Cornerback is one of the most valuable positions in football. However, general managers should be scared about putting too many resources on it. First, cornerback play is wildly volatile, and players tend to regress fairly quickly. Second, defensive backfield is a weak-link system, so paying top money to a cornerback doesn’t guarantee you a great secondary, even if the player does play well.
It’s a tricky scenario that made the cornerback market come to a standstill over the first half of this decade. At the same time, teams will keep throwing darts at the position, because it’s too valuable to simply pass up.
This is the tenth installment of our series to list the top free agents by position in 2025.
Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers
It was a truly tough year for Ward with a personal tragedy, and it all goes well beyond football. Now, he wants out of California. He will be 29 by Week 1, but if he can return to his level of 2022 and 2023, Ward is by far the best cornerback on the market. Two seasons ago, he allowed a 62.3 passer rating when targeted.
Byron Murphy, Minnesota Vikings
Murphy is the most appealing combination of age and recent performance from this class. There were rumors that the Vikings could apply the franchise tag on him, but he’s officially available. After ups and downs early in his career both for the Arizona Cardinals and Vikings, he had a strong season in 2024, allowing an 80.5 passer rating when targeted. Even though he’s entering his third NFL contract, Murphy is still 27.
DJ Reed, New York Jets
Reed is 28 and slightly undersized, but there are counterarguments for both points. As a backup early in his career, the mileage isn’t as impactful, and the size never mattered for his production in the NFL. He’s played for the 49ers, Seahawks, and Jets, and has been impressively consistent for a position that tends to be volatile. Despite being 5’9, Reed has primarily been an outside corner throughout his career.
Carlton Davis, Detroit Lions
Davis is 28 and has never been a Pro Bowler or All-Pro, but it feels like he has because of his highs for the Buccaneers early on. A former second-round pick, he was a big part of the Super Bowl defense in 2020, and last year he became a significant part of the Detroit Lions’ defense that handled so many injuries (Davis himself missed four games). In addition to being a solid coverage player, Davis is also a willing and capable run defender.
Paulson Adebo, New Orleans Saints
Adebo is an ideal type for teams that want long-term options, because he will only be 26 by the start of next season. His injury in 2024 was more freaky than something with long-term implications. And despite Adebo’s ups and downs, he has great ball skills. In terms of value considering all these factors, he is the best option.
Other options: Asante Samuel Jr., Jonathan Jones, Jeff Okudah, Kendall Fuller, Rasul Douglas, Eric Stokes, Adoree’ Jackson, Rock Ya-Sin, Benjamin St-Juste, Stephon Gilmore.
