The Patriots added an established cornerback to play opposite Christian Gonzalez on Monday afternoon.
Carlton Davis agreed to a three-year, $60 million deal with New England, according to NFL Network. In Detroit, the corner spent time with new Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, so there’s already some familiarity there.
So what did experts think of the signing? It was a mixed bag:
The Athletic
Grade: B
The eighth-year veteran has all the talent in the world, but durability is an issue. He has yet to play a full season in his career. If healthy, Davis will give New England a defensive back with strong coverage and tackling skills. He also brings credibility after helping Tampa Bay win a Super Bowl and contributing to the Lions’ turnaround. But, again, durability is a concern. — Mike Jones
ESPN
Grade: C+
If it all works out, the Patriots could have one heck of a cornerback pairing with Davis now opposite ascending star Christian Gonzalez. That’s surely the vision the Patriots had in mind in handing Davis a $20 million per year contract.
Davis is certainly considered a good corner, but I’m not sure his stats quite back up that price tag. At minimum, I’d have chosen D.J. Reed or Charvarius Ward among the available free agent corners. — Seth Walder
PFF
Grade: Average
This is a big contract for Davis, who should bolster the Patriots’ secondary with his consistently high floor. He hasn’t posted a PFF coverage grade below 60.0 since his rookie season in 2018 and also excels against the run, earning a 77.7 PFF run-defense grade in 2024. — PFF Staff
CBS
Grade: C+
Well, Mike Vrabel is certainly getting himself a feisty defense. Davis brings attitude to New England’s secondary after a battle-tested run with the Detroit Lions. The $20 million annual price tag is a lot for a guy who’s often banged up, however. — Cody Benjamin
33rd Team
Grade: A-
Vrabel is a defensive-minded guy, and he gets a great CB2 option opposite of Gonzalez who is capable of making plays on the ball. That’s a more than fair deal for a cornerback at the top of the FA market, and is a huge upgrade in New England’s secondary. — Tyler Brooke
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