[Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of position snapshots previewing the 2010 NFL free agency period. Check out the quarterbacks, tight ends, and defensive linemen.)
Top unrestricted free agent defensive backs:
1. Dunta Robinson, CB: A good, not great starting cornerback that hasn’t quite lived up to his early promise. Still, he’s a solid young starter that actually made it to the open market. That’s probably worth $20 million guaranteed.
2. Leigh Bodden, CB: A physical corner, Bodden was probably New England’s best at the position last year. He may be equal as a player to Robinson, but should come more cheaply.
3. Antrel Rolle, S (Will be released): At worst, Rolle is a slightly-above average starting safety in his prime. That will make him rich in this market.
4. Darren Sharper, S: He won’t help you in run support and may play for stats, but Sharper still offers play-making in the right system.
5. Ryan Clark, S: He probably has more value to the Steelers than anyone else.
6. Roy Williams, S: His struggles in pass coverage will keep his price tag down.
7. Nick Harper, CB: Now 35, he fits better in a zone defense best.
8. Brian Williams, CB: Last with the Falcons, this former Jaguars cornerback can still help at nickel back.
9. Sean Jones, S: Once looked like a rising player in Cleveland.
10. Desean Townsend, CB: Still contributed last year, but it’s not a great sign the Steelers will let him go.
Other names to know:
Jermaine Phillips, Anthony Henry, Nate Jones, Desea Townsend, Will Allen, Ken Lucas, Dry Bly, Walt Harris, Stanford Routt, Mike Brown, Clinton Hart, Bryan Scott.
Restricted free agents that are unlikely to change teams:
O.J. Atogwe, Nick Collins, Roman Harper, Atari Bigby, Bernard Pollard, Melvin Bullitt, Dawan Landry Richard Marshall, Carlos Rogers, Fabian Washington, Marlin Jackson, Ellis Hobbs, William Gay, Tramon Williams, Will Blackmon, Karl Paymah
Interesting names that could get cut:
1. Reggie Nelson Jaguars S: He doesn’t really hit or make plays. But he was a first-rounder!
2. Gibril Wilson, Dolphins S: It sounds like he’ll make it to training camp, but the big hitter was a disappointment last season. Again.
3. Nathan Vasher, Bears CB: Remember when he made the Pro Bowl?
Trade possibilities:
1. Carlos Rogers, Redskins CB: He’s had an up-and-down career, but the former top-ten pick would certainly garner interest if made available.
2. Antonio Cromartie, Chargers CB: League-average at best the last two years, but there is still a ton of talent here to harness. Perhaps he’ll mature.
3. Kerry Rhodes, Jets S: His toughness has been questioned, but Rhodes has made his share of plays during his career.
Teams in the market for defensive backs:
Jets, Patriots, Browns, Texans, Titans, Chiefs, Broncos, Giants, Redskins, Bears, Rams, Falcons, and Bucs. Oh, who are we kidding? Every team needs defensive backs.