Atlanta Falcons: Time To Sign Free Agents Is Running Short

Cornerback

The Atlanta Falcons also lack experienced depth at the cornerback position. In fact ESPN named cornerback the Atlanta Falcons greatest need in this ESPN + article. (subscription Required) I also wrote about the Atlanta Falcons lack of experienced cornerback depth in this article. The Atlanta Falcons are just one injury at cornerback or free safety away, from potentially starting a rookie cornerback drafted on day three. Bringing in a free agent with NFL experience, would certainly be in the team’s best interest. The problem is that cornerback is one of the thinnest positions, when it comes to quality free agent players remaining.

Orland Scandrick who spent last season with the Kansas City Chiefs, is the only remaining free agent cornerback that played at high level last season. Scandrick only had one interception last year, and he’s never been a big turnover producer, intercepting just nine passes in his 10 NFL seasons. Yet he was graded as a top 40 cornerback in coverage last season, by far the highest graded option still available. The fact that Scandrick has experience defending the slot, makes him very valuable to Atlanta based on needs. Yet he could possibly be signed for the veterans minimum or just slightly more.

Morris Claiborne is a younger free agent cornerback available, but he has certainly had his struggles. Morris came into the NFL has a top ten draft pick out of LSU. After turning out to be a bust with the Dallas Cowboys, Claiborne has started 30 games over the past two seasons with the New York Jets. The 5’11 192 pound cornerback certainly is fast, with great physical tools. Maybe a move to Atlanta, could help him closer reach his potential. After registering only four interceptions in his first five seasons, Morris has snagged three picks in the last two years, which is a very positive sign. With the lack of options on the market, the 29-year-old Claiborne should be the Atlanta Falcons second option behind Scandrick.