Ross

Cockrell

Elevated to the Bucs’ active roster last October, Cockrell ended up making 12 appearances, including two starts. He played 94 snaps during the Bucs’ four-game postseason run. Headed into his age-30 campaign, Cockrell is experienced depth who can also help out on special teams.

Cockrell passed his physical and COVID test but balked at contract terms the G-Men thought he had already agreed to. The Giants need a veteran body with DeAndre Baker on the commissioner’s exempt list. Cockrell made 11 starts for the Panthers’ undermanned 2019 defense. A journeyman headed into his age-29 campaign, Cockrell isn’t going to get too many more 53-man roster opportunities.

This is Cockrell’s second signing with the Giants after playing there in 2017. With DeAndre Baker’s career in doubt and Sam Beal opting out, he could be stepping into a starting role. Cockrell made 11 starts opposite James Bradberry in Carolina last year, holding opposing quarterbacks to a 68.1 passer rating. He’s a replacement level corner, but this gives the Giants a proven veteran. Cockrell’s signing means Julian Love, Grant Haley, and rookie Darnay Holmes will likely compete at the nickel spot.

Cockrell will be a game-time decision after getting in a limited Friday practice. This is an upgrade after an early rule out last week, but he’s on the wrong side of questionable. Even if he plays, Cockrell isn’t going to be 100 percent.

Carolina already had their hands full with Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, but they will now be down at least one starting corner. CBs James Bradberry and Donte Jackson are also battling injuries, although they are tentatively expected to play.

His absence would represent an upgrade to Davante Adams’ matchup. If Bradberry can’t suit up in Green Bay, Ross Cockrell would likely shift outside opposite Donte Jackson with Javien Elliott moving into the slot for Carolina.

This was expected after Cockrell went down with a broken left tibia and fibula earlier this week. It’s a potential season-ending injury for Cockrell, who signed a two-year $6.8 million deal back in March. The Panthers added OT Adam Bisnowaty off waivers to replace Cockrell’s 90-man roster spot.

An afterthought signing at final cuts last year, Cockrell ended up starting seven games and has easily beaten out first-rounder Artie Burns in training camp this year. “Since last season, he has done nothing but continue to move onward and upward from that,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “I would imagine he didn’t anticipate playing over 700 snaps, and he did a heck of a job with it. I think he’s putting himself in position to play that amount this year.”

An afterthought addition in early September, Cockrell went on to start seven games and hold his own. He graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 23 cornerback. Cockrell will have to beat out raw first-rounder Artie Burns.

The lowest-possible tender sets up Cockrell for a $1.8 million base salary. It’s somewhat surprising Cockrell didn’t land a second-round tender after emerging as Pittsburgh’s top corner the past two years, at times chasing No. 1 receivers. Still, Cockrell seems unlikely to generate significant interest on the restricted free agent market. The price for another team to acquire Cockrell would be a fourth-round pick and a big contract, and the Steelers can match any offer sheet Cockrell might receive.