One of the major issues the Seattle Seahawks had this season was their pass defense.
They allowed a record amount of passing yards in the first half of the season.
This was mainly due to a lack of pass rush which allows more time for the receivers to get open.
Once Carlos Dunlap was brought in, things improved because of the pressure he brought.
#Seahawks have released Carlos Dunlap, clearing $14.1M in cap space.
I had Dunlap as a Potential Release. Tough decision since he did play very well for Seattle and gave the defense a much needed boost. $14.1M was just too much at the end of the day.
— The GOAT House (@GoatHouseNFL) March 8, 2021
Ouch.
Now they have to deal with both of their top CB’s hitting the free-agent market.
Fortunately for the rest of the league, there are now two great CB’s ready for a fresh start.
They are not the only newly released CB’s out there on the market as this offseason can really boost a team’s secondary.
Here are 3 cornerback’s worth pursuing in free agency for NFL teams.
1: Shaquill Griffin
I am curious if this will result in his brother, Shaquem Griffin, requesting a trade to the team Shaquill signs with.
Griffin is only 25 years old and has been a cornerstone piece of the Seahawks secondary since they drafted him in 2017.
He was thrown into the starting role due to the collapse of the Legion of Boom.
He has had his fair share of struggles and has never been a turnover machine, only collecting 6 INTs over the past 4 seasons.
Griffin is very good at getting position on a WR and contesting jump balls.
Okay who would want to see a Shaquill Griffin Bradley Roby duo in Houston? Great ball instincts and a perfect match for Lovie’s Tampa 2. pic.twitter.com/a4aJlHbS6Y
— big ounce (@TexansHunter_) March 10, 2021
In 2019, Griffin had a Pro Bowl season where he allowed a completion percentage of under 58.
His production went down in 2020 but that’s for reasons mentioned above.
Griffin is a young and hungry starting CB who can solidify one side of the field.
Teams like the Jets, Dolphins, and Jaguars who are hitting the reset button on their defenses need a guy like Shaquill.
Griffins’ price can vary from $10-$12M a season but that’s a small price to pay to get your defense off on the right foot.
2: Patrick Peterson
The 30-year-old was virtually forced out of Arizona by the signing of J.J. Watt.
He was not the only casualty in the desert, but this is what we are seeing a lot of this season.
The reduced cap space spares no man and now the eight-time Pro Bowler will be playing for a new team.
Patrick Peterson has been selected to 8 Pro Bowls in all 8 of his seasons.
Only 3 players in #NFL history with 8 Pro Bowl selections before their 29th birthday:
Jim Brown
Barry Sanders
Patrick Peterson pic.twitter.com/4QjAQwduKI— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) January 27, 2019
Peterson is not the top corner in the league anymore, that much is apparent.
Age catches up to everyone, except Tom Brady.
He is coming off of one of his more productive seasons though with 3 INTs and 61 tackles.
He showed he still has fuel in the tank to help a contender get to the next level.
You can never underestimate the power of a veteran presence, especially when he is a future Hall of Famer.
The Packers or Chiefs could use a solid corner and for around $10M a season, they can’t afford to pass him by.
3: Mike Hilton
Outside corners are not the only corners that matter.
The slot/nickel corner is the most ignored position in football and it shows.
When you have to play against guys like Tyler Lockett, Cole Beasly, and Julian Edelman in the slot, you better have a good corner.
If you do not, they will put your man on skates and tear you up for 12 catches, 120 yards, and a TD.
Mike Hilton has been one of the best nickel corners in the league with the Steelers.
The best trait of a nickel corner is versatility and Hilton does just that.
In 2020, he racked up 51 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and allowed a 60.2 passer rating in 12 games.
The best part is he is 26 years old and won’t cost you an arm and leg.
He is projected to go around $6-$8M a season which is a deal for his versatility and youth.
CBs with best play recognition in Madden 21
Richard Sherman – 99
Stephon Gilmore – 98
Desmond King – 95
Chris Harris – 93
Casey Heyward – 92
Jalen Ramsey – 91
Mike Hilton – 89
Patrick Peterson – 89
Tre’Davious White – 88
Justin Coleman – 88— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) July 16, 2020
We all know Madden has some ranking issues at times but look at the names Hilton is next to.
Teams like the Seahawks that have money and personnel issues need to bring Hilton in for a talk.
NEXT: Did The Dallas Cowboys Overpay Dak Prescott?