Report - Jets Contact CB Alterraun Verner

Most of you will have already heard this piece of news, but earlier today it was reported that the Jets had contacted Verner who is now about to become a free agent after the Titans failed to apply the franchise tag or work out a contract extension.

Different people are reporting different levels of interest the Jets may have, and it is believed that the Vikings and Rams have made contact with Verner's agent too.

Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie is likely to be released if a re-worked contract can't be agreed upon so this may signal that the Jets are ready to move on from Cromartie and splash a little money in the secondary.

Of course it could also just mean that the Jets are doing their due diligence and investigating what the price may be for the talented 25 year old. The Vikings may have a leg up on the competition as former Titans coordinator Jerry Gray currently works as a defensive backs aide for Minnesota.

It is being reported that it will likely take between $8-$10 million per year to land Verner who has been one of the better corners in the league over the last few years.

PFF ranked Verner as the 12th best corner in the league last year, he is credited with giving up just two touchdowns and being tied for second in the league with 14 passes defended. He held teams to under 50% completion percentage when throwing into his coverage however he was credited with 8 missed tackles.

A 4th round pick in 2010, Tennessee saw him more as a zone coverage player rather than a man-to-man cover guy, but I think he showed that he can play either. He has gone on record to say that he doesn't need to be paid like a top 5 corner and he doesn't need $10 or $11 million a year, he just wants to be respected.