Player Signing Patriots sign corner Carlton Davis

[upstater1]

Would rather get a "real" FS and just keep Jones at slot CB if he's back. He struggled last year but there were a lot of other holes on the defense too which made his job harder and he also was still playing outside a lot.

Marcus Jones was the best slot CB we've had in New England for a very long time, so the question is playing time for some of these guys. Would love to have Jonathan back maybe learning the FS position.

What I liked about our CBs right now is the depth.

If anyone gets hurt, I really like Alex Austin and what he can do back there.

 

[Real fan 02]

"The Patriots have arguably the best CB pairing in the NFL."

I seriously don't think it can be understated how MASSIVE it is to be able to say that. This team has had absolutely ZERO positional strengths for a few years now, on either side of the ball. They've had absolutely nothing to build a scheme around. It's critical to have SOMETHING that you can build around and set your scheme off of.

Everyone always talks about making the trenches (on both sides of the ball) that strength and I agree that's better, but you play the cards you're dealt. We had Gonzo as a starting point in the secondary and in general it's an easier position to really solidify as a strength because you don't have to account for rotating players. Like even if we signed Milton Williams for DT, he's still going to play closer to half the time than all the time.

They should continue to lean into this strength by properly addressing the FS spot, even considering moving on from one of Dugger/Peppers to get better coverage at SS as well. Would love to sign Jevon Holland AND Justin Reid so we can have two coverage-capable safeties and then play one of Dugger/Peppers as a box defender, essentially a full time LB.

The secondary excelled when we had Mcourty. Dugger and peppers just got new contracts so they are here peppers and Dugger both saying Vrabel reaching out to them when he became HC and saying how he wants to be a coach who can help them as players. We need that FS so Dugger and peppers can do what they do best.

 

[BelizePats]

****ing love this signing!!!

 

[Hugepatsfan]

Marcus Jones was the best slot CB we've had in New England for a very long time, so the question is playing time for some of these guys. Would love to have Jonathan back maybe learning the FS position.

What I liked about our CBs right now is the depth.

If anyone gets hurt, I really like Alex Austin and what he can do back there.

Marcus Jones is always hurt. It'd be nice to have a starting unit of Gonzo/Davis outside and MJones or JJones in the slot. Austin can be the backup at outside CB and whichever Jones isn't the starter can be a backup to the slot (while also taking reps as a backup FS, but we should still sign a starter).

 

[Hugepatsfan]

The secondary excelled when we had Mcourty. Dugger and peppers just got new contracts so they are here peppers and Dugger both saying Vrabel reaching out to them when he became HC and saying how he wants to be a coach who can help them as players. We need that FS so Dugger and peppers can do what they do best.

Yeah, I'm guessing they'll both be back. I'd like to sign Jevon Holland (MIA) or Camryn Bynum (MIN) for FS. That would mean Peppers is the SS and Dugger is essentially a LB. I'd run that as a base package unless someone forced me to play an actual LB instead.

I'd prefer to trade Peppers and sign Justin Reid for that SS spot because he's better in coverage and could backup FS as well. But that's probably overkill. Bringing back both Dugger/Peppers is fine.

 

[upstater1]

Marcus Jones is always hurt. It'd be nice to have a starting unit of Gonzo/Davis outside and MJones or JJones in the slot. Austin can be the backup at outside CB and whichever Jones isn't the starter can be a backup to the slot (while also taking reps as a backup FS, but we should still sign a starter).

Not sure about ALWAYS. Yes, he tore his pec/shoulder and missed his 2nd year, but otherwise he played in 29 of a possible 32 games (inactive his first 2 of rookie yr).

He's still going to be our punt returner, I'm betting.

 

[Real fan 02]

Yeah, I'm guessing they'll both be back. I'd like to sign Jevon Holland (MIA) or Camryn Bynum (MIN) for FS. That would mean Peppers is the SS and Dugger is essentially a LB. I'd run that as a base package unless someone forced me to play an actual LB instead.

