Captain Munnerlyn, Alterraun Verner, Nolan Carroll have interest from Pittsburgh Steelers
Tennessee Titans cornerback Alterraun Verner (20) at practice for the 2014 Pro Bowl at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers biggest position of need this offseason is clearly as cornerback, as they can’t continue to move forward with Ike Taylor as their No. 1 cornerback. Most people- and I’m certainly no different- have the Steelers selecting a cornerback with their first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, and that CB is usually- I’m also no different in this regard- is Oklahoma State’s talented Justin Gilbert. But drafting Gilbert probably isn’t enough to adequately address such a huge position of need, especially given how important cornerbacks are in this league. No, the Steelers need to take a strong look at signing a solid starter on the free agent market, and that’s exactly what they are doing.
Per multiple sources close to ESPN NFL Nation’s Scott Brown, the Pittsburgh Steelers have interest in Tennessee Titans star cornerback Alterraun Verner, Miami Dolphins CB Nolan Carroll, and Carolina Panthers versatile impending free agent Captain Munnerlyn, who is quietly gaining momentum as an underrated buy here during the legal tampering period.
Verner would be a dream addition for the Steelers if they can afford him, but Munnerlyn looks like the more cost-effective addition. Even though he won’t truly come cheap, he won’t command a monster deal like Verner, and the Steelers could have a nice CB group in Gilbert/Verrett (draft), Munnerlyn, and Taylor next season. Carroll, on the other hand, should be viewed as like a “Plan C” option. He isn’t a bad player and would still be an upgrade for the Steelers, but I just don’t think he’s good enough to significantly fill this huge need.