Giants to target CB Verner in free agency
Oct 6, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Donnie Avery (17) catches a pass in front of Tennessee Titans cornerback Alterraun Verner (20) during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Defense wins championships, and that is exactly what the Giants are putting a priority on this free-agency season. As reported by the New York Daily News, the Giants are apparently ready to place a competitive bid on the cornerback from Tennessee. Cornerback is one of the Giant’s biggest needs this offseason as they need someone to fill the hole and play opposite of Prince Amukamara, but it was widely considered that they would address that need with their 12th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft by selecting someone like Justin Gilbert or whomever they had at the top of their board.
The Giants only have around $17 million to spend this offseason and spending a huge chunk of that on a top-tier corner may not be the wisest decision. Similar CB Sam Shields has reportedly signed a $39 million contract for four years with $12 million guaranteed.
The fact that they want to spend big money on a cornerback could point to addressing the impending pass-rushing problem they are going to have with Justin Tuck’s impending leave through the draft instead of free-agency. This would save them from paying the premium on a top-notch pass rusher and have one to develop and have on a rookie contract for the next few years.
The Giants would have to shell up at least $8-9 million for his services, unless of course he is true to his word when he said that he prefers to go to a team that values winning more than money.
During a recent interview on Sports Dog Radio, Verner said some interesting things:
“I feel more compelled to go to a team that I think can win.. I haven’t had that experience for the past four years in Tennessee”
“I would feel more obliged to go to a team that paid me $6 or $7 million and made me one of the highest-paid players on the team than go to a team that paid me $8 or $9 million and I wasn’t one of the highest-paid players on the team”
“I believe (the Jets and Giants) could both win… Jets were hot & cold last year.. the Giants had a down year”
The Giants had a down year to say the least, but the fact that Verner is considering them, and the need they have for the position, could make this a match made in heaven.