The Baltimore Ravens made a notable move on Wednesday by signing two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander, who had been released by the Green Bay Packers on June 9. This signing could impact the 2025 cornerback market, as teams still look for elite defensive backs to strengthen their rosters. In this charged and rapidly evolving cornerback landscape, other teams remain in the hunt for top options as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season.
Though Alexander’s recent injury history has been a concern, when healthy, he has proven to be one of the league’s top cover corners. As teams assess cornerback talent across the league, several players with varying skill sets and conditions continue to be available. This article breaks down those options for 2025, examining what they offer and suggesting which teams might pursue them based on factors such as age, health, production, and defensive schemes.
Evaluating Rasul Douglas’s Fit and Recent Performance
After moving on from Jaire Alexander, the Packers had previously traded Rasul Douglas to the Buffalo Bills during the 2023 season. Initially, this trade seemed questionable, as Douglas had an immediate impact with Buffalo, restricting opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of only 38.6 over nine games. However, Douglas’s performance in 2024 declined sharply, allowing a passer rating of 122.0, indicating a step back.
Despite his decreased effectiveness last season, Douglas brings a physically imposing presence at 6’2” and 209 pounds, along with strong ball skills. He has logged 14 interceptions and 40 pass breakups from 2021 to 2023, showcasing his ability to make plays even if his speed is not elite. At 29, turning 30 in August, Douglas offers a combination of size and experience that could benefit teams seeking a tough perimeter corner.
The Cincinnati Bengals could be a natural landing spot for Douglas, pairing him with Cam Taylor-Britt to bolster a cornerback duo that struggled to contain passing attacks in 2024, finishing 21st in passing yards allowed. Atlanta Falcons also represent a logical destination, especially given their limited cap space and previous connection to Douglas through assistant head coach Jerry Gray. Both teams ranked near the bottom of the league in yards allowed through the air, and adding Douglas could shore up their secondary physically.
Logical Landing Spots: Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals
Kendall Fuller’s Proven Reliability and Positional Flexibility
Kendall Fuller has never been recognized as an elite or Pro Bowl corner but remains a dependable starter with considerable playoff experience. The 30-year-old, who turned 30 in February, boasts 104 regular-season starts and has a Super Bowl ring from the 2019 Kansas City Chiefs championship run. Although he made 11 starts for the Miami Dolphins last season, concussion issues caused him to miss time, and Miami released him in a move to manage salary cap expenses.
Pro Football Focus ranked Fuller 75th among cornerbacks in 2024, reflecting a solid, if unspectacular, season. Given his injury history and age, Fuller likely won’t attract a lucrative or long-term contract but remains a valuable option for teams needing veteran depth. The Dallas Cowboys may find him useful early in their 2025 campaign while recovering from injuries to key corners Trevon Diggs and Shavon Revel Jr. Fuller’s versatility—capable of playing safety and nickel back positions—adds to his appeal for teams like the Arizona Cardinals, who seek secondary depth and fitting alignment with coordinator Jonathan Gannon’s defensive style.
Logical Landing Spots: Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys
Stephon Gilmore’s Veteran Presence and Versatile Role
At 34, Stephon Gilmore continues to be a relevant starter capable of contributing meaningful snaps. Last season, he started 15 games for the Minnesota Vikings and played 17 games with the Dallas Cowboys in 2023. Gilmore, a five-time Pro Bowler and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, isn’t the disruptive corner he once was but still delivers solid performances, registering nine pass breakups and graded 94th out of 222 cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus.
Gilmore’s strengths include his ball skills and willingness to assist in run defense, making him a reliable rotational or starting option for teams seeking experience. The Cowboys have expressed continued interest in Gilmore despite not immediately signing him after meeting in April. Carolina Panthers could also benefit from his leadership and knowledge. Having played for Carolina during his last Pro Bowl season in 2021, Gilmore offers valuable experience to a team still seeking stability under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
“Well, we are always looking to make our roster better, which is what I would say about any player,”
—Stephen Jones, Vice President, Dallas Cowboys
Logical Landing Spots: Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys
Mike Hilton’s Versatility and Slot Coverage Expertise
For teams seeking a versatile nickel cornerback, Mike Hilton remains one of the top free-agent options. The 31-year-old cornerback showed occasional lapses during the past season but remained one of Cincinnati’s more consistent defensive backs. Hilton’s versatility allows him to perform both inside and outside, though his best work is in the slot. His ability to rush the passer and contribute to run defense distinguishes him among nickel defenders.
