Following a productive free agency that added highly talented players to the Patriots' roster for the 2025 season, there was a strong belief that the secondary would be among the team's strongest units. Besides Christian Gonzalez leading the starting group, new signee Carlton Davis would complement him on the other side.
That remains true going into the preseason, but the backups have gotten a bit more reps than usual over the past few weeks, as Davis and Gonzalez have been dealing with injuries. Then, earlier this week, second-year defensive back Marcellas Dial suffered a torn ACL, giving even more reps to needy players.
That has fortunately allowed the new regime to see the potential in the depth, and so far, Alex Austin has taken the spotlight, as he looks like he might steal a roster spot that looked far from certain after last season.
It was apparent during the Patriots' first joint practice with the Commanders on Wednesday, as Austin made quarterback Jayden Daniels' life difficult to get anything done when Washington's offense was on the field.
Jayden Daniels was 0-2 targeting Alex Austin in this last red zone period. Austin had a pass breakup in the end zone.
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) August 6, 2025
Making the situation even better was Austin forcing a turnover on downs to end the series, as a pass breakup in the end zone, on a play that began at the 25-yard line with 45 seconds left, making the Commanders' offense head back to the sideline.
It's that kind of production that will ensure the Patriots have a much better season than they did last year, or even the years before that.
The Patriots might be lucking out with solid depth at cornerback with the rise of Alex Austin
Among the concerns regarding the Patriots' roster going into the 2025 offseason was whether Mike Vrabel and Co. would ensure the depth at every position was solid. For the most part, it appears they accomplished that, and based on the performances of the backup cornerbacks, it looks like that group can be marked off the list.
Austin has already demonstrated his potential as a player over the last two years, particularly in the 2024 season, which was his most productive. He continues to learn and looks like he's developing into a cornerback the Patriots could use, especially when their starters are out.
Although being an official starter might not be in his immediate future, he is putting on a show at training camp so far and proving he can be reliable. That was on full display against Daniels, who was the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year, so he's far from a scrub quarterback.
If Austin can maintain this level of play through the rest of the preseason, it would be incredibly difficult for the Patriots to consider cutting him. They cannot afford risking a lack of depth have crucial positions like cornerback, as the team has done in the past, and Austin can be a more than competent player to ensure they're still in good hands.
Considering the number of players currently signed to the roster, seeing Austin thrive so far should make the decision easy on roster cutdown day.