4. Adoree' Jackson
Jackson had a tough 2023 season for the Giants (48.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, 117th out of 127 qualifying cornerbacks). He started the season playing in the slot, then moved outside two games in with rookie Tre Hawkins struggling.
Beyond his dismal PFF grade, Jackson's numbers from last season don't look awful by comparison (63 total tackles, eight pass breakups, 95.5 passer rating allowed). And he was very good the previous two years for the Giants.
Jackson is a durability concern, with 27 missed games over the last four seasons (14 over the last three). Entering his age-29 season and with a slight frame, that concern is not going away.
For what it's worth Jackson told the New York Post he wants to play for a Super Bowl contender. The Lions are that, and he'd be another bargain option to fill out the depth chart.
3. Chidobe Awuzie
Awuzie was everything the Bengals envisioned he'd be (and probably more) as a perimeter corner in 2021 (75.9 passer rating allowed), and into 2022 (53.4 passer rating allowed). But a torn ACL in 2022 derailed things, and as could be expected he was not quite the same player last season (113.5 passer rating allowed).
As evidence of what he showed before the injury, Awuzie is ranked as a top-30 free agent by both Pro Football Focus (No.27) and Bleacher Report (No. 17). As for the doubters that think he's lost a step, his comments to Paul Dehner of The Athletic attempted to dismiss that.
"That's funny to me," he said. "Because I know the type of player I am.....Science and physical therapy and stuff has really improved over the last couple of years. And I feel like I'm one of those guys that's always been trying to do the next thing and stay on top of my body. My speeds are still very high and my cuts, I feel like myself. All it takes is other people to see that."
Being further removed from his torn ACL will only be good for Awuzie, and the team who signs him. He may have to settle for a short, "prove-it" deal, and the Lions should be in the mix to give it to him.
Update, 5:20 p.m. ET: According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Awuzie has agreed to a three-year deal with the Tennessee Titans.
Source: Chidobe Awuzie agreed to terms with the #Titans on a three-year deal
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 11, 2024