The Miami Dolphins signed former Pro-Bowl cornerback Alterraun Verner this week. His potential impact has been heavily debated.
The Miami Dolphins have brought in Alterraun Verner to compete at a talented but raw cornerback position this summer. This was yet another smart move by the front office. I’m not saying he’s going to suddenly be a starter and be an impact player, but it’s possible he could. This is a low-risk, high-upside signing and there was no reason not to make it.
If Verner doesn’t pan out this summer, the Dolphins cut their losses and move on from him. However, perhaps there were scheme issues in Tampa Bay and he just wasn’t a good fit there. There is no losing here because if he looks good at training camp the team suddenly just added a 28-year-old former Pro-Bowler at a position which is highly coveted in today’s NFL.
While in Tennessee he proved to be a well-rounded corner who was capable of tackling, covering and being a playmaker. His tackling stayed solid in Tampa, but he never looked comfortable as a cover man there after signing his massive deal. This is a guy with a 100-tackle season on his resume, as well as a five-interception season, and has often found a way to find his hand in fumbles throughout his career.
It would be a bit surprising if Verner won a starting job heading into Week 1. With that said, it wouldn’t be all that surprising if he kicked off the season as the primary man at nickel defending the slot. No one would be shocked if he didn’t make the team at all either.
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No matter how you slice this it was another intelligent, under the radar move by the current regime in Miami and they continue to look like a competent organization. Something the team had been lacking for well over a decade now. Hopefully Verner can become an impact player for the Phins and further strengthen a potentially dangerous defense.