Cornerback: Malcolm Butler, Tennessee Titans
Contract: Five years, $61.25 million with $24 million guaranteed
A former undrafted free agent with the New England Patriots, Malcolm Butler rose to prominence as a rookie when he made a Super Bowl winning play against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. With Seattle at the one-yard line trailing 28-24, they went for the game-winning touchdown only to have the rookie intercept Russell Wilson‘s pass.
From there, he grew into the best corner on the Patriots and eventually signed a massive deal with the Tennessee Titans. Unfortunately, he struggled last season with the Titans, which makes his contract seem like a tough pill to swallow. It seems as though it’s never a good idea to sign people Bill Belichick allows to leave, and Tennessee learned this the hard way.
Cornerback: Janoris Jenkins, New York Giants
Contract: Five years, $62.5 million with $28.8 million fully guaranteed
In 2016, Janoris Jenkins was part of a massive defensive overhaul for the New York Giants. They signed Jenkins as well as defensive tackle Damon Harrison and edge rusher Olivier Vernon. At first, they all were fantastic together but then things fell apart for the Giants who have struggled over the past two seasons.
Entering 2019, Jenkins is the last high-priced addition from that offseason on the roster. He’s also overpaid now as his play slipped some last season and it may continue to do so now that he’s over the age of 30.