will be leaving Bayern ​at the end of the season, volleyed in from close range in the 57th to ⁠level but Heidenheim, desperate for points to have a shot at reaching the relegation playoff spot in the ‌last two remaining matchdays, hit back once more.Zivzivadze curled a shot into the top far corner after shaking off Olise in the 76th to put his team 3-2 up and set a club record for scoring for a fourth successive league match. Substitute ‌Olise then grabbed a point for the hosts with a long-range ​effort that went in off the back of Heidenheim keeper Diant Ramaj 10 minutes into ⁠stoppage time.Bayern is on 83 points with second-placed Borussia ⁠Dortmund, on 67, in action at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Sunday.Heidenheim is in last place on 23, ‌two behind VfL Wolfsburg, and three off St Pauli in the relegation playoff spot. Both the ​Wolves and St Pauli play on Sunday.Published on May 02, 2026  #Bundesliga #Olises #late #goal #snatches #draw #Bayern #Heidenheim

Germany delays its FIFA World Cup 2026 squad reveal by nine days to give injured players more time

The Bavarians, who last week came from 3-0 down to beat ​Mainz 05 4-3 in ‌the Bundesliga and cut the deficit against PSG from 5-2 to 5-4 on Tuesday, pulled back a goal with Leon Goretzka’s superb freekick just before ‌the break.

The midfielder, who will be leaving Bayern ​at the end of the season, volleyed in from close range in the 57th to ⁠level but Heidenheim, desperate for points to have a shot at reaching the relegation playoff spot in the ‌last two remaining matchdays, hit back once more.

Zivzivadze curled a shot into the top far corner after shaking off Olise in the 76th to put his team 3-2 up and set a club record for scoring for a fourth successive league match. Substitute ‌Olise then grabbed a point for the hosts with a long-range ​effort that went in off the back of Heidenheim keeper Diant Ramaj 10 minutes into ⁠stoppage time.

Bayern is on 83 points with second-placed Borussia ⁠Dortmund, on 67, in action at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Sunday.

Heidenheim is in last place on 23, ‌two behind VfL Wolfsburg, and three off St Pauli in the relegation playoff spot. Both the ​Wolves and St Pauli play on Sunday.

Published on May 02, 2026

#Bundesliga #Olises #late #goal #snatches #draw #Bayern #Heidenheim">Bundesliga 2025-26: Olise’s late goal snatches draw for Bayern against Heidenheim

Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich scored through Michael Olise with the last ​kick of the game to snatch a 3-3 draw against ‌bottom club Heidenheim in the league on ​Saturday, after battling back from two goals ⁠down.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany rotated his side heavily after Tuesday’s 5-4 loss to Paris St Germain in its Champions ‌League semi-final first leg and ahead of next week’s return match in Munich.

Treble-chasing Bayern, which ‌has already secured the league title, quickly found ‌itself ⁠two goals down with Budu Zivzivadze and ⁠Eren Dinkci finding far too much space to beat keeper Jonas Urbig.

ALSO READ: Germany delays its FIFA World Cup 2026 squad reveal by nine days to give injured players more time

The Bavarians, who last week came from 3-0 down to beat ​Mainz 05 4-3 in ‌the Bundesliga and cut the deficit against PSG from 5-2 to 5-4 on Tuesday, pulled back a goal with Leon Goretzka’s superb freekick just before ‌the break.

The midfielder, who will be leaving Bayern ​at the end of the season, volleyed in from close range in the 57th to ⁠level but Heidenheim, desperate for points to have a shot at reaching the relegation playoff spot in the ‌last two remaining matchdays, hit back once more.

Zivzivadze curled a shot into the top far corner after shaking off Olise in the 76th to put his team 3-2 up and set a club record for scoring for a fourth successive league match. Substitute ‌Olise then grabbed a point for the hosts with a long-range ​effort that went in off the back of Heidenheim keeper Diant Ramaj 10 minutes into ⁠stoppage time.

