Despite re-signing Jonathan Jones, the Patriots still could use a significant upgrade at cornerback. That’s especially true if you buy into the theory that Jones could replace Devin McCourty at free safety.
Well, it just so happens that one of the NFL’s top corners is about to hit the open market.
The Philadelphia Eagles plan to release Darius Slay after failing to agree on a restructured contract, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday morning, citing sources. Rumors of a potential trade involving Slay popped up last week, but the 32-year-old now is set to hit free agency.
Slay is coming off another strong season, finishing the 2022 campaign as Pro Football Focus’s 21st-ranked cornerback a year after finishing fourth. The 2013 second-round pick racked up two interceptions, 14 passes defended and 55 tackles. Slay obviously is getting older (he’ll turn 33 next January) but he remains a very good boundary cornerback.
So, should the Patriots make a run at him?
Well, it’s complicated. First of all, Slay has a well-documented and checkered history with Matt Patricia, whose future in New England remains unclear. For what it’s worth, Patricia recently was connected to a potential job with the Eagles. Slay also likely wants — and deserves — a big contract, something the Patriots might not be willing to give to an aging cornerback.
We discussed all those scenarios and more in the story linked below:
As it stood late Wednesday morning, the Patriots’ cornerback depth chart included Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Jack Jones, Jalen Mills and Shaun Wade. New England also reportedly slapped a restricted-free agent tender on Myles Bryant, increasing the chances of the versatile defensive back returning in 2023.
That’s a good group, but you easily could argue it’s not good enough to slow down some of the NFL’s elite wide receivers. There’s a chance that Jack Jones, who impressed as a rookie, develops into a top cornerback, but his first season ended with an injury and concerning drama reportedly involving Bill Belichick.
For those reasons, it would behoove the Patriots to add a true No. 1 cornerback this offseason. They could accomplish that by signing a free agent like Slay, executing a big trade or targeting someone early in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Ultimately, signing Slay feels like a long-shot outcome, but it also can’t be ruled out.
