The Patriots are bringing back one of their key free agents to help shore up one of the NFL’s worst secondaries.
Veteran cornerback Kyle Arrington re-signed with the Patriots on Friday, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston. Arrington receives a four-year deal worth $16 million total with $8.5 million in guaranteed money.
Arrington, 26, led the league with seven interceptions in 2011, but he experienced a bit of a slump at the start of last season. He was able to rebound nicely, though, when moved into the slot corner for the second half of the season. He is expected to fill that same role in the Patriots’ defense next season.
Arrington is quick, agile and a good cover man especially over the middle. He is a strong tackler, which Bill Belichick appreciates from defensive backs, and has developed into one of their most consistent special teams players.
The Patriots still have some needs in the secondary with only safeties Devin McCourty, Steven Gregory, Tavon Wilson and cornerback Alfonze Dennard on the roster. Retaining Arrington was a priority for the Pats this offseason and allows them now to concentrate on adding other pieces such as Aqib Talib, Antoione Winfield or others to help complement that secondary.
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