Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers cornerback Jason Verrett (22) awaits the snap during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Chargers aren’t letting go of their Pro Bowl corner anytime soon.
According to ESPN’s Eric Williams, general manager Tom Telesco said the Chargers plan on picking up cornerback Jason Verrett’s fifth-year option. Barring a long-term extension, which will likely happen in the next year or so, Verrett will remain a Charger through 2018.
Verrett was the No. 25 overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft. He was the fourth corner off the board behind Justin Gilbert (No. 9 overall), Kyle Fuller (No. 14 overall) and Darqueze Dennard (No. 24 overall). In NFL Media analyst’s Elliot Harrison’s 2014 draft do-over, Verrett is the first corner taken.
Originally projected by scouts to be a slot corner because of his small stature, Verrett has gone on to become an elite cornerback in the league. Through three seasons, Verrett has 19 pass deflections, five interceptions and one defensive touchdown while earning the label of “shutdown corner.” He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2015.
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Unfortunately, Verrett has failed to stay healthy. He has yet to play a full, 16-game season, missing 24 total games. Last year, a torn ACL kept him from playing in all but four games.
If Verrett, who’s only 25 years old, can stay on the field, the Chargers will have two of the best corners in the game, with 2016 interception leader Casey Hayward playing alongside of him. The Chargers are lacking depth behind them, so look for the team to add another corner in the 2017 draft.
In other news, 2016 Defensive Rookie of the Year Joey Bosa reported to voluntary workouts Monday. Bosa has been working with a personal trainer in Florida the past two weeks (which wasn’t a big deal whatsoever), but it’s good to see one of the defensive leaders back working out with the team.
If you want to check out Telesco’s full pre-draft press conference, click here.