Part 5 in a series on free agency, which begins March 10 at Noon. Today's focus is on cornerback.
No one could have foreseen the Patriots' defense crashing and burning to the extent it did this past season. They couldn't stop the run, defend the pass, get off the field on third downs, and surrendered touchdowns in the red area. Basically, the Pats couldn't do anything a good 'D' - nee, even competent - has in their bag. That is, except for one thing: if you had a number one receiver, chances are Christian Gonzalez put him under lock and key.
Gonzalez earned second-team All-Pro honors for his season. Typically, players from bad teams/bad units don't get that kind of credit, but the league took notice of the former first-round pick from the University of Oregon.
He's not Pat Surtain - yet - but Gonzalez started knocking on the door during his first full season as a starter (he missed 13 games in his rookie year). It says a lot about a player's talent level when you wonder how he gave up a catch. That's the wondering usually reserved for players like Ty Law, Darrelle Revis, and Stephon Gilmore - at least here in New England.
Assuming Gonzalez remains driven to be great, the Pats are automatically in a good place at the cornerback position. But that's not to say they shouldn't actively try to bolster that spot. In fact, I'd encourage it.
The two other CBs Gonzalez played alongside more than any others are question marks. Jonathan Jones dealt with shoulder and knee injuries, saw his playing time reduced late in the year, and is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. Assuming Jones is okay knowing he's not assured of a starting spot, I'd bring him back. He is a leader, has a high give-a-crap-meter, and can still be an asset.
As for Marcus Jones, he had a fine year as a starter in the slot, but for a second straight season, his body didn't hold up. Marcus ended the year on injured reserve, and for those who want him to get more offensive touches, it's unclear if he can physically handle it. That's not a toughness question. The former University of Houston product will stick his nose in there against anyone. He can and will hit and hit hard. But Jones isn't a big dude - 185 pounds or so - and it's fair to wonder if this will be part of how we evaluate him going forward.
Beyond that, the Pats gave some extended playing time last season to youngsters Isaiah Bolden and Alex Austin. The previous staff liked 'em both. I do, too. Both have length, and Bolden is a bit of a burner, but Austin is the better player at this point. He is, however, an exclusive rights-free agent but should be back. The trio of Vrabel/Cowden/Wolf shouldn't overcomplicate this. Get that done, but don't stop there. There's a real opportunity to bolster this group via free agency.
Signed for 2025:
Gonzalez (2025 cap hit $4.11 million/signing bonus $1.99 mil/dead cap $8.9 mil)
M. Jones (2025 cap hit $1.64 million/signing bonus $236K/dead cap $236K)
Marcellas Dial (2025 cap hit $1.03 million/$53K signing bonus $1.4 mil/$159K dead cap)
Bolden (2025 cap hit $960K)
D.J. James (2025 cap hit $840K)
AIM HIGH
1. D.J. Reed: When I think of how good the Jets defense was during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Reed isn't the first name that comes to mind, but he's part of the 'secondary' conversation. He's been Mr. Consistency for a half dozen years. Considering how volatile the cornerback position tends to be, that says a lot about not only his physical skills but his football smarts and compete level. Reed is on the smaller side (5'9", 188), which may dissuade some folks, but he's played outside and played well opposite Sauce Gardner.
PFF estimates 3 years and $42 million ($27.5 million guaranteed)
2. Byron Murphy: Had a terrific season for Minnesota playing in that attacking-style defense championed by DC Brian Flores. The Vikings would like to retain him, and the two sides just agreed to move the void date in his contract back to March 11, saving an immediate dead cap hit and allowing more time to negotiate a new deal. Murphy had six picks, 14 passes defensed, and forced a fumble. For a Pats team that could force any turnovers, that ball-hawking ability makes the 27-year-old an attractive possibility if he gets to free agency.
PFF projects 3 years for $52 million ($34.5 million guaranteed).
OLDER, CHEAPER, BUT STILL PRODUCTIVE
1. Stephon Gilmore: He's 34 but had a fine season in Minnesota playing opposite Murphy. Gilmore doesn't have the same straight-line speed, but he's a student of a game and knows what works and what he can get away with. That matters to whoever ends up as the Pats' other outside corner because they will be targeted.
PFF estimates $6 million for a single season, all guaranteed.
2. Kendell Fuller: The Dolphins just released him as they started clearing cap space. Fuller got off to a good start during his first and only year in Miami, but the injury bug bit, costing him several games, and when he returned, couldn't rediscover his form. Fuller was coming off a terrific three-year run in Washington, and if he is healthy, it's not crazy to think he could get back there again.
No projections are available. He made $8 million last season.
YOUNGER AND CHEAPER
1. Nate Hobbs: The 25-year-old played a ton of slot for the Raiders, and is a solid player there. Because of his size (6'1"), Hobbs can be physical against the run, and Vegas didn't hesitate to let him loose on nickel blitzes. He said he would like to remain a Raider, but that may depend on what direction Pete Carroll tells holdover DC Patrick Graham to go.
PFF estimates $4 million over one season. Spotrac has him at $2.9 for one.
Best of the rest: Kristian Fulton (was always hurt under Vrabel), Asante Samuel Jr., Charvarious Ward, Nazeeh Johnson