Before free agency, DNA of Sports offers you its traditional Top 5 free agents who will be available at each position on March 13.
In a league increasingly focused on aerial play, defenders on the back lines have continued to see their importance grow.
So obviously, at the time of the opening of Free Agency, some pretty names had already disappeared from the list of possibilities. This is for example the case for Antoine Winfield and Jaylon Johnson, both retained by their franchise. Players who would have been in our TOP 5 without worries.
Note this year, the extremely large number of veterans in the safety position.
1 – Kendall Fuller (CB – 29 years old)
Stats 2023: 15 matches played, 79 tackles, 2 interceptions
A Number 1 Commanders player, that might be surprising. But Kendall Fuller was one of the rare satisfactions of Washington's defense in 2023. At 29 years old, but with already 8 seasons under the clock, the former 3rd round choice is a safe bet. Capable of playing in the slot, on the outside, but also at the safety position, he brings a versatility that is increasingly sought after in the NFL.
The defender is excellent at tackling (2 misses in 2023) and effective in coverage (13 first downs allowed, 21 passes stopped). Fuller takes advantage of a sparse market in a “prenium” position to be number 1 in this top.
The ideal destination: Arizona Cardinals
Arizona desperately needs reinforcement at cornerback. For the franchise, a capped player like Fuller would be real added value. For Fuller, the Cardinals are able to offer him his likely last big contract given his age.
2 – Darious Williams (CB – 31 years old)
Stats 2023: 17 matches played, 53 tackles, 4 interceptions
Surprisingly cut by the Jaguars, Darious Williams is coming off a very good individual season. He notably excelled in coverage with 4 interceptions, 19 passes deflected and only 2 touchdowns allowed. The cornerback should interest more than one team.
His age may hold back some teams for fear of regression in 2024. But, the situation on the market at the cornerback position will allow him to obtain a contract without difficulty.
The ideal destination: Washington Commanders or Detroit Lions
In Washington, the player could benefit from a big contract. But above all, the coaching of Dann Quinn who was able to make more than one cornerback shine in the league.
With the Lions, Williams would strengthen a weak point and have the opportunity to play for a serious contender for the conference title.
3 – Xavier McKinney (S – 25 years old)
2023 stats: 17 games played, 116 tackles, 3 interceptions
Xavier McKinney is coming off his best career season. The safety was excellent in tackling (2nd lowest missed tackle rate) and in coverage, being in the top 10 in allowed rating, and even 1st in red zone coverage according to PFF.
At 25 years old and at the top of his game, McKinney seems ready to get a nice contract. Two downsides all the same: the player has only played 2 full seasons in 4 years and the number of experienced safeties available on the market could cause this to decline.
The ideal destination: Green Bay Packers
Green Bay strongly needs to strengthen at the safety position. McKinney fits the team's needs perfectly and is in line with the youth-oriented Wisconcin franchise. You'll have to be smart with the payroll to bring in the player during this free agency, but it would be a great catch.
4 – Justin Simmons (S – 30 years old)
Stats 2023: 15 matches played, 59 tackles, 3 interceptions
Cut by the Broncos a few days ago, Justin Simmons remains a very interesting profile. Although a little down in level, the veteran continues to be a threat to opposing attacks through his knowledge of the game. Effective in creating big plays, Simmons provides quality assurance for a reinforcement at the strong safety position.
The ideal destination: Los Angeles Rams / Seattle Seahawks
Los Angeles can offer Justin Simmons a significant contract and the assurance of playing in a well-organized, well-coached and underdog franchise. The player would bring to the Rams this “ball-hawk” ability which they lack (only 10 interceptions in 2023).
In Seattle, in great need of safety with the cuts of Diggs and Adams, the player could benefit from the coaching and schemes of new coach Mike McDonald. The opportunity to return to the forefront for Simmons.
5 – Chidobe Awuzie (CB – 29 years old)
Stats 2023: 15 matches played, 57 tackles
Arriving in 2021 in Cincinnati, Chidobe Awuzie has gradually established himself as one of the best moves of the 2021 free agency. Without making much noise, the cornerback took the role of number 1 in this defense and was more than solid in this position for a ridiculous price (7 million).
Still on the right side of the fence (in age), Awuzie would be a real reinforcement for several squads in the NFL. Having returned from injury in 2022, the defender should continue on the upward slope.
The ideal destination: Tennessee Titans
In a struggling pass defense in 2023, Awuzie could bring experience to the younger Farley and McCreary. Furthermore, the Titans should record the departures of Kristian Fulton and Sean Murphy-Bunting. Finally, at Tennessee, Awuzie would find Brian Callahan, new head coach. The two men rubbed shoulders in Cincinnati. The new strong man of the Titans might want to surround himself with known faces.
Other interesting names: DeShon Elliott (S), Geno Stone (S), Sean Murphy Burting (CB), Kenny Moore (CB), Tre'Davious White (CB), Jordan Whitehead (S), Stephon Gilmore (CB), Xavien Howard (CB), Kamren Curl (S), Jordan Poyer (S)….
