The Steelers have reportedly expressed interest in free agent cornerback Alterraun Verner, according to Titans beat writer Jim Wyatt. Wyatt notes that several other teams have also expressed interest in the free agent defensive back. This report makes sense, much more sense then the rumor that surfaced earlier about the Steelers alleged interest in TE Jermichael Finley.
Verner was drafted by the Titans in the 4th round in the 2010 draft. He had 49 total tackles and 5 interceptions last year. It was also his first pro bowl appearance.
Bill Polian, in tandem with ESPN, recently rated free agent cornerbacks. Here’s what he had to say about Verner.
“Verner may not have top-end size or speed, but he is an excellent starting-level cornerback who plays with terrific toughness and a willingness to be physical. He has the strength and balance to be physical at or near the line of scrimmage without losing his feet with very good ball skills and on-ball production and an understanding of opposing route concepts. He lacks the elite short-area quickness and burst to match up against slot receivers but can ably handle perimeter cornerback duties. He is good at the point of catch, playing his technique through the catch and disrupting receivers. At age 25 and playing a premium position, he could cash in on the open market above this grade level.”
Verner will command a decent contract, but could possibly be had for an amount the Steelers could afford. Certainly a considerably lower 1st year cap hit than Ike Taylor’s current one. Here’s what Verner said last week about taking a hometown discount with the Titans.
“It is not like I want the Titans to spend all of their salary cap just to keep me,” said Verner. “It is not like I need $10 or I need $11 million, or I need to be one of the top five highest-paid corners in the league. I want them to be able to sign other guys to help the team.
“But I also want to feel respected, and the way Tennessee has operated and the way they have paid veteran players, they have set the tempo on how they value players. So if they don’t offer me something that shows they value me, I feel like it is a slap in my face.”
Whether or not the Steelers are sincerely interested is hard to determine. While it’s a possibility, it’s also very likely that expressed interest is a just negotiating tool.