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.