It’s time for the Patriots to recreate the Aqib Talib trade
The Patriots fixed their secondary overnight when they traded for Aqib Talib in 2012. Here’s some ideas to make history repeat itself at the trade deadline.
FOXBORO, MA – SEPTEMBER 22: Aqib Talib #31 of the New England Patriots breaks up a pass intended for Mike Williams #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 4th quarter in a game at Gillette Stadium on September 22, 2013 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Jim Rogash/Getty ImagesIn 2012, the Patriots' secondary was hurting. Then, in one of Bill Belichick's more savvy trades in his career, they brought in Aqib Talib, and transformed the unit overnight.
Talib made an immediate impact, returning a pick-six for 59 yards in his Patriots debut, a 59-24 lashing of the Indianapolis Colts. The 20th overall pick in the 2008 draft, Talib didn't quite live up to his first-round pedigree until he arrived in New England. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2013, and was a borderline All-Pro that season, if not for injuries and stiff competition.
The Patriots' next great outside cornerback isn't going to come from free agency (Stephon Gilmore) any time soon. If he comes in the draft, it could take a couple of years to get him playing at the level the Patriots need right now.
Even if they can't acquire the next version of Talib, let alone Gilmore, it's time for the Patriots to shore up their depth on the outside. That is, add a legitimate outside cornerback that can start games.
They may have concerns in the slot, too, but it's really on the perimeter where a new addition could help the other pieces fall into place. Jalen Mills has played a lot on the outside, but is better suited to man the middle of the field. Joejuan Williams had a solid game on the boundary in Week 7 against the New York Jets, but has yet to show enough consistency to inspire confidence.
Especially now that they've traded Gilmore to the Panthers, help at outside corner ought to be on the way, preferably with a player approaching free agency or someone they could have under control for 2022. They may not unearth a gem like they did with Talib, but they could target a similar asset.
Here's a look at whom the Patriots could possibly look at for a cornerback trade...
The 2021 NFL trade deadline passes at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Cornerback arguably isn't the Patriots' only position of need. Here's Alex Barth with more trade ideas.
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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
