NFL Free Agency Rumors: Rams Inquire About S Jairus Byrd, What Shields Deal Means For Verner

Nov. 15, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills free safety Jairus Byrd (31) recovers a fumble during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

It was reported earlier today that the St. Louis Rams were one of the teams interested in Titans cornerback Alterraun Verner as many had expected. However, one that may have come as a little more of a surprise is that the Rams have also inquired about Bills safety Jairus Byrd.

The Rams have a gaping hole at the safety position other than T.J. McDonald who showed flashes in his rookie season. Adding a difference maker like Byrd would greatly improve a Rams secondary that struggled last season.

Byrd reportedly wants more than $9 million per year which is something that the Rams would like to avoid spending, but could do it if needed. Many expected the Rams to just sit back in free agency and grab a few medium-tier players, but after the first day of inquiries, that doesn’t seem to be the case. The Rams are going to try and get these big name players.

The Rams did make an inquiry on Verner earlier Saturday, but the chances of him coming to St. Louis just got a lot less likely after the Packers re-signed cornerback Sam Shields to a big four year deal.

Shields and Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes have done, what you could say, set the market for free agent cornerbacks. For the Rams to sign Verner, it would most likely cost them $10 million plus, making a deal with Verner an unlikely possibility for the Rams at that price.

If the Rams end up singing either of these players, obviously the slim chances of re-signing tackle/guard Rodger Saffold go down the drain, but losing Saffold and signing one of these playmakers on defense might be worth it.