A free agent more than three weeks into the new league year, Brent Grimes is not yet ready to wrap up his career.
The veteran cornerback wants to play in 2019, according to Greg Auman of The Athletic (on Twitter). Grimes has logged 12 NFL seasons, having been a full-time starter throughout this decade.
Grimes, though, will be entering what would be his age-36 season. This decade, only three cornerbacks — Al Harris, Ronde Barber and Terence Newman — have been regulars north of 36. Only four cornerbacks have started more than 10 games since 2000, with Eric Allen (15 starts for the 2001 Raiders) joining this exclusive list. Grimes made three Pro Bowls after his 30th birthday, each coming with the Dolphins, and started for the past three Buccaneers defenses.
In 791 snaps last season, Grimes graded as Pro Football Focus’ No. 84 cornerback. The Bucs used second-round picks on M.J. Stewart and Carlton Davis last year, though Stewart has moved to safety. The team did not add any corners this offseason. This, and other teams’ needs at this premium position, obviously leave the door open for Grimes to play a 13th season. The Bucs signed Grimes to a two-year deal in 2016 and kept him on a one-year, $7MM agreement last year.
The former Falcons, Dolphins and Bucs corner has not taken any known free agent visits or been linked to any teams thus far. Although he did not intercept a pass last season, he has 33 in his career. Among NFLers who suited up in 2018, only Reggie Nelson (38) and Aqib Talib (35) have more.
His wife should retire
Sign Brent Grimes and you sign his wife too. And she ain’t worth the headache.