In the days leading up to the start of NFL free agency, I have been breaking down the top free agents at each position, and whether or not they potentially fit in the Giants’ and Jets’ offseason plans.
We started with the quarterbacks, then we tackled the running backs before moving on to the pass-catchers and offensive linemen. Moving to the defense, we took on the defensive linemen and handled the linebackers. And now we finish off with the defensive backs.
For teams looking to add a playmaking safety this offseason, boy, is this the free agent class for you. The list of safeties about to hit the open market is deep, with not only some studs at the top but good players all around. But while the group of safeties might be impressive, the same cannot be said about the cornerback position, which features a rather soft free agent class. Nonetheless, there are certainly some appealing defensive backs who are likely to be finding new homes once free agency opens.
The Giants made one of the more puzzling moves of the offseason when general manager Dave Gettleman decided not to apply the franchise tag to three-time Pro Bowl safety Landon Collins. The decision creates an obvious need at safety for Big Blue, as last year’s starting free safety, Curtis Riley, is also set to become a free agent after a poor 2018 campaign, leaving Michael Thomas and Sean Chandler as the only safeties currently on the roster. The Giants are in a better position at cornerback, where Janoris Jenkins is expected to return. Jackrabbit will be joined by Sam Beal and Grant Haley in the secondary.
The Jets are essentially in the opposite position as their MetLife Stadium cotenants when it comes to the secondary. Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye will be the Jets’ two starting safeties next season after both put up strong performances in 2018. Cornerback is a much bigger need for Gang Green, though, especially with the team already regretting the massive contract it handed to Trumaine Johnson last season. Johnson will be back, and the Jets are keeping their fingers crossed that new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams can bring out the best in him with the pair reuniting (they spent three seasons together with the Rams). The Jets have little depth behind Johnson, meaning they will definitely be pursuing some cornerbacks this offseason.
EARL THOMAS, S
After nine seasons manning the secondary in Seattle, Thomas is finally set to test the market this offseason, and let’s just say he’s looking to cash in big time. Despite playing in only four games last season before breaking his leg, the future Hall of Famer shined in 2018. Pro Football Focus ranked Thomas as the second-highest graded safety overall, in coverage and tackling, which is more or less where he ranked in 2017 as well.
Thomas will be 30 years old when the season starts, and with injuries cutting short two of his last three seasons, the veteran does not come without injury risks. Even so, there is no denying the talent Thomas brings to a secondary. Although he missed the final 12 games of last season, the former first-round pick still finished with three interceptions, making it the fifth time (out of nine seasons) that he picked off at least three passes. Thomas is a natural ball hawk with amazing tackling skills and should have no shortage of suitors this offseason.
Possible Giants interest: The addition of Thomas would make Giants fans quickly forget about the decision to let Landon Collins walk. However, with his contract demands, Thomas will be way too rich for Big Blue’s taste. New York fans are just hoping he doesn’t end up with the Cowboys.
Possible Jets interest: With Adams and Maye anchoring the secondary for the foreseeable future, the Jets have no need for Thomas.
LANDON COLLINS, S
Sorry, Giants fans, but Collins had to be included on this list. Following the rather public breakup with Big Blue, Collins is set to become a free agent for the first time in his young career. 2018 wasn’t the greatest season for the 25-year-old safety. Collins played in 12 games before suffering a partially torn rotator cuff, finishing with 96 total tackles and a forced fumble. Even so, there is an argument to be made that Collins is the top defensive player to hit the open market.
As Giants fans remember, it was only a few seasons ago that Collins was right in the middle of Defensive Player of the Year conversations. Back in 2016, the former second-round pick recorded 125 total tackles, four sacks, a fumble recovery and five interceptions in a jaw-dropping season-long performance. If that weren’t enough, he also led all safeties with 49 defensive stops. His numbers may not be as strong in the two seasons since, but his skillset, along with his age, make him an incredibly attractive free-agent option for teams looking for a defensive playmaker.
The Giants may not have valued Collins as an $11 million-plus player, but I can guarantee you there are other teams that do. Collins is about to become a very rich man.
Possible Giants interest: Too soon.
Possible Jets interest: While the Jets would love to serve a blow to the Giants almost as much as they would love to do so to the Patriots, Collins doesn’t make much sense in Gang Green’s offseason plans.
RONALD DARBY, CB
USA TODAY Images A torn ACL suffered in Week 10 of last season may cause some teams to shy away from him, but when on the field, Darby has proven to be an impact corner. Since entering the league, Darby ranks 12th among all cornerbacks in forced incompletions with 50, and that’s with him missing most of the last two years. He has shown consistency over his four-year career, and if he can get over the injury concerns, Darby could develop into an elite corner.
Even though he suffered the torn ACL late in the season, Darby should still be able to find himself a nice, long deal with some corner-needy team.
Possible Giants interest: The Giants need to add multiple safeties this offseason, so spending some of their precious cap space on Darby would not be a wise move.
