Patriots Rumors: A look at Jordan Poyer as the McCourty replacement
The New England Patriots were having a monster off-season with some of their additions and key guys already committed to returning. But on Friday afternoon, they suffered quite a gut punch that is making a lot of Pats nation sad. Devin McCourty retired.
Yes, the long time Patriot is retiring after a stellar career and three Super Bowl titles. We will always appreciate the work that McCourty did as a Patriot. But now the question is: who will replace McCourty at safety?
One name that is floating around the free agency market is Bills safety Jordan Poyer. Poyer will be heading into free agency as an unrestricted free agent.
So could the Patriots make a play at Jordan Poyer? I say yes, Poyer could very well be the Patriots new safety.
New England Patriots treating Jordan Poyer similar to Stephon Gilmore
Should the Patriots actually bring Poyer to Foxborough, this would almost have the feeling similar to the 2016 off-season signing of Stephon Gilmore. Think about the similarities.
The biggest similarity is that they both would be coming from the Bills. Gilmore was coming from a less talented team in Buffalo, when he came to the Patriots before the 2017 season. Look at the career he had here. A Super Bowl in 2018 along with a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019. That’s pretty good!
The 6-foot Oregon State safety is obviously coming from a different situation. Buffalo is a legitimate threat now and it would hurt more to see Poyer go to an in-division rival.
With his ability to read the quarterback and create turnovers on defense, teaming up with guys like Kyle Dugger and Adrian Phillips could make New England’s secondary very scary to play against in 2023.
New England Patriots getting a skilled corner in Jordan Poyer
Like I mentioned before, Poyer has a great instinct in reading the quarterback’s eyes and making plays.
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One of the big things that the Patriots preach is football intelligence, smart players. Poyer is a very smart athlete that won’t make as many mistakes as other defensive players.
The Patriots also preach for players that can do multiple things. Whether it is playing in man coverage or zone coverage, Poyer has seen plenty of both coverages to feel comfortable in the Patriots system. That’s huge!
Nine interceptions in the last two seasons is not bad either. Along with 156 total solo tackles in the past two seasons, Poyer is flying all over the field!
Look, the Patriots are going to need a safety. So why not take one away from one of the teams you have to play twice a season?
Next. 2 free agents Patriots should sign at any cost. dark
Poyer can bring elite defensive talent and intelligence to a defense that is continuing to build. Yes, Matthew Judon is a great edge rusher. Yes, Christian Barmore will hopefully turn a corner in year three. Sure, there’s already some pieces in the defense.
But add Poyer to this defense and you take another jump to serious contention in the NFL playoffs next season. Make a call, Bill!