Free Agency Preview 2021: Secondary

Washington’s defense in 2020 was undoubtedly the anchor for the team and won them quite a few games, putting the team on their back. For all of the glory that the defense gets, though, to take the next step in development, they have a couple of units they must shore up immediately. The secondary is one of the units and maybe the most critical unit. Kendall Fuller and Ronald Darby; however, Darby’s 2020 season on a one-year deal has earned him a good payday, so expect a decent-sized market for Darby in March. Fabian Moreau and Danny Johnson, who both are depth pieces, are also free agents. With the constant instability at safety, both free and strong safety, much work must be done if this defense wants to remain a top-ten unit in 2021. Here we will preview the free agent secondary options Washington can take a look at this off-season.

Cornerback

Chidobe Awuzie, Dallas Cowboys – Awuzie (25) is an intriguing option for Washington next month, and hopefully, Washington Football fans do not turn their nose up at the thought of him because he is a division rival. Do not let the overall rankings of the Cowboys defense fool you; there are always good pieces on a bad unit on any team in the NFL. Awuzie is a good zone cornerback and pretty young, so it would be interesting to see what type of commitment he is looking for in free agency, whether it is a short-term deal or long-term. Hopefully, Awuzie is interested in staying in the division because Washington would be a good fit for him.

A.J. Bouye, Denver Broncos – Bouye (30) had quite a good run during his time with both the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Houston Texans. However, things turned awry after being traded to the Denver Broncos this past off-season. He played in only seven games due to injuries and a six-game performance-enhancing drugs suspension, and his last two games are still left to be served in 2021. He did not play well in 2020 either; however, with everything that has happened to Bouye, Washington would not be bringing him into their facilities under a starting cornerback’s salary. If Washington feels they can trust Bouye, this is an option that would be a good fit due to his experience and physicality at the line of scrimmage. Washington can use that for multiple defensive situations.

Desmond King, Tennessee Titans – King (26) is one of the more versatile secondary players in the free-agent market this year. Although King excels at both slot corner and free safety, his versatility extends beyond the secondary. King is a viable threat as a kick and punt returner, which will automatically boost his value for any team interested in him. The question with King would be which stint is his truth; his first two seasons in the NFL? Alternatively, his last two, which were a noticeable drop-off from his first two seasons. The truth may be somewhere in the middle, but the bottom line is that King is a valuable player and will unquestionably solidify Washington’s secondary. He should be Washington’s top target for the secondary unit.

Xavier Rhodes, Indianapolis Colts – Prior to 2020, Rhodes (30) past couple of years were not good. However, the former All-Pro revived his career with the Indianapolis Colts, and is now in a position to capitalize on it this off-season for good money. Xavier would be a plan b for Washington if they are unable to retain Ronald Darby, as they are both boundary cornerbacks.

Jason Verrett, San Francisco 49ers – Verrett (29) has had a crazy yet remarkable NFL career to date. A career filled with many injuries, Verrett has played in only 26 of a possible 96 games over six years. Even still, he kept getting chances due to his tremendous potential, which he displayed in nearly every game he was able to play. It paid off big in his second season with the San Francisco 49ers, and it has landed him in Pro Football Focus’s top 101 player list. According to PFF, Verrett allowed less than nine yards per reception, a passer rating of 76.3, and only one touchdown allowed in 803 snaps this season. Who knows if the injuries have taken a toll on him, but being able to play 13 games following the five seasons in which he was on injured reserve, I personally have faith that he can recover and have a good back-half of his career.

Safety

Anthony Harris, Minnesota Vikings – Harris (29) is one of the best safeties in the NFL right now. Although he has no accolades to back it up, he averaged a 90 overall grade for Pro Football Focus the past two seasons. According to PFF, he has a good feel for understanding and recognizing route concepts and quarterbacks, allowing him to be the playmaker he is. Washington may have found something in rookie safety Kamren Curl; the next step for him could be pairing him with a top-five safety, which will make Curl’s job easier. Harris will have a big market for his services come free agency.

Malik Hooker, Indianapolis Colts – Hooker (24) is pretty young and capable of restarting his NFL career. It has not been awful to this point; however, his inconsistent production mostly due to injuries. Like his last one, some injuries were pretty significant where he tore his Achilles before the 2020 season. The upside in signing Hooker would be what he did best in Indianapolis, a single-high safety. If he can remain healthy and stay reliable on an island of sorts, Kamren Curl can continue to develop and flourish as a versatile box safety. His market will be attractive though, although he has often been injured, he is still young and has some upside. He should be a reasonably priced free agent come March.

Marcus Maye, New York Jets – Maye (27) has been a pleasant surprise for the New York Jets, and for obvious reasons, we should all expect that they try hard to keep him. For Washington, versatility is the theme this off-season, and Maye provides that as well. According to Pro Football Focus, Maye has seen plenty of snaps at free safety, in the box, and at slot corner since 2017. Maye’s skillset allows Curl to play in the box and at the slot corner while allowing Maye to entirely focus on playing the free safety position for Washington’s defense. With Maye’s production and age, he will likely be one of the more expensive safeties on the market.

Justin Simmons, Denver Broncos – Simmons (27) is the prize free agent safety of this class. Earning his first pro-bowl bid in 2020, he has been a rangy playmaker for the Denver Broncos the past two seasons. Simmons finished 2020 with 96 total tackles, nine passes defended, and five interceptions. So, Simmons not only has the range, but he is a reliable and active tackler as well. He will easily have the biggest market for his position and will very likely be the highest-priced as well. Washington can use Justin, but the question would be, how much would Washington be willing to commit when there is plenty of competition for him? We will see.