Landing spots for Byron Maxwell
By Luke Drage
Former ‘Legion of Boom’ member Byron Maxwell is on the hunt for a new team. The Dolphins released the veteran cornerback on Tuesday after a little over a season in Miami.
Byron Maxwell struggled to earn playing time in 2017 and hadn’t played a snap since week 3. His playing level has been up and down ever since leaving Seattle in 2014.
The 29-year-old will have a hard time picking up another big contract but he should find suitors on the open market. There are plenty of teams that are needy across their secondaries but who might pursue the now former Dolphin.
Seattle Seahawks
A reunion with his old team is certainly on the cards. The Seahawks have struggled to find a consistent replacement at right cornerback ever since Maxwell departed.
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Jeremy Lane, Cary Williams and Deshawn Shead have all had their moments but failed to fully establish themselves as long-term starters. Maxwell knows the system, fits it perfectly, and most importantly, Pete Carroll and Kris Richard know him well.
Richard worked closely with Maxwell as defensive backs coach during his time in Seattle, enjoying a great deal of success as a part of one of the best secondaries in league history. They need depth and experience and the chance to play at Century Link again should certainly be appealing to the former Seahawk.
Shaquill Griffin is the incumbent starter but Maxwell could certainly provide a veteran edge over the rookie.
The seventh-year pro would certainly help the eighth ranked passing defense in the league to elevate even further.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons provide another reunion of sorts for Maxwell. Dan Quinn was his defensive coordinator in Seattle and will certainly have interest in bringing his former player into a struggling Falcons defense.
Despite all their young talent, the defense has been rather flat and is struggling to create turnovers. Only the Raiders have fewer picks than Atlanta’s two and Maxwell would inevitably help in that regard.
The former sixth-round pick has been wildly inconsistent since leaving Quinn’s defense and a reunion could see him return to his best. Still only 29, Maxwell has a few good years left in him and Quinn and Thomas Dimitroff should make a play for his services.
Desmond Trufant and Brian Poole are 1 and 2 on the depth chart at RCB but Maxwell is versatile and could take snaps on both sides of the field or in the slot.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys defense is starting to improve, particular up front. But, it is worryingly young in the secondary and a veteran like Maxwell to provide leadership and steady play would be hugely beneficial.
Rod Marinelli consistently gets the best out of defensive players. If he can weave his magic to draw some of the old Byron Maxwell out, Dallas could lock down one side of the field going forward.
The Cowboys rank in the bottom ten in the league in passing touchdowns conceded and opponents passer rating. They also have the third fewest picks in the league.
The front seven is starring though with over 20 sacks already and the passing defense is letting the unit down. They need all the help they can get on the outside and Maxwell would be a shrewd addition to improve a worrisome area.
The Raiders, Colts and Patriots are others that may have interest in the former Dolphins, Eagles and Seahawks man.