Cortland

Finnegan

That was quick. Routt is a press corner with a dynamic size/speed package, but he led all cornerbacks with nine touchdowns allowed and 17 penalties last season. In his defense, the Raiders’ scheme didn’t help. Rotoworld’s Evan Silva ranks Routt fourth behind Brent Grimes, Cortland Finnegan, and Brandon Carr among free agent corners. The Titans likely view him as a replacement for Finnegan.

Finnegan drew praise for his work this off-season, but the Titans will probably consider cutting a seventh-round pick with legal troubles.

Finnegan seems likely to hit the free agent market on March 13, although PFT’s Gregg Rosenthal has speculated that the Titans may hit him with the franchise tag at the last minute. Pro Football Focus graded Finnegan as the NFL’s third best corner in 2011. He was sixth in coverage and tied for second in run support.

The Titans met with agent Terry Watson on Friday, and talks reportedly went nowhere. Watson did say the sides had “a good visit,” but the Titans’ beat writers don’t anticipate Finnegan re-signing or receiving the franchise tag.

It’s a cap issue that will be made tougher if the Lions use the franchise tag on DE Cliff Avril. Finnegan played three seasons under ex-Titans defensive coordinator and current Lions head coach Jim Schwartz. Barring Tennessee surprisingly tagging Finnegan before the March 5 franchise deadline, he’s going to hit the open market. Jeff Fisher’s Rams are the early favorites to sign Finnegan.

The Titans never engaged in serious long-term talks with Finnegan, and all previous indications pointed toward the organization letting their top corner walk. The Rams and Cowboys were expected to be among Finnegan’s most fervent suitors. Under the tag, Finnegan would earn roughly $10.5 million in 2012. Free agent CB Brandon Carr’s stock is rising as perhaps the top corner available.

ESPN AFC South blogger Paul Kuharsky confirms the Titans have not tagged Finnegan and “currently have no plans do so.” Beat writers have predicted all along that Finnegan would hit the open market and ultimately leave Nashville. Cornerback-needy teams such as the Cowboys, Rams, and Redskins will be relieved to learn that Finnegan escapes the franchise tag.

LaCanfora concedes he should have said “possibly” rather than “likely” when discussing the viability of the franchise tag for CB Cortland Finnegan. This is the first we’ve heard of the tag for Jones. Expect both free agents to hit the open market instead.

Finnegan has been a rumored target of the Bucs, but seeking top dollar, it sounds like he’ll do due diligence before signing. That could change if the Bucs knock his socks off shortly after Tuesday’s 4PM ET start of free agency.

The Rams entered Monday $1.2 million under the cap, so they should enter the free agency period with roughly $20 million to spend. It’s plenty to make a run at a top-flight free agent such as Cortland Finnegan, though St. Louis may look to spread its money around a bit more. Other rumored Rams free agent targets include DT Jason Jones, CB Eric Wright, and WR Pierre Garcon.