FOXBOROUGH — The Patriots are close to trading for a cornerback.
Before you start panicking about Stephon Gilmore's situation, we wouldn't hyperventilate quite yet.
While it will certainly factor into the equation, this move is likely far from an emergency plan should Gilmore's absence carry well into the season.
The #Ravens are close on a trade of fifth-round pick CB Shaun Wade, the former Ohio State standout, to the #Patriots, sources. A high-ceiling player likely added to New England’s secondary.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 26, 2021
Shaun Wade (6-foot-1⁄2, 196 pounds) was a fifth-round pick of the Ravens and is certainly an intriguing prospect who belongs in the league (Patriots are sending a 7th-round pick in 2022 and a 5th-round pick in 2023).
But it doesn't appear he's plug-and-play, at least not at the boundary corner position that is a glaring problem for the Patriots without Gilmore to run alongside JC Jackson, and Jonathan Jones in the slot.
Why?
Wade starred his first two seasons at Ohio State playing on the inside, around the line of scrimmage, mostly in a slot role (his outside/inside snap split was 43/403 in '18, 12/443 in '19). Probably his best attribute is as a tackler — for a defensive back, he's ferocious. He excelled in that role, appeared to be heading toward being a first-round pick.
Entering last season, Wade made the transition to boundary cornerback, perhaps in an effort to boost his draft stock.
It did not go well.
With his outside/inside snaps flipped — 448/34 — Wade became the only FBS player to allow 30-plus completions, 500-plus receiving yards and six-plus touchdown catches last season.
As a result, he ended up being drafted in the fifth round. Some evaluators thought he projected long-term as a safety because he may not be quick enough to play corner in pros.
In Baltimore, according to sources, Wade has shown he definitely can play in the league, but he was not going to break through a deep Ravens defensive backfield. He was likely going to be released, and there was no chance he would get through waivers to the Ravens' practice squad. The Patriots probably would not have had a chance to claim him. Trading allows New England to jump the line.
Do I think Wade will get looks at corner? Yes. Behind Gilmore, Jackson and Jones, the Patriots have nothing they can hang their hat on. The parade of Jalen Mills, Michael Jackson and Joejuan Williams has not provided a security blanket.
In reality, Wade is a good defensive back who is better than players they currently have and who could fill a variety of roles — including possibly free safety down the road if and when Devin McCourty calls it quits. The Patriots will get him in here, and then figure out where he fits.
As for Gilmore, nothing much has changed. Gilmore wants more money. The Patriots are open to that, as soon as Gilmore shows he's healthy and the same player. We could be waiting to see who blinks first.