NFL Free Agency Primer: Rock Ya-Sin

The regular season has come to a close, and most teams have already begun the complicated process of preparing for the 2023 season. As the new league year approaches, we'll be covering the impending free agents most capable of shifting the balance of power in the NFL.

The Player: Rock Ya-Sin

Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin was the subject of the rare player-for-player trade last season, landing with the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue. Ya-Sin responded with arguably his best season as a pro, allowing an 82.6 passer rating on throws in his direction. He may not have a lot of splash plays on his resume (two interceptions in 52 career games), but he's a competent defensive back that can be counted on to not get torched.

The Fit:

Ya-Sin is a former second-round pick and has the size and athleticism that pedigree would imply. He's reliable in coverage but has never been a playmaker or part of a particularly exceptional defense. He's never been trusted to start consistently on the outside. He belongs in a scheme that tries to limit big plays and doesn't demand dramatic risks from its corners.

The Contract:

Ya-Sin was traded straight up for pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue last year, which implies they were of comparable value once adjusting for their contracts. Ngakoue was in the final year of a two-year, $26 million contract, and Ya-Sin was wrapping up his much cheaper rookie contract. Ya-Sin didn't light the world on fire with the Raiders, so he'll likely fall short of Ngakoue's per-year average. He'll probably land a deal that positions him as a team 's CB3, something in the neighborhood of Kenny Moore's four-year, $33 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts.

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