Alterraun Verner Signs 1-Year Contract with Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins announced Tuesday they've signed cornerback Alterraun Verner to a contract.

The Tampa Bay Times' Greg Auman reported the contract is for one year. The Dolphins also freed up a roster spot by placing linebacker Koa Misi on injured reserve. 

Verner, 28, spent the last three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A 2013 Pro Bowler in Tennessee, Verner quickly became a failed free-agent signing after moving to the Buccaneers before the 2014 season. He struggled for most of his first season before losing his starting job in 2015 and 2016.

Playing behind Vernon Hargreaves and Brent Grimes, Verner started just three games and set a career-low with 16 tackles. His one interception, which matched a career-worst, came in a November game against the Seattle Seahawks following the loss of his father.

“My dad was my biggest fan,” Verner told reporters. “He made so many sacrifices for me to get to where I am today and I just know he wouldn’t want him to be the cause for me not to play, so that’s why I decided to play. I wanted to honor him knowing all that he did to try to get me to where I am today.”

While he did not get enough snaps to qualify, Verner was not a lost cause when he was on the field. Pro Football Focus graded him with a mark that would have tied for 48th among cornerbacks last season. That's not enough for him to return to Pro Bowl form, but Verner could turn things around as a spot starter.

At age 28, Verner still has years left on the end of his prime and doesn't have a major injury history. He has missed only two games in his seven-year career.

As a buy-low option, there are a lot worse corners available on the open market.