Patriots Could Make Another Free-Agent ‘Splash’ at Cornerback

The New England Patriots spent a lot of money in free agency and they may go after another cornerback. Henry McKenna from USA Today says the Patriots will probably spend more money, this time at cornerback.

McKenna pinged off a tweet from Patriots salary cap expert Miguel Bezan and wrote.

“FWIW: The Patriots could absolutely make another splash in free agency. And there’s still talent out there, particularly at the cornerback position. Not saying they WILL. But the money is there.”

The Patriots had former Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick in for a visit on Thursday. However, McKenna was referring to a different kind of “splash.”

We could list a few names on this list, and Kirkpatrick is not really an option.

Patriots to sign veteran cornerback

Richard Sherman

If the Patriots make a splash at cornerback, Sherman would be an ideal option. The future Hall-of-Famer has yet to sign a deal in the NFL.

Sherman is a five-time Pro-Bowler, three-time All-Pro, and Super Bowl champion. The Seattle Seahawks selected him in the fifth round of the 2011 draft. Sherman became one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He helped Seattle win a lone Super Bowl.

Sherman spent five seasons with the Seahawks and signed a three-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers in 2018. With the Patriots trying to boost the position and Sherman available at the lowest salary since his rookie campaign, things look really great right now.

The veteran turned 33 in March and he is still in his prime. In 2020, he played five games. However, his durability was never a concern.

Casey Hayward Jr.

Hayward is another great option for the Patriots. He is 31 and available. What else could you ask for? The former Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Chargers veteran is coming off his ninth NFL season.

Hayward was part of the Chargers in the last five seasons. The Packers selected him in the second round of the 2012 draft.

Hayward is two years younger than Sherman and made two Pro-Bowls in his career. The best part? He has a longer string on un-injured seasons. Hayward may not provide the same size as Sherman but he is excellent on the field. Hayward stacked league-leading seven interceptions for the Chargers in 2016.