The period for agents of free agents to negotiate with NFL teams began today at 11:00am CT, and the rumors have been steadily pouring in.
Free agent cornerback Alterraun Verner has been the topic of a good portion of those rumors. Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean reports that the Lions, Steelers and Giants have been added to the mix of teams interested in the former UCLA Bruin’s services (via Twitter).
Verner has previously drawn interest from the Vikings, Jets and Rams, and is apparently lukewarm of giving the Titans a hometown discount.
Widely regarded among the top free agent cornerbacks, Verner surely was pleased to see fellow FA corner Sam Shields sign a four-year contract with the Packers for $39MM earlier today. PFR’s Luke Adams ranked Verner as the No. 8 overall free agent and No. 2 corner behind Aqib Talib at No. 7. Shields ranks 12 spots behind Verner at No. 20. ProFootballFocus.com rated Verner as the No. 12 cornerback in football last season (subscription required).
More free agent rumors from around the league…
- Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press confirmed Wyatt’s report of the Lions having interest in Verner (via Twitter), though he can’t see it happening, citing safety as a bigger need.
- Among the teams to inquire on safety Jairus Byrd today were the Rams, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter). Rapoport called the interest “unexpected and interesting.”
- The Giants have expressed interest in former Ravens defensive lineman Arthur Jones, reports Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
- Wilson also reported that the Falcons are “extremely” interested in free agent offensive guard Jon Asamoah, who has played 59 games for the Chiefs the past four seasons, with 41 starts.