The Kansas City Chiefs will look to add cornerback help for the 2019 season. The team is scheduled to have two players — Steven Nelson and Orlando Scandrick —become free agents. The entire defensive unit struggled in 2018, and upgrading the CB position will be crucial to future success.
The 2019 free-agent market isn’t flush with CB talent like it was in years past. In order to narrow down Brett Veach’s options, we’ll group them into three tiers and select a player that fits from each grouping.
Keep in mind, several of these free agents are pending and could be re-signed before the free agency period begins in March.
Tier 1
- Jason McCourty, Patriots
- Kareem Jackson, Texans
- Ronald Darby, Eagles
- E.J. Gaines, Browns
Jason McCourty (32): McCourty is coming off of a Super Bowl win. There was some speculation about retirement, but he’s decided to return in 2019. McCourty is the top-graded free-agent corner by PFF, ranking No. 6 for the 2018 season. How much gas does he have left in the tank though?
Kareem Jackson (31): Jackson made our list of pending defensive free agents the Chiefs should pursue. He’s been one of the most consistent players on the Texans defense for years. If he hits the open market, he’d instantly upgrade the Chiefs’ corner group. He’d provide veteran leadership to a relatively young unit, as well.
Ronald Darby (25): An ACL injury derailed Darby’s 2018 season. It’s a problem, too, because a big part of Darby’s game was his speed. If his injury recovery is going well, the Chiefs should certainly consider this player. After being traded from Buffalo in 2017, he was one of the Eagles top corners, helping them to a Super Bowl victory.
E.J. Gaines (27): A knee injury limited Gaines in 2018 and a concussion ended his season prematurely. That is the biggest knock against Gaines throughout his career: He hasn’t been able to play a full 16-game season yet. His on-field performance is stellar, but if you sign this player, you need to have a backup plan.
Choice: Kareem Jackson
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Tier 2
- Pierre Desir, Colts
- Tyler Patmon, Jaguars
- Jason Verrett, Chargers
- Sam Shields, Rams
Pierre Desir (28): Desir just completed his best season as a professional. He’s been a bit of a late bloomer, but his several years bouncing around the league appear to finally be paying off. He started 12 games for the Colts and produced an interception and two forced fumbles.
Tyler Patmon (28): Patmon has been a spot starter since entering the league in 2014. He’s made his money mostly on special teams during that time. In 2017 and 2018. he was a training camp standout for the Jaguars, but never really turned it into more playing time.
Jason Verrett (28): Verrett is a great candidate to earn a prove-it deal. During his four seasons, he only had one season where he started more than four games. Injuries have been a huge detriment to this players career. In 2015, he was selected to the Pro Bowl after playing 14 games and recording three interceptions, 12 passes defended and 47 total tackles.
Sam Shields (31): The Rams took a calculated risk on Shields in 2018 after he missed the entirety of the 2017 season. That risk paid off, and Shields ended up being one of their top-free agent contributors during the season. Shields didn’t get a ring though, so you know he wants to make it back there.
Choice: Sam Shields
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Tier 3
- Bradley Roby, Broncos
- Captain Munnerlyn, Panthers
- P.J. Williams, Saints
- Keith Reaser, Orlando Apollos
Bradley Roby (27): Roby is certainly intriguing, especially because he played for a division rival. His game is predicated on speed, but his abilities have yet to translate to the NFL. This past season was his first as a starter and he finished lower in the PFF standings than every Chiefs corner, including the benched Orlando Scandrick.
Captain Munnerlyn (30): Munnerlyn was just released by the Panthers on Monday. This could be a good veteran option for the Chiefs, but at 5-foot-9 and 30 years old he might be relegated to slot duties. That space is already occupied by Kendall Fuller.
P.J. Williams (26): This young and talented corner could have a bright future ahead of him. The big problem for Williams is that he can’t stay out of trouble off the field. Williams has twice been arrested for DUI during his career, including a recent arrest in 2019. This could be a risky, but rewarding signing for the Chiefs.
Keith Reaser (27): Ex-Chiefs CB Keith Reaser is currently lighting the Alliance of American Football ablaze for the Orlando Apollos. The Chiefs released him with an injury settlement ahead of the 2018 season. Had he been healthy, there’s no doubt in my mind he would have made the 53-man roster. Could a reunion be in order now that Reaser is healthy? He can sign a contract with an NFL team and leave the AAF at any time.
Choice: Keith Reaser
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