Bayern is on 83 points with second-placed Borussia ⁠Dortmund, on 67, in action at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Sunday.

Heidenheim is in last place on 23, ‌two behind VfL Wolfsburg, and three off St Pauli in the relegation playoff spot. Both the ​Wolves and St Pauli play on Sunday.

Published on May 02, 2026

#Bundesliga #Olises #late #goal #snatches #draw #Bayern #Heidenheim

When Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were both ruled out ahead of Round 1’s Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets playoff matchup, many had written off the purple and gold.

But LeBron James pulled off another unthinkable playoff victory, defeating the Rockets in six games.

Of course, the Rockets only had superstar Kevin Durant for one game this series. But James only had Reaves for one game, and new reports indicate that Doncic isn’t anywhere near a return for the Lakers.

“I’m kicking (Father Time’s) ass,” James told the Prime Video studio crew following Game 6.

He’s not wrong.

James averaged 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds against the Rockets in the first round. Without Doncic and Reaves, James proved that he’s still capable of winning in the NBA Playoffs almost singlehandedly. The 41-year-old averaged 38.7 minutes per game in this series.

We’ve never seen longevity like this in the history of the NBA.

Until the end of time, basketball fans will debate if James was better than Michael Jordan, who won six championships and was undefeated in the NBA Finals. But one thing that’s not up for debate is that Jordan was not doing this. At 41, Jordan was retired. He took on a management position with the Washington Wizards and only served a few seasons as President of Basketball Operations.

At 41, James isn’t playing a Udonis Haslam role for the Lakers. This isn’t an old man at the end of his career holding onto the glory days. Sure, it might be an old man at the end of his career. But even though James isn’t the same player that dragged teams to eight consecutive NBA Finals, he’s playing some damn good basketball and looks to have a lot more in the tank.

His actual son is playing meaningful minutes in this series, as Bronny James has gotten some run due to Doncic’s absence. Around the NBA, “great” teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics are struggling against lower-seeded opponents. At 41, James is dragging an undermanned Lakers team through the first round somewhat easily.

After a reverse dunk earlier in the series, James said he “needed to sit down somewhere.” After handling business against the Rockets in six games, James thanked the Toronto Raptors for forcing a Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, buying the Lakers an extra day of rest.

There’s no denying that James is probably physically dealing with the taxes of playing elite basketball into his 40s. But hopefully he understands how much this greatness is being appreciated from basketball fans everywhere.

What’s next for LeBron?

The Oklahoma City Thunder, the No. 1 seed in the NBA, await James and the Lakers.

It’s a good thing Reaves is back, because the Thunder will pose more of a challenge than the Durant-less Rockets did.

Even if the Thunder take down the Lakers, LeBron’s future in the NBA will be under a microscope. Recent reports have indicated that he doesn’t want to deal with the pressure of a farewell tour. However, he just displayed that he’s capable of playing at a very high level. He has nothing left to prove, but walking away from the game now would somehow feel premature, even at age 41.

Prediction markets like Kalshi are giving the Thunder a 91% chance of winning this series. A contract on Los Angeles to upset this series would payout 10.4x the initial stake.

But if James has one more miracle in him, this could be a series for the ages. Literally.

