New England Patriots: Ranking top 5 veteran free agent signings in 2020

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 22: Danny Vitale #45 of the Green Bay Packers is brought down by Josey Jewell #47 of the Denver Broncos during the second half at Lambeau Field on September 22, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 22: Danny Vitale #45 of the Green Bay Packers is brought down by Josey Jewell #47 of the Denver Broncos during the second half at Lambeau Field on September 22, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots Adrian Phillips (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
New England Patriots Adrian Phillips (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

No. 1 Adrian Phillips – DB

The New England Patriots were able to trade Duron Harmon because they signed the 28-year-old Adrian Phillips in free agency.

Another former rookie free agent, Phillips is a solid defensive back who should fit well with Patrick Chung and Devin McCourty at the safety position.

In 64 games with the Los Angeles Chargers, Phillips racked up 220 tackles, five interceptions with 18 passes defensed.

Another player coming off an injury, this signing is the top signing because of the depth he adds at the safety position and his impact on special teams.  Oh yes, special teams and we all know how Bill Belichick values these kinds of players.

A Pro Bowler and All Pro selection as a special teams player, Phillips will certainly more than compensate for the loss of Nate Ebner due to his ability to play meaningful snaps on defense.

With both Chung and McCourty aging, I can see Adrian Phillips seeing more time on the field and another veteran who will help with the development of the team’s top draft pick in 2020, Kyle Dugger.

In all, the New England Patriots didn’t make a splash, but they did sign players who can play multiple positions and also players who have built their careers on doing their job.

That is the Patriots motto after all.