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The NFL free agency negotiating period began on Saturday, and rumors are already swirling about how the Detroit Lions might improve their secondary. Specifically, the Lions reportedly have interest in free-agent cornerback Alterraun Verner, who is set to hit the open market after spending four seasons with the Tennessee Titans.
The Lions are far from the only team with interest in Verner:
Add the Lions, Steelers and Giants to the mix of teams with interest in #Titans CB Alterraun Verner. Mentioned Rams, Vikings & NYJ earlier
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 9, 2014
Verner graded out as the No. 12 cornerback in the NFL on Pro Football Focus last season, and he had 57 tackles, 22 passes defended and 5 interceptions for the Titans. He is viewed as one of the top free-agent cornerbacks, and considering the Green Bay Packers gave cornerback Sam Shields a four-year deal worth $39 million, Verner is going to get a pretty big contract.
With Verner generating so much interest around the league, it seems unlikely that the Lions will be able to afford him. Adding him to the secondary would be quite nice, though. The Lions could use a young corner with a proven track record, and Verner definitely fits that description.