New England Patriots: internal free agent preview
By Hal Bent
Eric Rowe
Position: Cornerback
Overview: Rowe was a forgotten man in 2018 after two strong seasons in the New England secondary. He is still only 26 years old, and as a bigger cornerback is capable of lining up opposite Stephon Gilmore and playing press-man coverage. His strong play against Julio Jones in Super Bowl 51 is also at the top of his highlight reel.
Rowe may have been harder to retain if he’d been healthy in 2018 and started in a third straight Super Bowl. Unfortunately for him, he played just four games this past season and saw his role get taken over by undrafted rookie corner J.C. Jackson. If he wants a bigger contract or a bigger role somewhere else, Rowe should target a landing spot with a Belichick protege at the helm – like in Detroit with Matt Patricia or in Miami with Brian Flores.
Expected Cost: One year at $4 million including incentives
Keep or Cut Loose: CUT LOOSE