The New England Patriots finally addressed their need at cornerback.
The Patriots signed veteran cornerback Bradley Fletcher Wednesday, his agent Andy Simms told ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Fletcher signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract, the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe reported.
Fletcher joined three other veteran cornerbacks Tuesday on a free-agent visit with the Patriots.
Fletcher, 28, originally was drafted in the third round of the 2009 NFL draft by the St. Louis Rams out of Iowa. He signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013 before hitting free agency this offseason.
Fletcher struggled in 2014, allowing 61 receptions on 115 targets for 1,072 yards and nine touchdowns with just one interception, according to Pro Football Focus. He was much better in 2013, allowing 57 catches on 98 targets for 701 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions. Fletcher was a solid option for the Rams from 2009 to 2012, starting 26 games.
The Patriots allowed cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner to walk in free agency after declining their 2015 contract options.
The 6-foot, 200-pound cornerback joins Kyle Arrington, Logan Ryan, Malcolm Butler, Alfonzo Dennard, Chimdi Chekwa, Justin Green and Daxton Swanson on the Patriots’ depth chart at cornerback. He has eight career interceptions and three forced fumbles.
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
