Top 5 Free Agent Cornerbacks to Watch

I had to push this preview back because there are players being released in an attempt for teams to get into salary cap compliance ahead of free agency. One notable corner that just hit the market (not included in the list) is Taron Johnson, who was just released by the Bills. Johnson will most likely be a top corner to monitor next week. Looking through the free agents available at corner, it does seem like it will be a buyers’ market as there are a ton of talented corners that are about to be available. Narrowing it down to the “Top 5” was difficult but feel free read and let me know what you think of the list!

1. Nahshon Wright

Nahshon Wright is a tall lanky corner who is going to be a great “feel good” story this free agency period. He’s been in the league since 2021 and finally had a breakout year in 2025. Wright is built to press receivers using his big 6’4″ frame and use his athletic ability to break up passes down the field. He has slowly developed into a turnover machine over his career and is now set to cash in next week.

Wright was a third-round draft pick by the Cowboys in the 2021 NFL Draft. It was a pick that was heavily criticized by the media at the time due to the other corners available at the time. His time in Dallas was primarily spent on special teams during his rookie year. He worked his way up the depth chart and occasionally saw the field as depth player in 2022 and 2023. He was traded to the Vikings in 2024 and was unable to make it to the active roster.

It all changed for Wright in 2025 when he signed a one-year deal with the Bears. It was probably an under the radar signing and not much was made of it. Then in Week 1, he recorded a 74-yards pick-six against the Vikings. It was a sign of things to come as he started to ear n more playing time. He also earned a reputation for causing turnovers and ended the year leading the league in forced turnovers. He had five interceptions and three fumble recoveries. He also forced two fumbles. Even though it no longer holds the pedigree it used to, Wright was voted to the Pro Bowl as an alternate.

Now Wright is going to complete his ascension with a life-changing amount of money when he lands a new contract this year. Spotrac is projecting that he earns $16 million AAV. Teams will have to weigh the lack of consistency over his high production from last year. He has stated his desire to stay in Chicago, but he may have priced himself out of a Chicago reunion.

Prediction: Signs with Eagles

2. Jaylen Watson

Next on our list is Jaylen Watson of the Kansas City Chiefs. He is going to be a big name to track if you are a Chiefs fan, especially after the Trent McDuffie trade that was announced earlier this week. Watson is a 6’2″ corner that plays a physical brand of coverage that goes well with the Steve Spagnuolo defensive philosophy. He has earned two Super Bowl rings as a member of the Chiefs and is most likely going to get as much money as is available. His previous contract had him earning under $1 million per year. A corner of his caliber is going to earn a much larger contract this go around.

Watson entered the league as a seventh-round draft pick by the Chiefs in 2022. He entered a crowded cornerback room in Kansas City. He played sparingly throughout his rookie year. He started in six games and appeared in 16. He also recorded his first interception on a Thursday Night Game in week 2. He took it back 99 yards for his first touchdown as well. In 2023, he battled through injuries and position battles. He only cracked the starting lineup for 2 games while appearing in 16 games. In 2024, he was named a full time start opposite Trent McDuffie but had his season cut short with a broken leg. He came back for the playoffs and played in the AFC Championship and the Super Bowl.

In 2025, the entire Chiefs team struggled. They had one of their worst seasons in recent history. For Watson, it was the season where he managed the most play time. He appeared and started in 15 games before being shut down with a groin injury. He finished the year with two interceptions, six pass deflections, two sacks, and 64 total tackles.

Per Spotrac, he is projected to earn $12 million AAV. Teams will most likely use his history of injuries against him in negotiations. He is also one of the few remaining corners on the Chiefs’ roster. I would imagine that the Chiefs would try to bring him back.

Prediction: Re-signs with Chiefs

3. Jamel Dean

The Bucs are about to lose a staple of their secondary this year. Jamel Dean could be considered a top corner that is about to hit this market. He is a 6’1″ defensive back with elite speed and plays primarily on the outside. While he has had some injuries in his career, his ability and experience should make him an intriguing free agent.

Dean was drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He emerged as a key member of the secondary and made contributions almost immediately. He set a rookie record for pass deflections in 2019. In 2020, he helped the Bucs to a Super Bowl victory over the Chiefs. He remained a reliable starter for the next 5 years as a member of the Bucs.

In 2025, he appeared and started in 14 games and recorded three interceptions. He missed several games due to injuries, which was a common theme throughout his time with Tampa. He should get calls from many teams that need secondary help.

Prediction: Signs with the Giants

4. Alontae Taylor

A common thread among a lot of these free agents have been a stop in New Orleans with the Saints. Alontae Taylor is another entry in players on the Saints that are looking to go elsewhere in free agency. He might not be the biggest name available, but he is an intriguing player that has played fairly well on a bad Saints team.

Taylor was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Saints. He was use in various roles as a rookie but spent time fighting for playing time. He eventually saw the field and started in 9 games while appearing in 13. He became a starter in Week 3 of the 2023 season playing in the nickel postion. In 2024, he continiued tbe the priamry nickel back and would use his physicality and blitzing ability to disrupt offenses.

The 2025 season is when Taylor was able to highlight his versatility. While he served primarily as their nickel corner, he was able to shift to the outside depending on the matchup. He finished the year with 83 total tackles, two interceptions, and two sacks.

Alontae Taylor has the potential to be kind of a dark horse in this free agency period. He is a solid slot defender with some versatility that should be appealing to teams that have struggled to defend passes over the middle. Teams like the Lions, Dolphins, and Chiefs should be in play for an aggressive corner.

Prediction: Signs with Lions

5. Josh Jobe

Josh Jobe is a physical defensive back known for his ability to play press man coverage. He plays aggressively while in man coverage and is able to matchup against opposing receivers with a blend of physicality and disruption. Jobe is going to get a boost in terms of spotlight since he was a member of the Super Bowl winning defense for the Seahawks.

Jobe entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2022.He was signed by the Eagles and was able to make the final roster. He saw minimal play time during his first two years in Philly. He appeared in 28 games total while starting in three. He signed with the Seahawks in 2024 where he appeared in 10 games, starting in six, and recorded one interception, 7 pass deflections, and 37 total tackles.

2025 was the year that Jobe became a nationally known commodity. He started in 15 games and accounted for 54 total tackles and 1 interception. He was a key part of a Seattle secondary that was viewed as one of the best in the league. The secondary (and defense as a whole) was the main reason that the Seahawks took home the Lombardi this year.

Jobe is projected to earn $9 million AAV. He will be part of a buyers market when it comes to corners. There are plenty of guys that are free agents and more are being released as I type. I think it would be most likely that he returns to Seattle.

Prediction: Re-signs with Seattle.