The NY Jets are heading into free agency with some money to spend and now Alterraun Verner is expected to be a top target along with Aqib Talib, Brandon Browner, Vontae Davis and Tim Jennings after New York decided to release cornerback Antonio Cromartie in a salary cap saving move.
The Jets are coming into the offseason with some solid salary cap space and the Cromartie move saves the team nearly $10 million against the cap this season, as he was set to make a $5 million roster bonus. According to ESPN.com, the Jets made the move on Sunday and they could be looking to re-sign him in the offseason, but they also will shop the free agent market and Pro Football Talk reports that Verner could be a top option for the team. Dee Milliner has one spot locked down and Verner is one of the top free agents on the market along with Davis, Jennings and Talib along with Brandon Browner, who was reinstated by the NFL after his time with the Seahawks.
Cromartie was a solid corner for the Jets for a number of years after the team acquired him from the Chargers, but last season he did not play up to his usual standards and despite making the Pro Bowl on year, overall his time with the Jets was a disappointment. Last season the 25 year old Verner made five interceptions and nearly 60 tackles and made his first Pro Bowl and he is expected to have a number of suitors on the market. Brent Grimes already signed back with the Miami Dolphins and Sam Shields is also off the market after deciding to stay with the Green Bay Packers.
Verner's deal is likely to be the highest of any defensive back on the market and the Jets could afford to pay him, but they may opt to try two lower level players to get more depth at the position. Talib also is reportedly looking at being paid like a top corner in the league and he is 28 years old and one things to look at is durability and he has missed at least three games in each of the past four seasons and hasn't played in more than 13 since back in 2009 when he was with the Bucs. Verner on the other hand has never missed a game in four years and while he may cost a bit, he could be worth it for his age and talent.
Browner hits the market after his suspension was lifted by the NFL and he comes in at a good time, as he is a former Pro Bowl player and is one of the biggest corners on the market. Teams looking for someone at less of a price could look towards Browner or even Tarrell Brown. The Jets could give themselves even more money in cap space with cuts coming down the line and if they let Mark Sanchez go, that will free up even more money and another likely cut is Mike Goodson and that means the Jets could have over $40 million to spend. Names like Josh McCown, Eric Decker and Dexter McCluster as well as Hakeem Nicks have come up as potential targets and they have already brought back Jeff Cumberland at tight end.
