Don’t close the door on cornerback Jason Verrett yet. Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said he has talked with him and his representation, and left open the door of a possible return for him in free agency. Telesco emphasized the fact Los Angeles know Verrett well and the type of player he is.
The Bolts got a polarizing first-round selection with Verrett in the 2014 NFL draft. A year later after being drafted, Verrett posted his best season yet in 2015, in which he made a Pro Bowl appearance after a three interception campaign. But since then, it has been a downward spiral for the 27-year old CB that has been filled with injuries.
Verrett has only played five games over the past three seasons. He suffered an achilles’ injury in 2018, which ended his year before it even began. Therefore, it makes out to be a difficult decision whether or not to bring him back when he hits free agency this offseason, considering the Chargers haven’t had the best luck with injuries in the past.
The cornerbacks currently on roster for Los Angeles were relatively underwhelming last season. But bringing back Verrett may not be an upgrade for the group, factoring in the big risk of another serious injury that could occur. Instead, L.A. may be better off seeking one in free agency or in the middle-late rounds in the 2019 NFL draft.
If the Chargers do indeed try to pursue Verrett for his fifth season, it’ll be on a one-year, prove-it deal. But despite the injuries, the Fairfield native might think that he’s worth more since he’s young and capable of still producing like his 2015 self right away for L.A. or a new team in 2019.
