The New England Patriots have begun putting a bandage on the corner position in the aftermath of losing J.C. Jackson to the Chargers in free agency. The team has agreed to a one-year deal with former Texans cornerback Terrance Mitchell that is worth $3 million, according to ESPN.
Mitchell spent the 2021 season with the Houston Texans where he started in 13 of his 14 games played during the regular season. He defended 10 passes and recorded one interception over that stretch while recording three forced fumbles and 60 total tackles. When targeted by opposing quarterbacks, the veteran -- who will be 30 years old by the start of next season -- allowed a 62.9 reception percentage and a passer rating of 104.7, according to Pro Football Focus.
The former seventh-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys has bounced around the league quite a bit since entering in 2014 after a collegiate career at Oregon. He's had stints with the Bears, Texans, Chiefs, and Browns before making Foxborough his latest stop. The most productive season of his career came with Kansas City in 2017 when he defended 18 passes and had four interceptions in 15 games played (nine starts).
Again, this move is one step in helping the Patriots cushion the blow of losing Jackson earlier this offseason. Los Angeles has landed the corner on a reported five-year deal that is worth $82.5 million with $40 million guaranteed. With Jackson serving as New England's No. 1 corner this past season and leading the league with 23 pass breakups, his departure won't be an easy one to fill and likely won't fall on the shoulders of a single player like Mitchell.
Mitchell now joins the likes of Jalen Mills, Jonathan Jones, Myles Bryant, Joejuan Williams, Justin Bethel, and Shaun Wade on the Patriots depth chart at corner.
