Report: Patriots acquire rookie cornerback in trade with Ravens
With just one training camp practice left, the Patriots are making a change to their roster. Following Thursday’s practice, the team acquired rookie cornerback Shaun Wade from the Baltimore Ravens.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network was the first to report the deal. The Patriots will send a 2022 seventh-round pick and 2023 fifth-round pick back to Baltimore in return, per Albert Breer of SI.
Wade is a prototypical Patriots cornerback who seemed like a logical fit for them during this spring’s draft. He’s 6-foot-1, 196 pounds and will play physically at the line and down the field. Following the 2019 season many considered him to be a first-round talent, but he fell to the fifth after a rough 2020. In three years with the Ohio State Buckeyes, Wade recorded six interceptions, 18 pass breakups, and three forced fumbles in 32 games.
Bill Belichick mentioned before the draft that in some cases, the team saw more value in 2019 tape than 2020, and some of their draft picks reflected that. Wade is now another player fitting that mold.
Wade ended up going 160th overall to Baltimore, during a massive gap in the Patriots’ picks. Yet he struggled in camp, with the Baltimore Sun writing, “If Wade makes the roster, itâll be because of his long-term potential. He hasnât been the sixth-best cornerback in camp … outperformed in 1-on-1s and team drills.”
Now in New England, Wade will compete with Joejuan Williams, Michael Jackson, and Jalen Mills for reps at the boundary cornerback position. There’s a chance he doesn’t end up making the roster, but if he doesn’t he’d be a fit for the practice squad.
This is the second trade the Patriots have made in as many days as final roster cuts are less than a week away. Yesterday, the team sent Sony Michel to the Los Angeles Rams for a pair of draft picks.
This is an ongoing story, and will be updated…
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
