Free agency 2009: Defensive backs

deangelo%20hall.jpg

It's probably a good thing the defensive backs came last in our position-by-position review of 2009 NFL free agency, because plenty has happened in recent days to change the available pool of players.

For starters, Raiders All Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha was re-signed, and Texans star cornerback Dunta Robinson was designated as the team's franchise player, effectively taking him off the market. The Raiders released former Giants safety Gibril Wilson, and the Colts re-signed cornerback Kelvin Hayden. There's still a decent supply of safeties left over, but it's perilously thin at cornerback.

With free agency set to kick off at 12:01 a.m. Friday, here's our look at quarterbacks ... and running backs ... and offensive linemen ... and wide receivers/tight ends ... and defensive linemen ... and linebackers.

Here are your defensive backs:

1. DeAngelo Hall, CB, Washington Redskins. Traded to the Raiders last year, Oakland released the mercurial cornerback midway through the season. He was quickly snapped up by the Redskins, who hope to re-sign him to a long-term deal. No assurances once free agency hits, though.

2. Gibril Wilson, S, Raiders. Went from winning a Super Bowl with the Giants to cashing in on a free agent deal with the Raiders, only to be kicked to the curb late last week. Still a quality player, although the Giants have since moved on with the drafting of Kenny Phillips last year and Michael Johnson two years ago. Then again, if the price is right, a return to Big Blue isn't out of the question.

3. Darren Sharper, S, Minnesota Vikings. The former Packers star has anchored Minnesota's pass defense since 2005. He does turn 33 this season, but remains a ball hawking safety who can be an immediate upgrade for a team in contention.

4. Dominique Foxworth, CB, Atlanta Falcons. A late addition here, Foxworth will take advantage of a lack of free agent corners. Foxworth could be destined for Baltimore or Miami. Could be Washington if the Redskins can't sign DeAngelo Hall.

5. Jermaine Phillips, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A broken arm shortened his 2008 season, but Phillips is a terrific safety with exceptional range.

6. Andre Goodman, CB, Miami Dolphins. He turns 31 this season, but with the dearth of cornerbacks on the open market, will definitely benefit in free agency.

7. Brian Dawkins, S, Philadelphia Eagles. He hopes to return to the Eagles, where he has been a stud for most of his 13 seasons in Philly. Age working against him, though. Dawkins turns 36 this season.

8. Jim Leonhard, S, Baltimore Ravens. A solid run support safety with excellent tackling ability and decent speed. He might be on the Jets' radar, where he'd re-join Rex Ryan, the former Ravens defensive coordinator.

9. James Butler, S, Giants. Has had two solid seasons for the Giants, and could be back next season if he doesn't get a deal he likes on the open market.

10. Rodney Harrison, S, New England Patriots. A leg injury kept him on the shelf last year, and he turns 36 this season. Probably best suited for a return to New England.

11. Sean Jones, S, Cleveland Browns. Not a bad player from an underachieving defense. Jones had four interceptions last year, and will be only 27 this season.

12. Eugene Wilson, S, Houston Texans. The former Patriots safety started 10 games last season and had 63 tackles and two interceptions. A solid veteran presence.

(Photo from NFL.com)

Comments (7)

Gibril back to the Giants?

Huh?

Giants don't need a starter, they have 2 excellent young ones, and Gibril shouldn't be ready to be a back up. He got serious money for one year, kudos to him. I wish him luck in landing someplace good next season, but its beyond me that you could allow for the chance of a reunion with the Giants this coming season. Thats a real long shot in my book.

Sheesh, LTmLT. Can't a guy cover his arse by not entirely discounting the possibility? What if they lose James Butler? What if Gibril comes cheap? Sammy Knight got the heave-ho, so right now, there are only 2 starting caliber safeties on the roster.

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