New York Jets: Potential Free Agent Chris Culliver

Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver

(15) makes a catch against San Francisco 49ers cornerback

(29) at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

As we move closer and closer to the start of free agency, we are profiling prospects that the New York Jets should be taking a hard look at. The Jets need help at the cornerback position and have the money to spend to get that help, so the next few days should be exciting.

We have been profiling the position as one the Jets will target during free agency. Earlier today, we took a look at Byron Maxwell, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks. Now, we are going to take a look at another guy that should be on the Jets radar, former 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver.

Let’s take a look.

Next: NFL Career

Nov 16, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver

(82) can

Let’s look at Culliver’s career stats to date:

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I know I said earlier today that interceptions are not always the way to judge a cornerback.  That being said, I like the fact that he had four interceptions last year.  Culliver was coming off of a 2013 ACL injury that sidelined him the entire year.  To come back with a career high in interceptions shows you something about this guy’s ability.

Knocking down 35 passes in three years is nothing to sneeze at either.

Next: PFF Stats

Dec 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver (29) intercepts the ball on a pass from Arizona Cardinals quarterback

(14, not pictured) during the third quarter at Levi

According to Pro Football Focus, Culliver was thrown at quite often, 73 times to be exact. Receivers caught 37 of those passes for a 50.7% completion percentage. Quarterbacks posted a 66.5 passer rating when going after Chris Culliver.

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• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency

Chris Culliver’s biggest selling point is coverage snaps per reception. Literally, this tells us how often Culliver gives up a completion when he is the primary guy in coverage. Culliver is sixth in the league, giving up one reception every 13.3 coverage snaps. Our focus this morning, Byron Maxwell, gave up a reception every nine coverage snaps.

Quite the difference.

Next: Financials

December 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver

(12) misses a catch against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver (29) during the fourth quarter at Levi

Chris Culliver is another guy that has outplayed his original contract. Over four years, Culliver averaged only a little over $650,000 per year.

At 26 years old, Chris Culliver is heading into the prime of his career. As one of the top cornerbacks available in free agency, Culliver will command a pay day. I don’t know that he will garner Byron Maxwell money, and he certainly won’t bring in Revis money. Culliver should be at a level just behind those guys.

At the right price, Chris Culliver is certainly a guy the New York Jets should consider adding to the roster.

Next: Ramifications of the Brandon Marshall Trade