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Food for Thought: Brent Grimes to Patriots?

By Connor Fulton

Sep 13, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21) runs after intercepting a pass against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21) runs after intercepting a pass against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brent Grimes
Sep 13, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21) runs after intercepting a pass against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

As reported by Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel, the Miami Dolphins are releasing cornerback Brent Grimes. From a New England Patriots perspective, Grimes is worthy of consideration as a free agency target, which makes him the subject of this morning’s Food for Thought installment.

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The reason the Dolphins cut ties with Grimes was, not surprisingly, a disagreement between the two parties regarding Grimes’ worth. At age 32 (he turns 33 in July), Grimes is certainly no spring chicken, as evidenced by his choppy 2015 season, and the Dolphins didn’t want to shell out for him.

Now, the Patriots aren’t going to pay anywhere near top dollar for an aging cornerback, either. But a disgruntled Grimes may be interested in getting back at the Dolphins, and there would be no better way to do that than by signing with arch-divisional rival New England.

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Grimes would bring nine years of experience to a Patriots’ cornerback group whose oldest current member is Logan Ryan, a three-year veteran. With Grimes in the fold, the Patriots would have the luxury of shifting either Grimes or Ryan to the slot depending on the situation and matchups.

Then again, the Patriots are probably just fine with Malcolm Butler, Ryan and sophomore pros Justin Coleman and Darryl Roberts for the time being. Expect the Patriots to sign a corner in free agency and maybe pull another few from the 2016 NFL Draft and ensuing undrafted free agency period to foster training camp competition.

Grimes is an interesting point of consideration, though. He picked off 13 passes over three seasons with the Dolphins. At the very least, it’s food for thought.

Next: Ranking the Top 22 Free Agency Targets for the Pats

Stay tuned here on Musket Fire for coverage on every twist and turn in the Patriots’ offseason.

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