#LeBron #James #Hes #Kicking #Father #Times #Ass #Hes #Deadspin.com">LeBron James Says He’s Kicking Father Time’s Ass – And He’s Right | Deadspin.com   When Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were both ruled out ahead of Round 1’s Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets playoff matchup, many had written off the purple and gold.But LeBron James pulled off another unthinkable playoff victory, defeating the Rockets in six games.Of course, the Rockets only had superstar Kevin Durant for one game this series. But James only had Reaves for one game, and new reports indicate that Doncic isn’t anywhere near a return for the Lakers.“I’m kicking (Father Time’s) ass,” James told the Prime Video studio crew following Game 6.He’s not wrong.James averaged 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds against the Rockets in the first round. Without Doncic and Reaves, James proved that he’s still capable of winning in the NBA Playoffs almost singlehandedly. The 41-year-old averaged 38.7 minutes per game in this series.We’ve never seen longevity like this in the history of the NBA.Until the end of time, basketball fans will debate if James was better than Michael Jordan, who won six championships and was undefeated in the NBA Finals. But one thing that’s not up for debate is that Jordan was not doing this. At 41, Jordan was retired. He took on a management position with the Washington Wizards and only served a few seasons as President of Basketball Operations.At 41, James isn’t playing a Udonis Haslam role for the Lakers. This isn’t an old man at the end of his career holding onto the glory days. Sure, it might be an old man at the end of his career. But even though James isn’t the same player that dragged teams to eight consecutive NBA Finals, he’s playing some damn good basketball and looks to have a lot more in the tank.His actual son is playing meaningful minutes in this series, as Bronny James has gotten some run due to Doncic’s absence. Around the NBA, “great” teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics are struggling against lower-seeded opponents. At 41, James is dragging an undermanned Lakers team through the first round somewhat easily.After a reverse dunk earlier in the series, James said he “needed to sit down somewhere.” After handling business against the Rockets in six games, James thanked the Toronto Raptors for forcing a Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, buying the Lakers an extra day of rest.There’s no denying that James is probably physically dealing with the taxes of playing elite basketball into his 40s. But hopefully he understands how much this greatness is being appreciated from basketball fans everywhere.What’s next for LeBron?The Oklahoma City Thunder, the No. 1 seed in the NBA, await James and the Lakers.It’s a good thing Reaves is back, because the Thunder will pose more of a challenge than the Durant-less Rockets did.Even if the Thunder take down the Lakers, LeBron’s future in the NBA will be under a microscope. Recent reports have indicated that he doesn’t want to deal with the pressure of a farewell tour. However, he just displayed that he’s capable of playing at a very high level. He has nothing left to prove, but walking away from the game now would somehow feel premature, even at age 41.Prediction markets like Kalshi are giving the Thunder a 91% chance of winning this series. A contract on Los Angeles to upset this series would payout 10.4x the initial stake.But if James has one more miracle in him, this could be a series for the ages. Literally.   #LeBron #James #Hes #Kicking #Father #Times #Ass #Hes #Deadspin.com

only had superstar Kevin Durant for one game this series. But James only had Reaves for one game, and new reports indicate that Doncic isn’t anywhere near a return for the Lakers.

“I’m kicking (Father Time’s) ass,” James told the Prime Video studio crew following Game 6.

He’s not wrong.

James averaged 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds against the Rockets in the first round. Without Doncic and Reaves, James proved that he’s still capable of winning in the NBA Playoffs almost singlehandedly. The 41-year-old averaged 38.7 minutes per game in this series.

We’ve never seen longevity like this in the history of the NBA.

Until the end of time, basketball fans will debate if James was better than Michael Jordan, who won six championships and was undefeated in the NBA Finals. But one thing that’s not up for debate is that Jordan was not doing this. At 41, Jordan was retired. He took on a management position with the Washington Wizards and only served a few seasons as President of Basketball Operations.

At 41, James isn’t playing a Udonis Haslam role for the Lakers. This isn’t an old man at the end of his career holding onto the glory days. Sure, it might be an old man at the end of his career. But even though James isn’t the same player that dragged teams to eight consecutive NBA Finals, he’s playing some damn good basketball and looks to have a lot more in the tank.

His actual son is playing meaningful minutes in this series, as Bronny James has gotten some run due to Doncic’s absence. Around the NBA, “great” teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics are struggling against lower-seeded opponents. At 41, James is dragging an undermanned Lakers team through the first round somewhat easily.

After a reverse dunk earlier in the series, James said he “needed to sit down somewhere.” After handling business against the Rockets in six games, James thanked the Toronto Raptors for forcing a Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, buying the Lakers an extra day of rest.

