New England Patriots rumors: 3 Bengals to target in 2022 NFL free agency
Why the New England Patriots should target cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III
If J.C. Jackson signs elsewhere in free agency, a possible replacement is former 2016 first-round pick Vernon Hargreaves III.
Originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hargreaves was cut by the team in 2019 and then claimed by the Texans who then released him in 2021. The Cincinnati Bengals then claimed him to help bolster their secondary.
In stabilizing himself in the Bengals’ secondary, Hargreaves should have a market in free agency, including the New England Patriots.
At 5-10, 204-pounds, the Florida Gators product has first-round talent and some untapped potential Bill Belichick may be able to tap into. Like another former Buccaneers cornerback Belichick took a chance on in Aqib Talib, Hargreaves at just 26 years old would be a cheaper option than Jackson and a player who can find success in the right defensive scheme.
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He also now has playoff experience under his belt. In 2021, Vernon Hargreaves totaled 32 combined tackles in his time with the Texans and Bengals and had 1 interception under his belt.
He was inactive for the Super Bowl, but he is a player who has exhibited some talent despite not quite living up to his first-round status. With the way Belichick has resurrected quite a few NFL careers, this could be one of those low-risk, high-reward signings the Patriots explore if they need to replace Jackson.
Even if they re-sign Jackson, Hargreaves would be a solid cornerback to add depth to the team as he has excelled in the slot corner role, especially during his time with the Texans.