Maybe the best cornerback free agent on the market, there hasn’t been too much interest coming the way of Jerraud Powers, mostly because of his demands. He might end up going back to the Arizona Cardinals, but for now, he’s testing the waters, first with the New York Giants.
The big spenders of free agency are bringing in Powers for a visit on Thursday, which will be Powers’ first of the offseason. They do have new signing Janoris Jenkins and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie as the projected starters, so if Powers does sign, it’ll be as a backup and nickel corner role, which is different from what he has done since entering the league. An NFL player since 2009, he played for the Indianapolis Colts followed by three years with the Arizona Cardinals. Out of 87 appearances, he’s started in 82 games, including 13 last season.
He had one interceptions last season (11 in his career) along with 50 tackles, one fumble return for a touchdown and nine defended passes. However, by most ratings he’s been ranked a bit below the middle line of cornerbacks last season, which might help understand why the Cardinals haven’t been too eager to retain him, and why he’s been struggling to land a new contract when we’re almost in April.
The other reason are his demands. Powers is looking for a three or four year deal. He made $10.5 million over three years on his recent deal with the Cardinals, but at this point, teams aren’t likely to sign someone for the long term, although that can be worked at through incentives, options and the important thing: Not giving a lot of guaranteed money. The Giants are still looking to add small pieces, which Powers falling into that category, although they have plenty of cap space left at $24 million.
The Cardinals haven’t been very active in free agency and if Powers is looking for less money and years, he might be heading back. However, with only $3.2 million under the salary cap without restructuring anymore deals, it’s hard to see Powers heading back to Arizona unless he becomes extremely desperate.