The Patriots’ cornerback situation is very much in flux this offseason.
Three of the Patriots’ four primary cornerbacks — Devin McCourty withstanding — are set to become free agents come 4 p.m. on March 12, which means there is some serious work to be done. Aqib Talib has drawn the most headlines of the group, but Kyle Arrington could be equally as important to the future of the secondary.
Fortunately, for the Patriots, Arrington, who has played his entire four-year career in New England, wants to be back with the team next season and into the future, according to Tom E. Curran of CSNNE.com.
“I’m such a loyal guy,” Arrington said. “Bill [Belichick] and the Patriots gave me my first opportunity to play regularly. I want to stay; they want to keep me and both sides want to work something out.”
Arrington, 26, has enjoyed much success during his four seasons with the Patriots, including leading the NFL with seven interceptions in 2011. His 2012 didn’t start off quite so well, as his deficiencies were exposed time and again while trying his hand as the team’s permanent No. 2 corner. But a switch inside to the slot saw him reestablish himself as a premier defender. A strong second half wasn’t looking for even more ways to contribute to the team.
“There’s a lot of value in being versatile and playing multiple positions,” Arrington added. “Hopefully I can return a kick one of these days.”
Arrington seems willing to sacrifice in order to remain in New England, but one thing he’s unwilling to sacrifice is financial security for his family.
“You never know when your last play, your last game can be,” Arrington admitted. “You want security going forward.”
The second coming of the Wes Welker saga as well as the future of Talib and right tackle Sebastian Vollmer might take precedence to start free agency, but you can be sure that Arrington isn’t far behind on that list.
