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NFL free agent rankings: Cornerbacks

January 15, 2025

As many as seven cornerbacks could be taken out in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and there are also some very valuable starters at this important position who could be acquired in free agency this offseason.

We surveyed a group of writers across SB Nation to gather a consensus ranking of available players.

Players who re-sign with their current team will be removed from the list until free agency begins in March.

Other voters: Isaac Iadam, Brandon Stevens, Mike Hilton, Jonathan Jones, Donte Jackson, Stephon Gilmore.

7. Carlton Davis, Detroit Lions

Davis spent six seasons in Tampa and one season in Detroit. He defended 11 passes in 2024 with two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He started 13 games, but that may be his biggest knock. He has never played a full season in his NFL career.

6. Byron Murphy, Minnesota Vikings

He ranked as high as No. 3 in our poll, earning him a Pro Bowl berth in 2024. He is coming off a two-year, $17.5 million contract with Minnesota after four seasons with the Cardinals. Last season, he had six interceptions, 14 passes defensed and 81 tackles. When you turn 27, you'll start getting paid.

5. Rasul Douglas, Buffalo Bills

Douglas turned 30 just before the 2025 season and spent a year and a half with the Bills after being traded from Green Bay. He was also with the Panthers, who drafted him in the third round of the 2017 draft, and the Eagles. He's an aggressive player who gets called for a lot of flags, but he also averages three interceptions a year. He's a solid veteran option on a three-year, $21 million deal.

4. Asante Samuel Jr., Los Angeles Chargers

Samuel, a former second-round pick, injured his shoulder in practice leading up to Week 1 and missed a month. He then missed the rest of the season with an injury. When healthy, he has two interceptions, at least 11 passes defensed, and at least 43 tackles in each NFL season.

3. Paulson Adebo, New Orleans Saints

There was a significant difference between the top three and the rest of the population. There were no players outside of the top three with Adebo. He will turn 26 this offseason, but a fractured femur limited him to just seven games in 2024. The former third-round pick had a great season with three picks, 10 passes defensed and 52 tackles in seven starts. This injury could complicate free agency interest, but he should be fully healthy.

2. DJ Reed, New York Jets

Reed only received first and second place votes from our people as he looks to potentially make the fourth team of his career. He will turn 28 during the 2024 season, so he has another chance to make some money following the three-year, $33 million deal he signed with the Jets. In 2024, he started 14 games and recorded 11 passes defended, one sack, and 52 tackles.

1. Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers

Ward surged into the top spot with the most first-place votes, slightly ahead of Reed. He turned 29 in May and made the Pro Bowl in 2023 after defending 23 passes. He played in just 12 games in 2024, making 54 tackles and defending seven passes. He is coming off a huge three-year, $40 million contract.