Upcoming Free Agency and Cornerback Options
As the new league year approaches, excitement builds around free agency. Fans of all teams, with the exception of the Seahawks and Patriots, are eagerly anticipating the changes to their rosters for the 2026 season, including the new rookies set to hit the field in September.
If your team is looking for a cornerback and has some cap space, this might be a great opportunity to bolster the secondary. Here’s a rundown of some of the best free agent cornerback options available.
Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2025 Stats: 16 games played, 1065 yards on 243 attempts (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 350 yards on 36 receptions (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles.
Jamel Dean has quietly established himself as one of the best cornerbacks over the past five years, with 2025 standing out as one of his finest seasons. With a passer rating against of only 41.3, he allowed just one touchdown and came away with three interceptions, as noted by Next Gen Stats.
Alonte Taylor, New Orleans Saints
2025 Stats: 16 games played, 1065 yards on 243 attempts (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 350 yards on 36 receptions (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles.
Alonte Taylor has become known for his versatility in the NFL. He led all cornerbacks in stops, and according to PFF, recorded two interceptions alongside an impressive target EPA of -3 in 2025.
Tarik Uhlen, Seattle Seahawks
2025 Stats: 16 games played, 1065 yards on 243 attempts (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 350 yards on 36 receptions (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles.
Although there was talk of Tarik Uhlen being traded due to reduced playing time, he remained with the Seahawks and became a crucial part of their defense. He allowed only 33 receptions on 65 targets, achieving a remarkable -5.2 target EPA.
Jalen Watson, Kansas City Chiefs
2025 Stats: 16 games played, 1065 yards on 243 attempts (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 350 yards on 36 receptions (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles.
Watson had an exceptional season with the Chiefs, notably not allowing any touchdowns across 478 coverage snaps and 58 targets. He recorded two interceptions and maintained a passer rating of just 71.6.
Nation Wright, Chicago Bears
2025 Stats: 16 games played, 1065 yards on 243 attempts (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 350 yards on 36 receptions (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles.
Wright was a standout performer in 2025, making five passes, the most among cornerbacks. He also ranked second in forced fumbles and ninth in solo tackles, which is impressive considering this was his third stint with the team after a limited role the previous season.
Eric Stokes, Las Vegas Raiders
2025 Stats: 16 games played, 1065 yards on 243 attempts (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 350 yards on 36 receptions (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles.
Despite the Raiders’ struggles, Stokes shone through with a PFF grade of 73.6, placing him among the top cornerbacks in the league. His catch percentage was impressively low at -6.4.
James Pierre, Pittsburgh Steelers
2025 Stats: 16 games played, 1065 yards on 243 attempts (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 350 yards on 36 receptions (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles.
In 2025, Pierre truly stepped up. After years as a backup, he allowed just 13 receptions on 34 targets, achieving a passer rating of 50.9, which exceeded expectations.
Rasul Douglas, Miami Dolphins
2025 Stats: 16 games played, 1065 yards on 243 attempts (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 350 yards on 36 receptions (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles.
Having joined from the Bills, Douglas has quickly become key to a Dolphins defense facing injury challenges. He recorded two interceptions and allowed a passer rating of just 78.7, placing him 19th among 114 cornerbacks in PFF grades.
Kader Kohou, Miami Dolphins
2025 Stats: 16 games played, 1065 yards on 243 attempts (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 350 yards on 36 receptions (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles.
Unfortunately, Kohou missed all of 2025 due to a torn ACL, but he has shown reliability in previous seasons. In 2024, he had an impressive target EPA of -13.2, with a catch rate better than expected at -6 percent.
Asante Samuel Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers
2025 Stats: 16 games played, 1065 yards on 243 attempts (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 350 yards on 36 receptions (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles.
Samuel’s season began with neck surgery, leaving him on the free-agent market for a while. However, the Steelers saw potential in him. Even in just six games, he posted a PFF grade of 67.2, showing he could still be an effective starter.