Possible Jets interest: The Jets are still suffering from buyers’ remorse after last year’s signing of Johnson, but don’t think that will stop them from entering the Darby sweepstakes this year. Corner is still a big need, and if healthy, Darby would provide Gang Green with a much-needed upgrade. Considering he’s the top corner on the market and the Jets have the second-most cap space, you'd better believe they will be giving Darby a call.
ADRIAN AMOS, S
Amos struggled in his first two NFL seasons but has really come into his own since 2017. Amos ranked as Pro Football Focus’ eighth-best safety last season while finishing with the seventh-highest coverage grade. The 25-year-old has three interceptions over the last two seasons to go with two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and a sack. While he may not be the biggest name on this list, Amos is certainly one of the most talented.
During his four years in Chicago, Amos has developed into a stud in coverage. His ability to shut down opposing tight ends has vaulted him near the top of the list of coverage safeties in the NFL. Yet to reach his 26th birthday, the former fifth-round pick offers versatility not seen with many other corners, as the Bears used Amos at both safety positions.
Amos is one of my favorite players who will be reaching free agency this year, and I have no doubt that he will make his future team very, very happy.
Possible Giants interest: Amos might just be the Giants’ perfect solution in their attempt to replace Collins. Gettleman made it clear that one of his biggest gripes with Collins was his weakness in coverage. That obviously would not be a concern if Amos was added to Big Blue’s secondary. Despite being one of the best coverage safeties in the league, reports indicate Amos may not receive a massive contract due to the flooded safety market. If this turns out to be true, Gettleman better be all over the phone trying to convince Amos to join the Giants.
Possible Jets interest: The Jets already have two of the league’s better coverage safeties in Adams and Maye, meaning they are going to pass on the Bears safety.
TYRANN MATHIEU, S
Despite a strong start to his NFL career, Mathieu signed a one-year, prove-it deal with the Texans last offseason to show teams around the league that he was still the same ol’ Honey Badger. Well, Mathieu was able to do just that, and then some. Playing in all 16 games for the second consecutive season, the 5-foot-9 safety ended the year with 89 total tackles and three sacks (both career highs) along with one fumble recovery and two interceptions.
Mathieu will turn 27 in May, and one could argue that the former LSU star is just entering his prime. He is still undoubtedly an electric playmaker -- in addition to the stats listed above, Mathieu also graded as Pro Football Focus’ fifth-best safety in run defense. With his injury concerns seemingly in the rearview mirror, Mathieu offers teams a combination of strong coverage skills to go with his great play against the run.
After accepting a one-year deal last year, Mathieu will have no trouble getting himself a nice, long-term deal this offseason.
Possible Giants interest: While it would maybe surprise some to see the Giants hand Mathieu a big contract after letting Collins walk, don’t be too shocked if this comes to fruition. Mathieu thrived in Arizona with James Bettcher leading the defense, and with the defensive coordinator now on the Giants’ sidelines, a reunion is not out of the realm of possibility. The Giants could still likely ink him to a long-term deal for less than what Collins would have cost. Combine Mathieu with a veteran (such as Mike Adams), along with Michael Thomas and Sean Chandler, and all of a sudden safety isn’t looking like such a glaring hole on Big Blue’s defense.
Possible Jets interest: A secondary consisting of Mathieu, Adams and Maye would give opposing teams nightmares, but, again, the Jets are looking to bolster their pass defense through the cornerback position, not at safety.
BRYCE CALLAHAN, CB
Determining the final spot on this list was tough, with players such as Kareem Jackson, Jason McCourty and Ha-Ha Clinton Dix making strong cases for themselves. However, the nod went to Callahan after his brilliant 2018 campaign. In 13 games for the Bears as the team’s slot corner, the 27-year-old racked up 45 total tackles, two sacks and two interceptions. But honestly, his dominance on the field goes way beyond those numbers.
Callahan finished as PFF’s seventh-best corner overall and 10th-best corner in coverage. The 5-foot-9 corner played 413 coverage snaps in the slot, which was the fourth-most at his position, and allowed a mere 0.69 yards per cover snap, good for the second-best mark among corners. I could go on and on about his coverage stats from the slot, but I think you get the point. Adding to his impressive resume is the fact that Callahan is one of only three cornerbacks in the NFL with over 300 cover snaps during the regular season and not a single penalty committed.
With slot receivers becoming more and more prominent across the league, Callahan’s stingy coverage in the slot might just be the missing piece to a team’s championship defense.
Possible Giants interest: The Giants’ defense struggled mightily in 2018. However, Grant Haley, operating as the team’s nickel corner, was one of the lone bright spots. Haley earned one of the five best overall grades from PFF among all corners in the NFC East. The Giants should feel comfortable with Haley lining up in the slot in 2019.
Possible Jets interest: The market for Callahan has yet to fully develop, but reports indicate the Jets have already pushed to the front of the list of possible suitors. With Morris Claiborne and Buster Skrine set to hit free agency, and both coming off poor seasons, the Jets are in the market for a new nickel corner. Callahan is likely to command a deal worth at least $8 million per season, a figure the Jets could easily stomach with their plethora of cap space. This pairing makes a lot of sense.