The New England Patriots addressed a need on offense Friday by landing wide receiver Chris Hogan, but they’re also exploring options on the other side of the ball.
The Patriots will host Steelers cornerback Antwon Blake on a free-agent visit this weekend, Ralph Paulk of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported Friday. Blake also will visit the Tennessee Titans, and his agent is negotiating with four other NFL teams, according to Paulk.
The 25-year-old signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2012, but he was released after one season. He signed with the Steelers in 2013 and played sparingly in Pittsburgh’s secondary, also receiving time on special teams.
Blake made his first career start against the Patriots last season in their Week 1 matchup and went on to start all 16 games for the Steelers, tallying two interceptions and 11 passes defensed.
Blake struggled at times in coverage last season but nonetheless would provide depth in New England’s secondary. The Patriots have a solid starting cornerback duo in Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan but are pretty thin after that, with slot corner Justin Coleman being the only player on the roster who saw significant time for New England last season.
Thumbnail photo via Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports Images
