After the departure of J.C. Jackson, the Patriots signed Terrance Mitchell, a former Texans defensive back.
Mitchell is the first New England free agent this offseason who wasn’t on 2021’s roster. ESPN reported that the deal is for one-year and is worth $3 million.
Last season, he was with the Texans and appeared in 14 games (13 start), compiling 59 tackles and one interception, and three forced fumbles.
Although the Patriots have reached agreements to resign veteran safety Devin McCourty and running back James White, kicker Nick Folk and special team captain Matt Slater, those deals have not been announced.
The Patriots have one more area they need to focus on in the offseason: the secondary.
Ted Karras was the left guard for the last 12 games and has signed a new deal to join the Bengals. According to reports, the Patriots are also working on a deal to send right guard Shaq Mason from New England to Tampa Bay. Mason has been a part of the Patriots’ offensive lines since 2015.
Mike Onwenu is entering his third season and is eligible to fill one of these open spots. He has appeared in 16 games in 2021, with four starts at left-guard.
It is also increasingly possible that New England will be looking for linebacker depth as they enter the draft next month.
Before the beginning of free agency, Kyle Van Noy was let go. Edge rusher Chase Winovich has been largely underwhelming since he was taken in the third round 2019 draft. He was traded from Cleveland to Mack Wilson, a linebacker.
Wilson is unlikely to be a long-term solution for the position but he has proven himself productive enough in the past so he could help if Ja’Whaun and Dont’a Hightower are not resigned.
