The St. Louis Rams are widely expected to be one potential suitor for Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan. Given his status as one of the top free agents available this season, the Rams are likely to have some competition chasing Finnegan in free agency.
The Detroit Free Press reported on Monday that the Lions, where former Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is entering his fourth season as head coach, are also expected to test the waters with Finnegan. Schwartz has a history of bringing his old players into the fold with his Motor City team, namely Stephen Tulloch and Kyle Vanden Bosch.
Money might be a problem for the cap strapped Lions. According to the same report, Detroit already has $2 million more in commitments than they have cap space.
Finnegan is said to be eyeing a deal similar to what the Texans gave Johnathan Joseph last season, a five-year, $48.75 million deal with $23.5 million guaranteed. He could be looking at close to $10 million per season.
Right now, the Rams have approximately $10 million in cap space for the 2012 season. That could change as a new coaching staff reviews the roster and starts making decisions about who to keep and who let walk.
Other teams that could pursue Finnegan include the the 49ers, Atlanta, Dallas Jacksonville, Oakland, and Tampa Bay. \
Finnegan can also play in the slot, where he saw plenty of snaps last season. Depending on the development of Jerome Murphy, the Rams could move Finnegan into the slot with Murphy and Bradley Fletcher on the outside. The odd man out could be Ron Bartell, who is in the last year of a big contract coming off a serious injury. Those players usually have a target on their back when new coaches come to town.
0 recs | 9 comments
$48.75 million deal with $23.5 million guaranteed sounds like a lot of money for a slot corner
Finegans not going to do that unless we’re playing New England and he’s covering Gronkowski. For that sort of money he’s going to be covering the opponent’s best receiver game in and out.
Da Rams! - February 13, 2012
That kind of money
Would mean he will be the one and only FA signed due to cap money
learning - February 13, 2012
Slot on nickel and dime
but outside in based defense. Everydown player
Brick Top - February 13, 2012
I'd be shocked if the Rams were the only team chasing Finnegan...
JoolzMF - February 13, 2012 via mobile
Stl Titans
LOL!
OakCityRam - February 13, 2012
If he's as good as Joseph...
I’d pay him that. Isn’t it obvious how much better Joseph made Houston’s defense? Yes, I realize they’re different players… but if Finnegan isn’t as good as Joseph I’m sure Snead will make that point. And Fisher may be able to convince him to take a bit less to play for him.
WpgRamsFan - February 13, 2012
if your going to pay that much for a freakin corner?
than go young and the future…and draft claiborne at #2.
Mark Jaramillo - February 13, 2012
Absolutely agreed
If you’re going to pay that much for someone who is older and has personality issues at times, I say go young and get Claiborne.
But you’d be giving up on Kalil or trading down and getting Claiborne and an extra second. Or some other attractive package. If you switch with the Browns or Redskins you get Claiborne and the extra picks.
CardsFan08 - February 13, 2012
If we ....
… then we must draft, & pay the best . Excpect the best from claiborne @ #6 ( trade w/ Wash. ) . Later, OT, DT, OLB !
VETT - February 14, 2012
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