The market for defensive backs has quickly been drying up as franchise tags have been extended to numerous players, especially safeties. This will be the final candidate posting as free agency will start on Tuesday. Starting next week we'll start recapping the free agent signings. Now to the final chapter of our free agent candidates.
Carlos Rogers, CB: He had a very good season for the San Francisco 49ers, but they still chose to give their franchise tender to Dashon Goldson. This past season was easily Rogers best year in the NFL and he'll look for a contract to match his most recent performance, but it's hard to believe this past year will be his new standard in production.
Cortland Finnegan, CB: A physical CB that many believe will go to the Rams to be reunited with former head coach Jeff Fisher. He's also good in run support, but he does have a short temper at times. He's unlikely to return to the Titans, but if Miami is interested in a CB, it likely isn't looking for a CB in Finnegan's price range.
Brandon Carr, CB: The Chiefs chose to use their franchise tender on Dwayne Bowe instead of their young CB. At the young age of 25, Carr has a lot of physical ability and size. His age and abilities will likely make him one of the more valued CB's in the NFL. His 2011 campaign may have only been average or slightly above average, but the kid does have loads of potential and the Chiefs still think he and Brandon Flowers could form a top CB tandem.
Terrell Thomas, CB: He was a solid CB going into 2011, but a torn ACL ended his season before it ever started. With Prince Amukamara on board and the Giants low on cap room, Thomas could be an unfortunate departure for the team. He is outstanding against the run and is also a very physical corner, but teams will take a long look at his recovery. At the ripe age of 27, he can be a tremendous signing for a team as long as he recovers.
Richard Marshall, CB: He is also a strong CB in run support and though 2011 may have been his best season, he has historically had a few battles with inconsistency. His shift to safety in Arizona when Kerry Rhodes was injured will make many Miami fans happy that he can convert to safety if needed.
Other Notable CB's: Chris Carr, Kelvin Hayden, Dominique Foxworth, Zackary Bowman, Kelly Jennings, Adam Jones, Will Allen, Benny Sapp, Travis Daniels, Tracy Porter, Aaron Ross, Philip Buchanon, Ronde Barber, Marcus Trufant, and Lito Sheppard.
LaRon Landry, S: He's still recovering from a torn achilles, but his abilities will make many teams interested in him. He has all the abilities in the world as a safety and could be one of the better players in the league, but injuries have derailed his promising path. He torn his achilles in 2010 and chose not to have surgery after being placedo n the IR. After coming off the PUP, Landry missed the first two weeks of 2011 with a sore hamstring. A groin injury would later cause him to miss another two games. His season ended after only eight games after he was advised to have surgery on his achilles tendon. Instead, he chose stem cell treatment in hopes to avoid surgery once again. The achilles has been a factor in the previous two seasons and Landry has said he may choose to have surgery within the next few weeks or months if the stem cell treatment does not work. That could put at least part of his 2012 season in jeopardy.
Reggie Nelson, S: He initially struggled in Jacksonville after they drafted him, but he turned the corner the past two seasons with the Bengals. Coached by current Dolphins defensive coordinator Kevin Doyle, Nelson is a logical target for Miami. He has many years ahead of him and won't command too much money.
Brandon Meriweather, S: He's big in name and physical talent, but his inconsistency can't be overstated. All the physical abilities in the world can't make up for how often Meriweather finds himself out of place. He also has a habit of being penalized for too many personal fouls.
Other notable safeties: Sean Considine, James Sanders, Tom Zbikowski, Gibril Wilson, Mike Adams, Abram Elam, Jarrad Page, Jim Leonhard, Brodney Pool, Paul Oliver, Bob Sanders, Chris Hope, and Madieu Williams.