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New England Patriots rumors: 3 Buccaneers to target in 2022 free agency

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 16: Tampa Bay Buccaneers players prepare to enter the stadium before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 16: Tampa Bay Buccaneers players prepare to enter the stadium before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Why the New England Patriots should target safety Jordan Whitehead

The New England Patriots will have a major decision to make at the safety position regarding Devin McCourty.

The 34-year-old defensive back has already hinted that he plans to play in 2022.  If he does not retire, do the Patriots bring him back?

Even if they do, they will need to bolster the position and get a little younger.  They also need to get more physical.  The first Tampa Bay Buccaneers pending free agent they can target to fill both those roles is safety Jordan Whitehead who Bucs head coach Bruch Arians called a “hitter” and a force in the secondary.

"“Well, he’s a hitter,” Arians said back in January.  “He is a hitter and he’s a guy that’s always prepared.  He’s really, really improved his pass defense in the last year and a half.  He’s a force because he’s one of those guys that he’s going to bring it.  He’s going to cause turnovers, and you love having him on your squad.”"

Sounds like what Bill Belichick and the Patriots already have in Kyle Duggar, but why not add more physicality in the secondary.  If they do move on from McCourty, just imagine a safety trio of Whitehead, Duggar and Adrian Phillips?

Along with his big play ability, Whitehead adds both youth and has playoff experience.  He also practiced the last couple of years against one of the best, Tom Brady.  Belichick will find some value in that!

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