Reports: Buccaneers Release Alterraun Verner

News has come across that the Buccaneers have released veteran cornerback Alterraun Verner.

As one of two Buccaneers defenders who entered the 2016 season on prove-it or lose-it status, Verner certainly lasted longer than Johnthan Banks. Alas, it appears he is no longer a Buc as many sources are reporting his release including NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The seven-year pro came to Tampa by way of the Tennessee Titans before the 2014 season in free-agency and had a serviceable showing in his first year on the roster as he nabbed two interceptions and had his third-highest tackle total of his career.

It was all downhill, as they say, after that however as his 2015 campaign left much to be desired and resulted in his role being reduced as he gave way to then rookie Jude Adjei-Barimah and Sterling Moore who has since departed as well.

2016 saw his role diminished to that of special teams and role player off the bench for a squad which nearly made the playoffs and had their strongest defensive outings in the last quarter of the season.

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While he only started three games this past year, it wasn’t completely without significance.

Shortly after the passing of his father, Verner opted to play in the team’s home contest against the Seattle Seahawks. In it, one of the more emotional moments of the year played out on the field as the cornerback picked off Russell Wilson and just as quickly as the play ended he was on the ground as he found himself swarmed by teammates showing their support for a fellow player in pain.

This most certainly isn’t the ending of his time as a Bucs player Verner probably imagined, but it is the beginning of the franchise moving forward with younger players in tow, and a chance for the once valued cover man to find a fresh start.

According to Darin Gantt of Pro Football Talk, the team saves $6.5 million against the cap with the move.

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At 28 years of age, he will likely get a chance to play elsewhere in 2017, and I for one wish him all the best moving forward.

What do you think of the move Bucs fans? Let us know in comments or on Twitter, and thanks for reading!