PatsFans.com Menu
PatsFans.com - The Hub For New England Patriots Fans
PatsFans.com - The Hub For New England Patriots Fans
  • NEWS ▼
  • FORUM ▼
  • SCHEDULE
  • NFL ▼
  • STATS ▼
  • GAMES ▼
LOGIN | REGISTER
Home › Patriots Blog › Patriots Commentary
Patriots Commentary

Patriots Free Agency Outlook, Cornerbacks

Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri Senior Writer · PatsFans.com since 2011
Feb 22, 2016 at 6:00 am ET · 5 min read · 2.6k views
Never miss a story
Follow Us on Google News Follow on Apple News Newsletter
Photo: Mark L. Baer - USA TODAY Sports
5 min read Patriots Commentary

,

Tarell Brown
Okay…this was a no-brainer, but Brown did flash both in camp and during games when his foot was healthy enough for him to get out there on the field. He had some solid seasons in San Francisco before moving over to the Raiders in 2014.

He signed a one-year, $2 million-dollar deal with the Patriots on July 23, just prior to training camp beginning. He’s a fundamentally sound, solid football player. He’s a perfect #2 or RCB for the Patriots scheme. He spoke of New England’s demanding more of their players and having a higher standard put on them as a selling point.

He’s also a smart, analytical player who spends a lot of time learning not just his, but the other player’s responsibilities on the defense. Depending upon the call by the defense, the situation and the opposition, a player’s responsibility can change from play to play. Sometimes players will rotate sides and a hallmark of the Belichick way is knowing what all the other parts are responsible doing.

“You gotta be able to study and be a student of the game,” Brown said. It’s not just about athletic ability anymore. You can get away with that in college, but once you get to the NFL, being able to study, being able to enjoy and understand your craft and when to use things, that’s what’s important.”

He’s already proven to be a fit on the defense, and even after going on IR, stayed in Foxboro and helped the younger players break down film. He’s that veteran presence that can mentor the younger players (Roberts, Coleman), and can be brought back fairly cheaply.

The team may not opt back for him if they feel that foot issue is chronic and will continue to be an issue in the future. Next up another veteran with almost 10 years experience.

Like this article?
Support Steve and buy him a coffee.
PatsFans.com — Independent Patriots Coverage Since 2000

Support Us: Help Us Compete Against The Corporate Media Giants

We need your help. If you enjoy our content, please help us beat Google's Corporate algorithm by adding us as a preferred source on Google News.

Click the button below and check the box next to "PatsFans.com"

Add as a preferred source on Google News
Read Next Tom Brady Honors Former QB Coach With Facebook Post →
About Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri

A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

View all posts by Steve Balestrieri
Tags: 2015 NFL Season 2015 Patriots 2016 free agents 2016 NFL off-season 2016 Patriots Roster 53 Man Roster Projection Darryl Roberts Janoris Jenkins Jerraud Powers Justin Coleman Leon Hall Logan Ryan Malcolm Butler New England Patriots NFL Patriots Patriots cornerbacks Patriots free agents Pittsburgh Steelers Prince Amukamara Tarell Brown Tom Brady William Gay

Comments are closed.

📅 This Week in Patriots History:

From our archive - this week all-time:
May 22 - June 6 (Through 26yrs)

  • Wilfork 'Hates' The Business Side of Football(2009)
  • Heavy Hearts As Brother Passes On(2007)
  • A historical look at the uniform numbers for the new Patriots: #24, Darrelle Revis(2014)
  • New England Patriots News 5-27, AFC East Notes(2018)
  • Patriots Hire Crouse(2004)
  • Pats Offensive Line Has Tough Task Ahead(2009)
FULL ARCHIVE
📈 Recent Most-Read Articles:
1
2022 New England Patriots Draft Picks – Full List
2
2024 Patriots Draft Picks – FULL LIST
3
Patriots Announce Ticket Increase, Dropping Stadium Parking Fees
4
Heading Into Free Agency, Patriots Have Two Tough Player Decisions to Make
5
Tom Brady’s ‘Life Is Hard’ Speech: Full Patriots HOF Transcript
📰 Follow PatsFans.com
Follow Us on Google News Follow on Apple News Get the Newsletter
Right Now At PatsFans.com:
Belichick Spends Thursday at South Florida's Pro Day
2026 NFL Offseason:
Belichick Spends Thursday at South Florida's Pro Day
By: Ian Logue

More Patriots News Headlines:

GEORGE: What Do The Patriots Really Have In Brown?

GEORGE: What Do The Patriots Really Have In Brown?

By: Bob George
The Patriots' trade for A.J. Brown from the Eagles sparks questions about the crowded wide receiver room, potential roster cuts, and Brown's role.
1 day ago
MORSE: Brown 1st Day, Open Patriots OTA Practice, Raymond Berry Passes Away

MORSE: Brown 1st Day, Open Patriots OTA Practice, Raymond Berry Passes Away

By: Mark Morse
Patriots' AJ Brown shines at OTAs, Drake Maye impresses, and Christian Gonzalez's contract dispute continues. Raymond Berry passes away at 93.
3 days ago
McDaniels Praises Rookie Caleb Lomu’s Versatility, ‘Awesome Kid’

McDaniels Praises Rookie Caleb Lomu’s Versatility, ‘Awesome Kid’

By: Ian Logue
Patriots rookie Caleb Lomu receives high praise from Josh McDaniels for his versatility and 'awesome kid' attitude, addressing a key offensive line need.
3 days ago
Patriots Coach Expected to Miss Time Ahead of Training Camp

Patriots Coach Expected to Miss Time Ahead of Training Camp

By: Ian Logue
Undergoing knee surgery, Patriots offensive line coach Doug Marrone is expected to miss time, but Mike Vrabel hopes he'll be ready for training camp.
4 days ago
TRANSCRIPT: Josh McDaniels Press Conference 6/2

TRANSCRIPT: Josh McDaniels Press Conference 6/2

By: Ian Logue
Here's the full transcript of what New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels had to say while speaking to reporters on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026.
4 days ago

Free Newsletter

BE THE FIRST TO KNOW

Join 2,000+ fans getting exclusive stats, analysis, and insights delivered straight to their inbox every week. Never miss a play.

📊
Weekly Stats Deep-dive analysis
🎯
First Access New features & tools
📤
Breaking News Player Signings & Rumors

Subscribe Now

* required

Intuit Mailchimp

PatsFans.com Social Logo
PATSFANS.com

The longest-running independent New England Patriots site online since 2000. Not affiliated w/any school, team or league.

Resources

  • Patriots Forum
  • Schedule
  • Patriots Roster
  • Transcripts
  • Archive

Stats

  • Offensive Stats
  • Opponent Stats
  • Offensive Line
  • Snaps Overview
  • Penalties

Analysis

  • Snap Analysis
  • Personnel Groupings
  • Stats By Personnel
  • Top 10 Plays
  • Offensive Line
  • Defensive Totals

Site

  • About Us
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Contact Us

© 2000-2026 PatsFans.com

Privacy Policy Advertise RSS Feed