Darrelle Revis’ departure has left the New England Patriots a bit thin at cornerback.
The Patriots had the best cornerback depth in the NFL last season, and now only Kyle Arrington, Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan, Alfonzo Dennard, Justin Green and Daxton Swanson remain on the roster at that position. Arrington, Ryan and Dennard all have started in the past, but the Patriots lack a true No. 1 option like Revis or Aqib Talib.
After allowing Revis to walk and Brandon Browner to hit free agency, the Patriots’ best option might be to use the pieces they have and switch back to the Cover-2 zone scheme they used before acquiring Talib midway through the 2012 season. Arrington thrives in a Cover 2, and Ryan appears to be better suited for a zone scheme.
If the Patriots hope to keep playing Cover-1 man, however, here are the best cornerbacks available on the open market:
TRAMON WILLIAMS
The 31-year-old is a hot commodity, reportedly drawing interest from the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers. He’s still a solid man-coverage cornerback, despite his age. Williams allowed a 101.7 passer rating in 2014, according to Pro Football Focus, giving up 63 catches on 98 targets for 743 yards and eight touchdowns with three interceptions.
ANTONIO CROMARTIE
The New York Jets are the “clear leader” to sign Cromartie, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported. The Arizona Cardinals, with whom Cromartie spent last season, reportedly also have interest. Cromartie will be 31 next season, but he still has some skills as a man-coverage corner.
BRANDON BROWNER
It seems unlikely that the Patriots would turn down Browner’s 2015 salary, only to pay him more on the open market, but he is one of the best corners available in free agency. Browner commits a ton of penalties, and he’s best served as a No. 2 option, but a return isn’t completely out of the cards. Browner reportedly is set to visit the Saints and Washington Redskins.
CHRIS CULLIVER
Culliver is best known for his controversial statements before Super Bowl XLVII, but at just 26 years old, he remains one of the few solid, young corners on the market. The Jets and Minnesota Vikings reportedly have shown interest in Culliver, who has the size and skills to play man. Culliver allowed just 37 catches on 73 targets last season with the San Francisco 49ers for 468 yards and four touchdowns with four interceptions.
PERRISH COX
The Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins reportedly are showing interest in Culliver’s former 49ers teammate. Cox, who’s 28, also has the size and skills to play man coverage. He allowed 830 yards and three touchdowns with five interceptions on 96 targets in 2014.
Thumbnail photo via Ed Szczepanski/USA TODAY Sports Images
