Jimmy Smith – Free agency value:
To figure out Smith’s free agency value, we have to look at older cornerbacks who signed deals recently. That points to Robert Alford and Richard Sherman being the best comparisons here.
Alford signed a three-year deal with Arizona for $22.5 million, according to Over The Cap, while Sherman got $27.15 million over three years from the 49ers. That puts Alford at $7.5 million APY but with $8.95 million guaranteed. Sherman got less guaranteed money at only $3 million but a higher APY at $9.05 million.
While the salary cap is expected to increase, which should make this offseason’s contracts increase in response, both Alford and Sherman have remained healthy throughout their careers. Given Smith’s injury and suspension history matched with his inconsistent play, I wouldn’t expect him to go too far above either deal. That $7.5 million APY and $3 million guaranteed are likely to be about where Smith falls this offseason.
A three-year, incentive-laden deal for $23 million seems appropriate in my eyes. If Smith balks at the offers, it wouldn’t shock me to see him take a one-year deal at closer to $9 million in order to prove he can remain healthy and be a starter before getting another crack at free agency.
Review / Potential / Value / Chances to re-sign
[vertical-gallery id=41579]