I'd prefer to trade Peppers and sign Justin Reid for that SS spot because he's better in coverage and could backup FS as well. But that's probably overkill. Bringing back both Dugger/Peppers is fine.

Justin Reid IMO isn't on the level of peppers.. in 2023 peppers was playing at an all pro level.. we probably are best keeping the talent together as peppers is a leader and enforcer in the defense. Definitely in on Holland. Ultimately Dell petitus will succeed peppers when his contract expires. Peppers brings that Rodney type presence to the secondary.

 

[Hugepatsfan]

Not sure about ALWAYS. Yes, he tore his pec/shoulder and missed his 2nd year, but otherwise he played in 29 of a possible 32 games (inactive his first 2 of rookie yr).

He's still going to be our punt returner, I'm betting.

Feels like he's always on the injury report but yeah games played looks better than I though. Still stand by overall point though that even if he's the starter at slot, they should have a good backup because he does return punts which makes him susceptible to injury.

 

[Real fan 02]

Not sure about ALWAYS. Yes, he tore his pec/shoulder and missed his 2nd year, but otherwise he played in 29 of a possible 32 games (inactive his first 2 of rookie yr).

He's still going to be our punt returner, I'm betting.

All Pro returner... really a slot CB has no business on the outside. We lost him in 2023 and down the stretch last season.. to injury.

 

[Pape]

was hoping for Byron Murphy out of Minny, but this will do...

 

[RxJock1120]

49 tackles
2 INT's
6 PBU's - not bad, 33rd in the league
6-1 206, ran a 4.44 40
Arm length longer than Will Campbell...

Definitely a starting perimeter CB.

For $20 MIL/YR I sure hope that he is a starting level CB!!!

Top 10 Average salary per year should warrant the best best #2 CB in the league.

My guess is NE like Carlton over DJ Reed, because it seems like the same kind of money was spent here.

 

[Real fan 02]

was hoping for Byron Murphy out of Minny, but this will do...

Familiar with Williams and wanted to play for him.

 

[PatsFan2]

Climaxed!!

 

[Chasing greatness]

Pairing him alongside gonzo is definitely a step in the right direction. Looks like Austin is more of a slot/ depth piece or you fill that slot corner through the draft.

Looks like all three levels have improved. Good quality signings so far

 

[RobertWeathers]

Agree but not overpaying for a safety vs getting some offensive help
Dugger back healthy might be better but never been great in coverage
Pettus was good coverage guy on tape and I have high hopes for him

Dugger needs to be a SS and more in the Chung role.

Anything in front of him hes fine. Anyone he needs to cover past 15 yards he's toast.

Pettus was not bad at all last year.

 

[Real fan 02]

For $20 MIL/YR I sure hope that he is a starting level CB!!!

Top 10 Average salary per year should warrant the best best #2 CB in the league.

My guess is NE like Carlton over DJ Reed, because it seems like the same kind of money was spent here.

Reed is a excellent CB but like Marcus and Jon Jones they get Mossed to much as they aren't really outside CB.. shorter CBs are best suited in the slot.

 

[Real fan 02]

Climaxed!!

So far so good twin.. I can't complain about FA . Vrabel is being aggressive getting the " right " guys.. not just the names.. Moses will be good for Robinson and Wallace to learn from.

 

[Pape]

Familiar with Williams and wanted to play for him.

ahhh makes sense. edit: I had forgotten our new DC was in Detroit last year.

I ain't complaining... Murphy is just a titch better, a few years younger is all... But, good solid signing

 

[Real fan 02]

ahhh makes sense. edit: I had forgotten our new DC was in Detroit last year.

I ain't complaining... Murphy is just a titch better, a few years younger is all... But, good solid signing

Yes sir.. Murphy is a good CB and I like him as well... I'm learning that it's all about getting the right "guys ".. reminiscent to how BB built the culture when he took over. Good day for FA already better than last year. But Davis has those long ass arms that make it difficult on WRs and QBs..

 

[Patriot Missile]