The New England Patriots have plenty of needs to address this offseason. While wide receiver and offensive line are their most pressing concerns, they also have key issues on defense.
One major priority will be finding a cornerback to pair with Christian Gonzalez, who has emerged as one of the league’s top defensive backs. Fortunately, with the most cap space in the NFL, New England has the financial flexibility to target a solution in free agency.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen has identified New York Jets standout D.J. Reed as the top available cornerback and sees the Patriots as an ideal landing spot.
“Coach Mike Vrabel would be adding a veteran corner in Reed, giving the Patriots another scheme-versatile defender in the secondary opposite Christian Gonzalez,” Bowen noted. “Reed is a highly competitive coverage corner with press-man traits and the transition speed to break on the throw. However, he is more of a ball disruptor than a playmaker, with 40 pass breakups and six career interceptions.”
In 2024, Reed recorded 64 tackles, a sack, and 11 passes defended while earning a strong 70.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
A shutdown duo of Gonzalez and Reed could make New England’s defense a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Signing Reed would not only strengthen their secondary but also weaken a division rival.
The Patriots could also pursue a cornerback in the NFL Draft, allowing them to focus their free-agent spending on bigger needs like wide receiver, offensive line, or pass rush. However, Reed presents an enticing option, especially considering the added benefit of poaching him from the Jets.
