The New England Patriots may have strayed away from their usual philosophy by signing Darrelle Revis to a one-year, $12 million contract on Wednesday, but Brandon Browner would represent the exact type of player Bill Belichick is always looking to add to the mix. The former Seattle Seahawks cornerback was scheduled to visit the Patriots on Thursday.
Browner will miss the first four games of the 2014 season as he serves a suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He was also suspended for the final five games of last season and is a repeat offender.
When he played, the 6-foot-4, 220 pound Browner was one of the most physical cornerbacks in the league. He should come cheap because of the suspension, and some have speculated that the Patriots could try to convert Browner to a strong safety if they end up signing him. New England already has good depth at cornerback with Revis, Alfonzo Dennard, Kyle Arrington and Logan Ryan. They also have a solid free safety in Devin McCourty.
Assuming Revis provides an upgrade over Talib, the Patriots should already have an above-average secondary heading into 2014. That is a luxury they have been lacking in recent years. If they are able to sign a potentially valuable player like Browner, who will also be visiting the Washington Redskins and other teams, New England could have lockdown potential.
