The Jets are high on impending free agent cornerback Alterraun Verner, and it sounds like the feeling is mutual.
Verner spoke glowingly of the Jets in an interview with Adam Schein on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Radio on Monday.
“[Playing for Rex and the Jets] could be a [great fit],” Verner said. “[Darrelle] Revis and [Antonio] Cromartie both thrived in that system.”
The Jets released Cromartie on Sunday, and a source said they are “very interested” in Verner. It is possible they could sign him shortly after free agency begins Tuesday at 4 p.m., though they are going to have a lot of competition. Several teams, including the Giants, have interest in Verner as well.
But the Jets, who have nearly $40 million in salary cap space, have the money to spend on him and coach Rex Ryan loves cornerbacks.
“You’re not going to get a better all-around football player in the NFL [than me],” Verner said. “I’m gonna cover, don’t shy away from contact.”
Verner said going to a winning team is more important to him than money. He said he believes the Jets and Giants can win despite their 2013 seasons.
“Money is [a priority], but it isn’t,” Verner said. “I look at it differently. Some look at it tangibly. … I look at it as more of a respect value. I would feel more obliged to go to a team that paid me $6 or $7 million and made me one of the highest-paid players on the team than go to a team that paid me $8 or $9 million and I wasn’t one of the highest-paid players on the team.”
Verner, 25, was a Pro Bowler for the Titans last year. He said he thinks he could sign quickly.
Verner is not the only cornerback on the Jets’ radar. They also have interest in Panthers free agent corner Captain Munnerlyn, according to a source. The 25-year-old had two interceptions last season, including one he returned for a touchdown against the Jets.
Cromartie said he was surprised the Jets never approached him or his agent about reworking his contact.
“I just thought, for us, me and my agent would get an opportunity to come in and either talk about an extension to get the cap number down or try to restructure,” Cromartie said on ESPN Radio. “But, right now, we didn’t hear anything from them.”
Cromartie did not rule out a return to the Jets.
The Jets continue to try to get a deal done with free agent RT Austin Howard before free agency opens, but he is now drawing interest from other teams, according to a source. … The Jets have expressed interest in Ravens free agent TE Ed Dickson, according to a source. … The San Francisco Chronicle reported the Jets are among the teams interested in 49ers free agent S Donte Whitner. … The Jets tendered restricted free agent LB Nick Bellore at the lowest level ($1.4 million), according to a source. The Jets would not receive compensation if they decline to match another team’s offer.