The New England Patriots' linebacker corps looks rather thin at the moment. Robert Spillane is one of the team's key players on defense, and Christian Elliss had a strong second half of the season, but the depth is unproven. K.J. Britt, Chad Muma, and sixth-round selection Namdi Obiazor are more athletic than last season's trio of backups, but they lack experience.
To quell this issue, the Patriots could look to reunite with an old friend. Mack Wilson was a highly touted player coming out of Alabama, and he was thought to be one of the steals of the draft when the Browns selected him in the fifth round in 2019.
He had 82 tackles, 4 TFLs, and an interception in his rookie season, but struggled to repeat his success over the next two years.
He was traded to New England for Chase Winovich after his third season. Wilson played a depth role in New England but played well. In 2023, he finished with 37 tackles, a career-high 3.5 sacks, 4 TFLs, and a pair of forced fumbles.
Making a move for Mack Wilson would add stability to the Patriots defense
If New England wants to add a veteran presence at the second level, Wilson is their guy. Over the last two seasons, he's played 24 games, recording 135 tackles, 3 sacks, and a pair of interceptions for Arizona. He was named a team captain ahead of last season for the first time in his career.
Despite his NFL success, the Cardinals are a team in the midst of a rebuild. Wilson is 28, coming off an injury, and is only under contract for this season. Mike LaFleur's squad could look to give opportunities to younger players at the position, like Cody Simon or Owen Pappoe, who are both on rookie contracts.
Additionally, they signed former Patriot Jack Gibbens, so they may be more willing to trade a veteran like Wilson.
Acquiring Wilson wouldn't take much: perhaps a swap of late-round picks could get the deal done? As things stand, the Cardinals don't need a player on an expiring deal at a high-contact position, while the Patriots could see him become a key piece to Zak Kuhr's defense.
Mack Wilson will be a name to keep an eye out for over the next few months as the Patriots look to make the finishing touches to the roster.
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