Intriguing possibilities
Veterans could help Pats at CB
INDIANAPOLIS — The Patriots should focus on a couple power hitters to replace outgoing cornerback Malcolm Butler.
Suffice to say, two of the most intriguing corners in the NFL have their eye on the Patriots.
For now, Richard Sherman is a Seahawk and Aqib Talib is a Bronco, and the Pats can’t do anything about that. But there’s an understanding in league circles that both could become available at some point this offseason.
Seattle has yet to inform Sherman if he is in the plans for next season, according to a source. However, the theory there is the team could await Sherman’s ability to recover from a ruptured Achilles and pass a physical, which would open the door for trade discussions. If they are unable to trade Sherman, whose relationship has publicly deteriorated with the organization over the years, it’s possible the Seahawks would release him.
Sherman’s recovery is going well and he is on pace to begin running at some point midway through organized team activities, which begin in May, according to a source. If the Seahawks are indeed waiting for Sherman to pass his physical before deciding his future, which is only a theory, the Patriots obviously can’t stake their cornerback plans on someone who won’t be available until later in the process.
Last offseason the Pats did call the Seahawks about Sherman, who turns 30 at the end of this month, but the trade interest was brief. Sherman was receptive to the idea of joining the Patriots then and still is now if Seattle goes in another direction, according to a source.
Denver hasn’t announced its plans for Talib, who loved his time with the Patriots from 2012-13, but will reportedly look into trading him. The execution of a trade appears unlikely given Talib’s $11 million base salary in 2018, which would then cause the Broncos to save that money with a release.
After missing the playoffs last season, the Broncos are in a bit of a rebuilding mode and are strong at cornerback with Chris Harris and Bradley Roby, so they could put Talib’s salary cap space toward their pursuit of a free agent quarterback.
Talib, 32, would be receptive to the idea of rejoining the Patriots, according to a source. So if the Broncos unload him prior to free agency, that potential courtship could begin in the coming days.
The Pats will explore every option while trying to replace Butler, who has received a heavy amount of interest this week from teams that have worked to compile information on the impending free agent, according to a source. Coach Bill Belichick sealed Butler’s fate with a Super Bowl benching, but it doesn’t appear to have deterred other teams.
Former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, now the coach of the Detroit Lions, backed Butler yesterday at the NFL scouting combine.
“I would characterize my relationship with Malcolm as extremely strong,” Patricia said. “I love Malcolm a lot. He’s like, like all of my players, like one of my sons.”
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore was outstanding down the stretch, including the playoffs, to validate the five-year, $65 million contract he received last offseason, and he’ll continue to be the Pats’ top asset at the position. Eric Rowe has intriguing potential as a starter, and Jonathan Jones has been competitive in the slot. Former second-round draft pick Cyrus Jones is an unknown, especially while returning from a torn ACL.
The Patriots would not be undermanned without a veteran replacing Butler, but the team has had more success over the years with veterans than draft picks.
Given the affinity both Sherman and Talib have for the Pats organization, the team needs to check into the pair of star corners as they reload for another championship pursuit.