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Top 10: Patriots best free agent signings of last 10 years

By Sara Marshall

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) celebrates after defeating the Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) celebrates after defeating the Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 18: Justin Bethel #29 of the New England Patriots warms up before the game against 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 warms up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Justin Bethel – 2019

stats when on the Patriots

It’s well-known how much Belichick values all phases of a football game, especially special teams, making the signing of three-time Pro Bowler Justin Bethel in 2019 all that more noteworthy.

The Patriots had their own ace on special teams in Matthew Slater, but being able to sign one of the best in the game was too difficult to pass up. Not to mention, his versatility and success as a cornerback also made him a Belichick-ian type of player that seemed inevitable to land with the Patriots.

Although his position is not one that can be compared easily with statistics, Bethel remained a premier special teamer during his three years in Foxboro. He brought stability to an essential aspect of the game and, despite his age, never showed any evidence of slowing down. As a result, he was a major factor in maintaining New England’s top special teams reign atop the league, even helping punt returner Gunner Olszewski get All-Pro nods in 2020, and he continues to impress (even now) on a new team.

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