Morris Claiborne’s suspension explains his free agent availability
By Matt Conner
The NFL suspended Morris Claiborne four games to start the 2019 season on Monday which could explain why no team has yet to sign him.
When the National Football League announced the four-game suspension of veteran cornerback Morris Claiborne on Monday to start the upcoming 2019 regular season, it wasn’t just a news hit. It was also likely an explanation as to why Claiborne has yet to find employment for the coming year.
Just yesterday, Albert Breer noted in his Monday Morning Quarterback column that multiple teams were hungry for a corner. Claiborne is likely the most talented—or at least most obvious—free agent grab left on the market, which raised questions as to why teams with such legitimate needs were passing over supplies on shelves. Now we have our answers—or at least an answer.
Claiborne is certainly past his prime, but the veteran is still only 29-years-old. He’s started 30 games for the N.Y. Jets in the last two years and came away with 22 batted passes and 3 interceptions in that span. Pro Football Focus grades haven’t exactly been kind to Claiborne, but in a more limited role, Claiborne could hide some weaknesses while providing veteran experience.
Then again, maybe the Chiefs have been burned going down that road before. Orlando Scandrick lost his starting role as the season wore on in 2018. David Amerson never played a single snap. Darrelle Revis had nothing left, as it turns out. Perhaps Veach is wondering whether or not Claiborne would be just another failed veteran attempt in that line.
The need is certainly there on paper. Bashaud Breeland, Charvarius Ward, and Kendall Fuller have the top three spots locked down, but beyond that it’s anyone’s guess—a hopeful mess being sorted out in training camp featuring names like D’Montre Wade and Rashad Fenton.
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For now, Claiborne remains available to any team for 12 games in the upcoming season. That will be valuable to someone in this pass-happy league even if the Chiefs are burned on such vets near the end of their rope.