Pro Football Focus ranked Hilton 23rd overall among all cornerbacks and first in run defense. While his skill set likely limits his market to teams needing slot coverage, he remains a vital depth option. The Cincinnati Bengals could look to re-sign him, while the Dallas Cowboys might consider him as a replacement for departed nickel corner Jourdan Lewis. Two of Hilton’s strongest potential suitors are the Pittsburgh Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders. Hilton’s four years in Pittsburgh provide familiarity, and the Steelers, positioned to contend after signing Aaron Rodgers, seek depth to fortify their secondary.
The Raiders, despite not projected as contenders, want to improve quickly under head coach Pete Carroll, who is expected to avoid a prolonged rebuild. Hilton’s experience would help fill the nickel corner gap after Nate Hobbs’s departure in free agency.
Logical Landing Spots: Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers
Jalen Ramsey’s Trade Possibilities and Financial Implications
With Jaire Alexander off the market, attention may return to seven-time Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey, currently with the Miami Dolphins, who parted ways with him early in the offseason. Ramsey’s trade potential remains open but complicated by contract and salary cap conditions. Miami general manager Chris Grier explained their decision to move on, emphasizing the mutual best interest.
“We decided it was probably in the best interest for all parties to move forward,”
—Chris Grier, General Manager, Miami Dolphins
Ramsey will turn 31 in October and carries a sizable contract with significant dead money ($49.4 million) remaining. His base salary for 2025 is modest at $1.3 million, but the contract escalates sharply in 2026, 2027, and especially 2028. The substantial dead money figure means any trade partner must provide a fair value return, probably no less than a Day 2 draft pick, adding risk to potential suitors.
Teams in “win-now” mode, like the Los Angeles Rams, who originally traded Ramsey to Miami in 2023, have considered reacquiring him. However, Rams’ head coach Sean McVay acknowledged obstacles to a trade, despite keeping options open.
“Definitely don’t want to rule anything out because we’re always open-minded to onboarding and acquiring quality players and people like him if we’re able to do that, but there would be some obstacles that are real that are in the place of maybe preventing that from occurring,”
—Sean McVay, Head Coach, Los Angeles Rams
The Carolina Panthers, building in Year 3 of Bryce Young’s tenure, could also benefit from Ramsey’s presence and familiarity with defensive backs coach Renaldo Hill, who worked with Ramsey in Miami in 2023.
Logical Landing Spots: Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Rams
Asante Samuel Jr.: High Upside Amid Injury Concerns
Asante Samuel Jr. presents a risk-reward profile due to a lingering stinger injury that limited him to four games in 2024. The condition, affecting both shoulders, is congenital, and Samuel underwent neck surgery in April with a scheduled July check-up to assess his recovery.
“after which he will reconvene with several interested teams.”
—Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
Despite concerns over tackling and physicality, Samuel shines with exceptional ball skills, having recorded 26 pass breakups in his first three seasons. At just 25, his growth trajectory was interrupted before his most recent injury. In 2023, Samuel started 16 games for the Los Angeles Chargers and allowed an opposing passer rating of just 87.4.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who captured the NFC South title again in 2024 but ranked 29th in passing yards allowed, might find Samuel’s potential worth the gamble as they develop rookie cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish. Miami, facing cornerback depth challenges with Ramsey’s departure, has also expressed interest, checking in with Samuel in May.
Logical Landing Spots: Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Broader Impact on 2025 NFL Cornerback Rosters
The Baltimore Ravens’ acquisition of Jaire Alexander marks a significant shift in the cornerback market, potentially accelerating movement among other teams that continue their offseason evaluations. As Alexander’s health and playmaking ability offer a boost for Baltimore’s defense, other contenders and rebuilding teams face critical decisions about available cornerbacks. Players like Rasul Douglas, Kendall Fuller, and Stephon Gilmore provide a range of options each with different risk profiles and skill sets.
Meanwhile, Mike Hilton’s versatility and Asante Samuel Jr.’s upside introduce depth options for teams willing to take calculated risks. The complicated scenario surrounding Jalen Ramsey highlights the financial and strategic considerations that challenge decision-makers in acquiring veteran talent.
As NFL teams approach training camps with needs in their secondary, these available cornerbacks could redefine defensive backfields ahead of the 2025 season. Their signings and trades will play a crucial role in shaping the league’s playoff contenders and defensive identities moving forward.