The Baltimore Ravens have signed former New England Patriots’ cornerback Kyle Arrington in a move that serves a fourth punch to the Pats’ Super Bowl-winning cornerback core. Arrington joins Brandon Browner, Darrelle Revis, and Alfonzo Dennard as Super Bowl XLIX ring bearers that will be playing for a new team in 2015.
Ravens and former Patriots CB Kyle Arrington agree in principle to 3-yr deal, per NFL Agent Richard Kopelman.@KLASS_SPORTS
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 13, 2015
Here’s an immediate reaction without much organization.
First off, this development means that the Pats will pretty much be starting fresh at corner. Arrington bids farewell to a group of Patriots’ cornerbacks whose competition this summer will be worth keeping a close eye on. It is anyone’s guess as to who will be lining up against the Pittsburgh Steelers’ loaded receiving corps of Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton (don’t forget the rookie Sammie Coates, either).
The thing is, Arrington is one of the league’s best slot corners, and at times, the best slot corner. While we associate many images of Arrington with burnt toast, there’s no doubt that since his arrival to New England in 2009 he has made significant contributions to the team’s continued, overall success.
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This Pats’ willingness to let Arrington sign with a conference rival is yet another indication that Robert McClain will be the Patriots’ guy in the slot in 2015. A versatile defensive back, as evidenced by the fact that he lined up at five different spots last season, McClain is a good slot corner. Good enough to draw the interest of the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins before the Pats snagged him off the market.
That being said, Patriots fans for the most part would have rather seen the Patriots retain Arrington. And with good reason; the departure of Arrington is represents another piece of the Patriots’ success in 2014 that won’t be around in Week 1.
For the Ravens, this could be a nice “addition by subtraction” move. At the very least, they won’t have to worry about Arrington the next time they play the Pats.
There you have it, a flurry of thoughts in the wake of Arrington signing with the Ravens. While you’re on Musket Fire, be sure to get the latest on Gronk’s quest for the Madden 2016 cover.
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