
#1 CB · Free Agent
Height
6'2"
Weight
201 lbs
Age
25
College
Mississippi State
Draft
2022, Rd 3, #68
Experience
4 yrs
Grade Martin Emerson Jr.
Your grade joins the crowd-sourced Fan Verdict.
On the books, the Contract Value Index reads A+, a clear bargain. The public read is positive (B Sentiment), drawn from current news and social signal rather than the box score.
| Year | Team | GP | INT | PD | Tkl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 50 | 4 | 34 | 202 | |
| 2024 | ![]() | 17 | 0 | 5 | 80 |
| 2023 | ![]() | 16 | 4 | 14 | 59 |
| 2022 | ![]() | 17 | 0 | 15 |
Total Value
$7.1M
Guaranteed
$4.4M
AAV
$1.8M/yr
This is an absolute steal for whoever signs Martin Emerson Jr., earning an A+ CVI that reflects exceptional value in today's cornerback market. An above-average starter commanding just $1.8M annually represents a massive discount compared to the $12-15M AAV that similarly productive corners typically receive, making this one of the most team-friendly deals we've seen at the position. At 24 years old, Emerson is entering his prime years with significant upside still untapped, meaning this contract could look even more favorable as he develops. The $4.4M in guaranteed money out of $7.1M total provides reasonable security for the player while minimizing long-term risk for the signing team, though the "unknown years" structure leaves some questions about how the deal is backloaded. Any team that lands Emerson at this price point is getting premium cornerback production at backup money, freeing up substantial cap space to address other roster needs while locking up a key defensive piece well below market rate.
Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the A band — a quick read on where Martin's contract sits relative to comparable money.
A Performance grade for Martin Emerson Jr. is not currently available.
Inside the Free Agent ecosystem, the take on Martin Emerson Jr. settles at a B sentiment grade. The narrative surrounding the third-year cornerback has shifted decisively positive since his move to New Orleans, with media coverage framing the signing as a shrewd low-risk acquisition and positioning him as a reclamation candidate—a storyline that generates meaningful goodwill despite his modest headline credentials. Analysts have been particularly vocal about what they view as a missed opportunity during his time in Cleveland, suggesting that a fresh start in a new defensive scheme could unlock untapped potential that his previous organization failed to maximize. His 2024 season production of 80 tackles across 17 games reflects solid depth-piece execution rather than stardom, yet the broader media narrative treats him as a high-upside bet rather than a proven commodity, amplifying perception of value that contract economics alone wouldn't justify. The welcoming reception in New Orleans—captured in recent headlines emphasizing how quickly he's settled into his new environment—has created momentum heading into the 2026 season, leaving Emerson in the unusual position of carrying more positive buzz than his accolades or production numbers would typically warrant.
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Martin Emerson Jr. is a player in his 4th NFL season listed at CB for the Free Agent. FanVerdicts covers every NFL player, team, GM, and transaction — and puts your verdict on all of it. Sign in to cast your Fan Verdict on Martin Emerson Jr., see where the crowd lands, and argue the call. FanVerdicts also brings its own read — performance, sentiment, and Contract Value Index — as one honest input alongside the crowd's. Where FanVerdicts has weighed in so far: Contract Value Index A+, Sentiment B.
The crowd's Fan Verdict moves in real time as fans vote on this profile. FanVerdicts' own read updates as new data lands — performance recalculates when NFL game stats post, sentiment shifts with media coverage and fan discussion, and the Contract Value Index recomputes when contract terms change. Contract details below show the structure (years, total value, average annual value, guarantees) behind the Contract Value Index read.
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Updated Jun 9, 2026