There’s no denying that James is probably physically dealing with the taxes of playing elite basketball into his 40s. But hopefully he understands how much this greatness is being appreciated from basketball fans everywhere.

What’s next for LeBron?

The Oklahoma City Thunder, the No. 1 seed in the NBA, await James and the Lakers.

It’s a good thing Reaves is back, because the Thunder will pose more of a challenge than the Durant-less Rockets did.

Even if the Thunder take down the Lakers, LeBron’s future in the NBA will be under a microscope. Recent reports have indicated that he doesn’t want to deal with the pressure of a farewell tour. However, he just displayed that he’s capable of playing at a very high level. He has nothing left to prove, but walking away from the game now would somehow feel premature, even at age 41.

Prediction markets like Kalshi are giving the Thunder a 91% chance of winning this series. A contract on Los Angeles to upset this series would payout 10.4x the initial stake.

But if James has one more miracle in him, this could be a series for the ages. Literally.

#LeBron #James #Hes #Kicking #Father #Times #Ass #Hes #Deadspin.com">LeBron James Says He’s Kicking Father Time’s Ass – And He’s Right | Deadspin.com

When Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were both ruled out ahead of Round 1’s Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets playoff matchup, many had written off the purple and gold.

But LeBron James pulled off another unthinkable playoff victory, defeating the Rockets in six games.

Of course, the Rockets only had superstar Kevin Durant for one game this series. But James only had Reaves for one game, and new reports indicate that Doncic isn’t anywhere near a return for the Lakers.

“I’m kicking (Father Time’s) ass,” James told the Prime Video studio crew following Game 6.

He’s not wrong.

James averaged 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds against the Rockets in the first round. Without Doncic and Reaves, James proved that he’s still capable of winning in the NBA Playoffs almost singlehandedly. The 41-year-old averaged 38.7 minutes per game in this series.

We’ve never seen longevity like this in the history of the NBA.

Until the end of time, basketball fans will debate if James was better than Michael Jordan, who won six championships and was undefeated in the NBA Finals. But one thing that’s not up for debate is that Jordan was not doing this. At 41, Jordan was retired. He took on a management position with the Washington Wizards and only served a few seasons as President of Basketball Operations.

At 41, James isn’t playing a Udonis Haslam role for the Lakers. This isn’t an old man at the end of his career holding onto the glory days. Sure, it might be an old man at the end of his career. But even though James isn’t the same player that dragged teams to eight consecutive NBA Finals, he’s playing some damn good basketball and looks to have a lot more in the tank.

His actual son is playing meaningful minutes in this series, as Bronny James has gotten some run due to Doncic’s absence. Around the NBA, “great” teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics are struggling against lower-seeded opponents. At 41, James is dragging an undermanned Lakers team through the first round somewhat easily.

After a reverse dunk earlier in the series, James said he “needed to sit down somewhere.” After handling business against the Rockets in six games, James thanked the Toronto Raptors for forcing a Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, buying the Lakers an extra day of rest.

There’s no denying that James is probably physically dealing with the taxes of playing elite basketball into his 40s. But hopefully he understands how much this greatness is being appreciated from basketball fans everywhere.

What’s next for LeBron?

The Oklahoma City Thunder, the No. 1 seed in the NBA, await James and the Lakers.

It’s a good thing Reaves is back, because the Thunder will pose more of a challenge than the Durant-less Rockets did.

Even if the Thunder take down the Lakers, LeBron’s future in the NBA will be under a microscope. Recent reports have indicated that he doesn’t want to deal with the pressure of a farewell tour. However, he just displayed that he’s capable of playing at a very high level. He has nothing left to prove, but walking away from the game now would somehow feel premature, even at age 41.

Prediction markets like Kalshi are giving the Thunder a 91% chance of winning this series. A contract on Los Angeles to upset this series would payout 10.4x the initial stake.

But if James has one more miracle in him, this could be a series for the ages. Literally.

#LeBron #James #Hes #Kicking #Father #Times #Ass #Hes #Deadspin.com

Post Comment