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Veteran New England Patriots CB signs with division rival

By John Armwood III

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 18: Justin Bethel #29 of the New England Patriots walks off the field after a loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 18: Justin Bethel #29 of the New England Patriots walks off the field after a loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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On Tuesday the New England Patriots released veteran CB Justin Bethel, and shortly after he signed with a division rival, the Miami Dolphins.

The New England Patriots’ veteran CB Justin Bethel didn’t make the cut this season for the 53-man roster. However, the Patriots will still see Bethel twice a season. Shortly, after being cut he was picked up almost immediately by the Patriots’ division rivals the Miami Dolphins, according to the Dolphins on September 1st.

"“ROSTER MOVES | We have signed cornerback Justin Bethel and placed safety Clayton Fejedelem on injured reserve,” tweeted the Miami Dolphins. “We have also signed 11 players to the practice squad.”"

The three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro had chosen to sign with Miami understanding the history of these two organizations. While this appears not personal, who’s to say the Patriots may not hold the same sentiment?

The 32-year-old appeared in 42 games and played a combined 902 snaps in the kicking game since 2019, per Pro Football Reference. Many would agree that the best special teamer in all of the football let alone the Patriots is veteran gunner Matthew Slater.

However, Slater’s counterpart was Bethel securing that the special teams would be taken care of on the outside. Two veteran players who trusted each other dearly during Bethel’s tenure in New England. In fact, he recorded 26 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one pass deflection, and one forced fumble.

Justin Bethels’ journey before the Patriots

In 2012, Bethel was drafted in the sixth round by the Arizona Cardinals. Since then, he’s been a part of the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, and the New England Patriots. Bethel is the definition of a swiss army knife. Throughout his career, he’s found ways to contribute to each team he’s been a part of. Whether he contributes defensively or on special teams, he’s assured his value to make teams have to keep him going forward.

Miami hosts the Patriots at 1 P.M. ET on September 11th at Hard Rock Stadium.

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