Vontae Davis could be intriguing help at corner

Vontae Davis is a free agent at the right time. The NFL is a pass-happy league, perhaps more than it ever has been. It’s not uncommon to see a quarterback throw for 4,000 yards or a receiver to notch 1,000 yards. Those were milestones that used to signify greatness even 15 years ago.

In that vein, cornerbacks have never been more valuable. This offseason, there could be a bevy of corners on the market that will command significant money. The list includes Trumaine Johnson, Malcolm Butler, Jason Verrett, and Kyle Fuller. Then there’s Richard Sherman and Aqib Talib, who could get cut before we get to free agency on March 14.

One name to keep an eye on is Vontae Davis, who is already free to sign with any team. Davis was released by the Indianapolis Colts back in November after being benched for a game, a move termed as a coaches decision. Davis subsequently underwent surgery on his core but is reportedly healthy.

At 29 years old, Davis isn’t going to be any contender’s top plan. Even if the two-time Pro Bowler is completely healed, it’s likely that teams looking to spend big money on perimeter help will look toward the bigger-ticket items before circling back. Still, Davis could be a steal in free agency, especially for teams strapped for cash.

Chiefs, Steelers, or Eagles?

Considering financial ramifications, the three teams projected to have the least amount of cap space heading into March are the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers. All three can use another corner, especially the Steelers. Pittsburgh has Artie Burns and Joe Haden, but neither are without their flaws. Philadelphia is attempting to defend a Super Bowl championship for the first time in franchise history. It could stand to upgrade opposite Ronald Darby. The Chiefs have already traded for Kendall Fuller to pair with Marcus Peters. However, in today’s NFL, a team needs three good corners.

Once the market is set by Johnson and Butler, the rest of the corners will follow suit. Davis might be well-advised to sign for a prove-it deal, something along the lines of one year and $8 million guaranteed with a second-year option for $10-12 million.

If Vontae Davis can’t play anymore, the team can move on and Davis got one last payday that should set him up for life. If the marriage works perfectly and Davis regains his status as one of the best corners in the game, both sides have some stability going into 2019.

The money will be thrown around in a month. Davis won’t like having to wait out the process, but he might end up in the perfect situation after years of playing for a dysfunctional franchise.