Veteran cornerback Morris Claiborne is one of the more surprising names still left on the NFL free agent market, but it now makes more sense that he has not been signed with training camps well underway.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Claiborne is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He is appealing and has a chance to have the ban reduced.
Veteran CB Mo Claiborne, one of the top unsigned players, is facing a 4-game suspension for violations of the substance abuse policy, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. He’s appealing and it could be reduced. This would explain why a player as proven as he is would remain a FA.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 2, 2019
Claiborne, 29, is a former No. 6 overall pick who has had some solid seasons in the NFL. He spent the first six years of his career with the Dallas Cowboys before playing two seasons with the New York Jets, and there’s no questioning how much he loves football given some of the remarks he has made in the past.
Whether the suspension is upheld or not, it would be a surprise if Claiborne doesn’t wind up on a roster at some point this season. Solid cornerbacks are tough to find.
