Many factors have gone into the New England Patriots' 1-2 start to the 2025 NFL season. From the turnovers to the costly penalties on both sides of the ball, the Patriots have hardly looked any better than last year.
Although the Pats spent the most money in free agency to add talent across the lineup, it’s evident that executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and the front office already regret not adding seasoned depth at cornerback. Since CB1 Christian Gonzalez has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, third-year cornerback Alex Austin has filled in for him opposite Carlton Davis III without much success
With Austin continuing to make costly mistakes in Sunday's 21-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Patriots likely regret not signing multiple quality veterans to bolster their depth at secondary.
Patriots Should Regret Not Adding CB Depth This Offseason
Since picking up the starting role, Austin has been one of the worst cornerbacks in the league. His 46.9 Pro Football Focus grade ranks 125th out of 148 cornerbacks, whereas his 37.2 coverage grade is the 14th-worst performance at his position.
Opposing offenses have been picking on him and have been successful in doing so, as Austin has allowed nine receptions on 12 targets for 153 yards, one touchdown, and a 144.4 passer rating.
The struggling CB has made costly mistakes that have screwed over New England's defense. In Week 2, Austin gave up a big 47-yard catch to Miami Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill on third and long, jumping way too early on an underthrown ball. On Sunday, Austin made two more blunders, as he had two brutal penalties on third down that extended the drives and led to scores for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Although Austin hasn’t been good, he shouldn’t get all the blame.
Two players whom the Patriots should’ve targeted in free agency were Donte Jackson and Isaiah Rodgers, with both defensive backs having great starts with their new team. Jackson has only allowed five receptions for 20 yards, receiving a 63.3 overall grade in three games with the Los Angeles Chargers. Meanwhile, Rodgers has allowed five receptions for 48 yards while tallying one interception returned for an 87-yard touchdown, and has received an insane 90.9 overall grade.
Both players signed cheap, short-term contracts that the Patriots could’ve afforded, but now regret. Outside of Davis and Marcus Jones, the Patriots have inexperience at corner. Charles Woods, Kobee Minor, Gonzalez, and Austin combine for 51 games played, and have played zero snaps together.
The Patriots relied too heavily on Gonzalez and Davis to hold it down at cornerback and didn’t have a backup plan if any of them went down. That’s why the Patriots have been horrible against the pass, ranking 29th in pass yards allowed (256.3), 31st in air yards (392), and 30th in completion percentage (74.2%).
Their 44.7 coverage grade is also fifth-worst in the NFL.
While the return for Gonzalez is desperately needed and looks to be happening soon, the Patriots should correct their mistake from the offseason and target a cornerback via trade before it's too late.