2012 NFL Free Agents: Rams Will Not Be The Only Suitor For Cortland Finnegan

by Ryan Van Bibber on Feb 13, 2012 9:09 AM CST

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.

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$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.

by Da Rams! on Feb 13, 2012 10:12 AM CST reply actions

That kind of money

Would mean he will be the one and only FA signed due to cap money

by learning on Feb 13, 2012 11:35 AM CST up reply actions

Slot on nickel and dime

but outside in based defense. Everydown player

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

by Brick Top on Feb 13, 2012 11:37 AM CST up reply actions

I'd be shocked if the Rams were the only team chasing Finnegan...

"Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet - I'm gonna break your face..." The Champ

by JoolzMF on Feb 13, 2012 10:24 AM CST via mobile reply actions

Stl Titans

LOL!

by OakCityRam on Feb 13, 2012 11:22 AM CST reply actions

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.

by WpgRamsFan on Feb 13, 2012 11:48 AM CST reply actions

if your going to pay that much for a freakin corner?

than go young and the future…and draft claiborne at #2.

by Mark Jaramillo on Feb 13, 2012 12:07 PM CST reply actions

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.

Section 103, Row 19

by CardsFan08 on Feb 13, 2012 11:33 PM CST up reply actions