Oakland Raiders: Free Agents Still Up For Grabs Who Won’t Break The Bank

Alterraun Verner (CB)

A few seasons ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers threw a ton of cash at Alterraun Verner to pry him out of Tennessee – a four-year, nearly $26 million dollar deal (with $14 million guaranteed), if you’re scoring at home.

Now, three seasons later, Verner has been cut with a year left on his deal – after a season in which, he made just three starts among the 16 games. All told, Verner made just 23 starts in 46 games while wearing a Buccaneers uniform, compiling just four interceptions and 20 passes defensed overall.

Doesn’t seem like the most sound investment of nearly $26 million dollars ever.

At 28 years old, Verner is a free agent, is still technically in his prime, has a lot to prove, and is looking for a home. And that could all potentially add up to McKenzie being able to land a cornerback who was pretty good at one time for a very team friendly price.

Though the Raiders do have Travis Carrie on the roster – the fact that D.J. Hayden was getting the majority of reps in the slot, indicates that the team needs to upgrade at their slot corner position. They also need to address the glaring lack of depth. Verner could fill both roles.

With David Amerson and Sean Smith locking down the outside, Verner could potentially play the slot and give Oakland a pretty wicked secondary. He could also provide a solid veteran backup in the event of injury or ineffectiveness – something the Raiders did not have last season.