The Patriots' new pair of cornerbacks is impressive, but doesn't come without its flaws. For both Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis, availability has been a struggle.
Even now, both are dealing with injuries, and after Monday's practice, we can add second-year player Marcellas Dial to the injury list as well, as he was carted to the locker room, grabbing his knee.
This highlights the importance of strong backups. Marcus Jones will start in the slot, and Alex Austin is the CB4 for now, but could adding another player to the room make sense?
The easiest answer for the Patriots is a reunion with a former DPOY
Of all options, there's little doubt this is the most exciting. Bringing back Stephon Gilmore would not only send a message that the team is in win-now mode, but also mean a reunion for one of the Patriots' best players in the last decade.
Gilmore made two first-team All-Pros and a trio of Pro Bowls with the Patriots, and has bounced around since. After being traded to the Panthers in 2021, he has spent time with the Colts, Cowboys, and Vikings.
Last year with the Vikings, he started on Brian Flores's defense alongside Byron Murphy, allowing 55 receptions and snagging one interception. While he isn't the player he once was, the almost 35-year-old is still a more than capable player. The only downside to adding him would be a lack of slot versatility, but as a backup, there isn't much reason not to add him.
They could also consider a player with big shoes to fill
Asante Samuel Sr. has had some things to say about Bill Belichick and the Krafts' spending habits, but his son is currently a free agent. Asante Samuel Jr. has had a mixed bag of production since entering the league from Florida State in 2021, but a change of scene could do him some good.
As the CB4 in New England, he'd have the opportunity to guard inferior players and potentially get paid and become a full-time starter elsewhere in 2026.
ASJ posted a solid 73.9 PFF grade in 2023 but played just four games in 2024. A year to work back into the fold and get back to his best could do a world of good for his career.
If anything, there is also a journeyman backup worth looking into
Daryl Worley could be a name to keep a close eye on, whether for the Patriots or otherwise. Currently a free agent, he's spent time with nine different teams, ten if you count his stints with both the Oakland and Las Vegas Raiders. Ideally, the Patriots won't be looking for anything more than a spot starter to replace their starting cornerbacks, and he's proven he can be a servicable fill-in.
Spending last year in Tennessee, he played 460 snaps and nabbed one interception. His versatility is appealing: he played as a safety and slot man this year, but as recently as 2022, he played 95% of his snaps on the boundary.
Worley could fill in if there are injuries to both outside and slot cornerbacks, as well as safeties. Unlike Gilmore and ASJ, he'd also be likely to receive the veteran's minimum, so he'd be easy on the pockets.
While the Patriots' cornerbacks are improved from last year, there's no doubt that there needs to be some shoring up of the position if injuries persist.