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Patriots add cornerback depth, sign E.J. Biggers

By Connor Fulton

Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive back E.J. Biggers (38) reacts to breaking up a pass play to Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins won 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive back E.J. Biggers (38) reacts to breaking up a pass play to Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins won 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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On Tuesday afternoon, the New England Patriots added cornerback E.J. Biggers to their secondary. The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin was the first to break the news:

Drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft, Biggers spent his first four seasons with the Bucs (including an injury-destroyed rookie year), recording an interception in each season. In 2013 and 2014, Biggers played for the Washington Redskins, and then he hopped over to NFC East rival Philadelphia for the 2015 season.

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While Biggers didn’t register an interception last season, he broke up seven passes. What is also noteworthy about Biggers is the fact that he’s missed just four games in six years in the NFL.

Measured at a clean six feet tall, Biggers is taller than both Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan. With the exception of Rashaan Melvin, Biggers is now the lankiest cornerback on the Patriots’ roster. In addition, Biggers has more experience than all of the Patriots’ defensive backs except for Devin McCourty.

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Accustomed to playing in backup roles, Biggers is a sensible signing for the Patriots. He offers expertise as both a slot corner and a safety, so his versatility is a huge plus.

No, Biggers is not a star, but he is a dependable veteran coming off arguably his best season (he was on the field for 571 snaps for the Eagles last season).

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Consider Biggers a bubble player entering the beginning of the offseason programming; he will be competing with 2015 seventh rounder Darryl Roberts, 2015 undrafted rookie Justin Coleman and Roberts for the two or three spots behind Butler and Ryan on the depth chart.

Next: Reordering WR depth chart after Washington signing

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

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