St. Louis Rams Release Former Titans CB Cortland Finnegan
Nov 10, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Cortland Finnegan (31) reacts to a penalty flag being thrown during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
This explains Finnegan release --->RT @jthom1: Finnegan was due $6 million in base salary in 2014 and counted $10 million against the cap.
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 5, 2014
Would Jeff Fisher make a run at Alterraun Verner? Well, the #Rams are in good shape at CB, anoher reason why they could part ways w Finnegan
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 5, 2014
Would the #Titans take a second look at Finnegan? Well, the team didn't make a strong effort to keep him, but he was a top $ guy then
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 5, 2014
Former Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan is just two years removed from leaving Nashville for greater riches and a reunion with Jeff Fisher. In 2012, the Rams signed Finnegan to a five-year, $50-million contract. His contract included a guaranteed $27 million. A little too luxurious for the Titans brass to meet.
It’s fascinating to consider that they made this move just days before Alterraun Verner could hit the free-agent market. Is this another one of those nostalgic free-agent signings from Fisher’s Rams? Supposedly, the Rams are in good shape at cornerback. Regardless, there’s a chance that the Rams re-sign Finnegan at a cheaper rate.
What about a Finnegan reunion with Tennessee? Last February, Finnegan turned age 30. His 2013-14 season included 27 tackles with an interception. He’d come at a fraction of the price that he signed for in 2012.
Don’t count on any reunions. Even without Verner, the Titans have their shutdown cornerback with Jason McCourty. Coty Sensabaugh has proven more than capable as a nickelback. Even if Sensabaugh was promoted up to No. 2 cornerback, it’s hard to imagine that general manager Ruston Webster would want to delay Blidi Wreh-Wilson‘s development while Finnegan gets reps as a nickelback.
Expect a cornerback trio of McCourty-Verner-Sensabaugh or McCourty-Sensabaugh-Wilson. Maybe another draft pick who can compete with Wreh-Wilson. Unless the team really doesn’t like what they have behind McCourty and Verner, then a Finnegan reunion seems unlikely.