Patriots rumors: ‘Position-less’ secondary plans; Isaiah Wynn trade?
How will the New England Patriots look on defense in 2022?
Well, Bill Belichick could have something up his sleeve that will utilize one of the strengths of the defense, which is their defensive back unit.
While the departure of J.C. Jackson left a big shoe to fill at cornerback, the team does have depth in a secondary led by veteran safeties Adrian Phillips and Devin McCourty. They also have emerging defensive playmaker Kyle Dugger and free agent addition Jabrill Peppers who both could play that hybrid safety/linebacker role.
New England Patriots relying on versatility on defense in 2022
As far as the cornerbacks go, the return of Malcolm Butler will be a story in itself, but the return of Jonathan Jones, the versatility of Jalen Mills and young defensive backs like Shaun Wade, and rookies Jack Jones and Marcus Jones makes for an intriguing secondary that Phillips hints could be position-less.
"“You don’t know what [Devin McCourty], [Jonathan] Jones, or any other guys will be doing on certain plays,” Phillips said, via WEEI. “Just being able to be that fluid and interchange stuff is great and that’s what we need to keep working toward.”"
Lacking star power, the versatility in the secondary may be the attribute Bill Belichick is counting on in 2022 as the defensive mastermind could be preparing to hit the NFL with something new and different. At least that is the hope.
NFL trade rumors: Could Patriots be eyeing an Isaiah Wynn trade?
If Isaiah Wynn expects to be the Patriots starting left tackle in 2022, it is probably not a good idea to not show up at voluntary practices this Spring.
Yes, the OTA sessions have been voluntary, but Wynn’s absence is opening speculation as to whether the fourth-year offensive linemen is preparing to hold out as he enters the final season of his rookie contract.
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Although Wynn hasn’t lived up to his potential due to both inconsistency and injuries, the Patriots do need him in the mix at least for continuity along that offensive line after trading Shaq Mason earlier in the offseason. Then again, perhaps the team is looking at Wynn as not such a huge loss.
As NESN’s Zach Cox writes, the Patriots could be looking at Wynn as expendable on the field and financially:
"“The Patriots might not view Wynn, who’s been hounded by injuries throughout his four-year career, as a long-term answer. And given their current salary cap situation — less than $2 million in available space, per OverTheCap — they could consider trading the 2018 first-rounder, as doing so would wipe his entire salary off their books.”"
Certainly, trading Wynn would not be shocking. More so since the team did bring back huge tackle Trent Brown who has been taking reps in place of Wynn during OTAs. The Patriots also have Justin Herron, Yodny Cajuste, and versatile offensive linemen Michael Onwenu who could step in at the tackle positions.
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There are also options like Eric Fisher and Riley Reiff on the free agent market if the team does decide to trade Wynn. It’s a storyline worth watching as mandatory minicamp kicks off. Does the Patriots left tackle show up and if he does, will Brown continue to get reps at left tackle?