Young Patriots Free Agent Urges Team to Re-Sign Him

During the height of the Bill Belichick era in New England, the Patriots defense was consistently one of the best in the NFL. Unfortunately, in recent seasons, that unit has taken a step back. Last season, the Patriots had the 10th-worst rushing defense (2,233 yards allowed) and the 6th-best passing defense (3,749 yards).

Although New England had decent pass coverage in 2024, many still expect new head coach Mike Vrabel to add more talent in the secondary. That said, one young Patriot cornerback is pleading his case to stay in Foxborough.

Second-year cornerback Alex Austin recently responded to a post on X from Patriots on CLNS reporter Taylor Kyles, who suggested New England should consider bringing him back. Austin quoted the post simply saying, "Film don't lie;"

Alex Austin Would Like to Return to New England in 2025

The 23-year-old cornerback was originally a seventh-round draft pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2023. However, Austin failed to make the Bills 53-man roster but did land with the Houston Texans practice squad to start the 2023 season. Despite that, Austin was only part of the Texans' practice squad for less than a month.

Following his release from Houston, New England signed Austin. Since joining the Patriots, Austin has played 14 games and started four, recording 18 tackles, one TFL, seven pass deflections, and one interception.

Furthermore, Austin allowed a 47.4 reception percentage and had a coverage grade of 63.9 in 234 this season, according to PFF. For a former seventh-round pick, impacting the game at all is impressive.

Even though New England could make an upgrade at cornerback, Vrabel should stick with Austin and see if he can be developed into a solid CB2 or CB3.

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