5 possible destinations for Giants' free agent safety Antrel Rolle

When you're not in the "upper class" of NFL free agents — i.e. the available players in their prime who will command top dollar — the signing period can be an exercise in patience.

In 2010, the last time Antrel Rolle hit the free agent market, he was firmly a part of that top tier, coming off of his first Pro Bowl appearance and five very good seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. His production and age (27 at the time) earned him a five-year, $37 million deal from the Giants that made him the highest paid safety in the NFL.

In hindsight, that contract looks like a relative bargain when you consider the fact that Rolle is the rare free agent signing to play out the entirety of his contract at a fairly high level. But coming off of what was probably his worse season in 2014, his decent numbers (89 tackles, three interceptions, one forced fumble) masking the many missed tackles and lack of impact plays. Rolle is also at the age where his once-great speed and athleticism are starting to decline, which puts him in a decidedly different situation as a free agent.

Rolle is a notch below the top available safeties at this point, which include the Patriots' Devin McCourty and the Broncos' Rahim Moore, which means that teams in need of a safety will only chase Rolle when it is clear they are out of the running for the upper echelon guys.

Rolle's market is difficult to gauge until we see what kind of contracts McCourty, Moore, and company land. His name recognition and past performance will likely put his salary above the lower class of $1-3 million annually, which might be what the Giants would be willing to pay him to return, but not close to the $7-10 million range that the top safeties will get.

Assuming the Giants let Rolle walk, here are a few teams that might be interested in the 10-year veteran:

Chicago Bears
Safeties under contract: Ryan Mundy, Brock Vereen, Anthony Walters.
Why Rolle is a fit: New Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio likes to have safeties who are versatile and interchangeable. Rolle has lost a step, but has made a career off of being able to cover the slot, tight end, middle of the field, and play close to the line of scrimmage. Starting strong safety Ryan Mundy is a former Giant, so communication on the back end would be less of a concern.

Dallas Cowboys
Safeties under contract: Barry Church, J.J. Wilcox, Keelan Johnson
Why Rolle is a fit: The free safety spot next to Church was a question mark coming into the season, though Wilcox improved as the season went on. Rolle would give them another body to rotate in on nickel packages, and a veteran leader for their secondary. It's probably the role he's best suited to now.

Houston Texans
Safeties under contract: DJ Swearinger, Lonnie Ballentine, Terrance Parks
Why Rolle is a fit: Swearinger is the only starting-caliber safety on the roster, and he's more of a "box" safety than a rangy coverage type. Rolle would be a solid stopgap replacement for free agent Danieal Manning, a similar type of player with the ability to play both safety positions.

Indianapolis Colts
Safeties under contract: Winston Guy, Dewey McDonald
Why Rolle is a fit: As you can see, the Colts safety depth chart is basically at ground zero, with 2014 starters Laron Landry and Mike Adams both free agents. Landry will be gone after his second PED suspension, but If they don't bring Adams back, Rolle would give the Colts another potential ballhawk alongside cornerback Vontae Davis, and help shore up their porous pass defense.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Safeties under contract: Jonathan Cyprien, Tommie Campbell, Joshua Evans, Craig Loston, Matt Daniels
Why Rolle is a fit: Rolle said he wants to play for a winner but he might not have a choice. The Jaguars have a young secondary who could use Rolle's intangibles and mentorship, and are also desperate for a playmaker in the defensive backfield. Rolle could be rejuvenated by a move to his home state.


(nj.com)