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New England Patriots

Patriots safety leaves in free agency for starting opportunity

Author Alex Barth
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 05: Jalen Mills #2 of the New England Patriots lines up against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 05: Jalen Mills #2 of the New England Patriots lines up against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

After three seasons with the New England Patriots, safety Jalen Mills is moving on. On Tuesday afternoon Mills agreed to a one-year contract with the New York Giants, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

After the signing, MassLive’s Mark Daniels reported that “Mills wanted to go to a team where he’d have a chance to start.” That will likely be the case in New York, after the Giants lost starting safety Xavier McKinney to the Green Bay Packers on Monday. In New York Mills will re-join the Giants-Eagles rivalry, after playing the first five seasons of his career in Philadelphia.

READ MORE:

—Mike Onwenu re-ups with the Patriots on a long-term deal
—Josh Uche takes hometown discount to stay in New England
—Will the Patriots take advantage of the Los Angeles Chargers’ dire salary cap situation?

After starting 26 games over his first two seasons in New England, Mills had his contract shortened prior to the 2023 season and moved from cornerback to safety. That move saw his playing time decrease, from a 75 percent usage rate in 2022 to a 40 percent usage rate – the lowest of his career – last season. In 17 games he recorded 45 tackles with one pass breakup and a forced fumble.

With Kyle Dugger back alongside Jabrill Peppers and Marte Mapu entering his second season, playing time figured to be scarce for Mills again in New England in 2024 for his age 30 season. Instead of bringing Mills back it would make more sense for the Patriots to get younger at safety, especially if they can find a more true free/deep safety to complement the box skillset the three players previously listed have.

Mills is the third former Patriot to find a new team on Tuesday, joining tight end Mike Gesicki and wide receiver DeVante Parker. For more updates on the Patriots and news and rumors from around the league, keep scrolling for our NFL Free Agency Tracker…

NFL Free Agency Tracker, Day 2: The latest news & rumors

NFL free agency kicked off with a bang across the league on Monday, and now we’re on to day 2. We’ve got you covered in our official live tracker below.

We are now in the second day of what’s known as the “legal tampering” period in free agency. Impending free agents are allowed to negotiate directly with other teams and agree to new deals, up until the actual start of free agency and the league year on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.

There are still plenty of big names available in free agency as we head into day 2, including wide receiver Calvin Ridley, tackle Tyron Smith, and edge rusher Danielle Hunter. Read below for the latest free agency news & rumors across the National Football League as it comes in…

  • Patriots Sign TE Austin Hooper

    The Patriots are adding another established tight end to their depth chart. Veteran Austin Hooper is joining New England, as first reported by Ian Rapoport. It’s a one-yeard deal worth up to a very affordable $4.25 million.

  • Steelers trade a wide receiver

    Last week, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson requested a trade. It didn’t take long for the team to honor that request, and on Tuesday night they sent him to the Carolina Panthers for cornerback Donte Jackson, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The teams also swapped late-round picks.

    Tom Pelissero on Twitter: "Full trade:The #Panthers get Diontae Johnson and pick No. 240The #Steelers get Donte Jackson and pick 178 https://t.co/2vbKLl0MMv / Twitter"

    Full trade:The #Panthers get Diontae Johnson and pick No. 240The #Steelers get Donte Jackson and pick 178 https://t.co/2vbKLl0MMv

  • Eagles set up a reunion in the secondary

    After playing for the Detroit Lions last year, defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is headed back to the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s getting a three-year, $33 million contract according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

    NFL on Twitter: "DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is returning to the Eagles on a three-year deal worth up to $33 million. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/1VKl1zz7Nj / Twitter"

    DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is returning to the Eagles on a three-year deal worth up to $33 million. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/1VKl1zz7Nj

  • Texans continue loading up

    The Texans have been one of the biggest players in this free agency, and their latest signing comes on the defensive side of the ball. They’re adding former Minnesota pass rusher Danielle Hunter on a two-year, $49 million contract per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Hunter replaces Jonathan Grenard, who decided to sign with the Vikings on Monday.

    Adam Schefter on Twitter: "Danielle Hunter to the Texans on a two-year, $49 million deal, including $48 million guaranteed, per source. The deal has a max value of $51 million. / Twitter"

    Danielle Hunter to the Texans on a two-year, $49 million deal, including $48 million guaranteed, per source. The deal has a max value of $51 million.

  • Bucs re-sign LaVonte David

    A cornerstone piece of the Bucs defense stays home. Tampa Bay has agreed to a one-year deal to keep LB Lavonte David, according to Ian Rapoport. The deal is for up to $10 million.

  • Jalen Mills leaves Patriots for Giants

    Former Patriots defensive back Jalen Mills is signing a one-year deal with the Giants, according to Adam Schefter. Per Mark Daniels of MassLive, Mills wanted to go to a team that would give him a chance to start. A novel concept.

    FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 05: Jalen Mills #2 of the New England Patriots lines up against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

    FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 05: Jalen Mills #2 of the New England Patriots lines up against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

  • Panthers get LB Josey Jewell

    Former Broncos linebacker Josey Jewell is signing a three-year, $22.75 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, according to Adam Schefter.

  • Bills sign LB Nicholas Morrow

    As first reported by Mike Garafolo, the Buffalo Bills are signing former Eagles linebacker Nicholas Morrow. The turnover continues on the Philadelphia defense, while the Bills add a solid veteran piece for their defense amid roster turnover of their own.

  • DeVante Parker already has a new team

    It didn’t take long for wide receiver DeVante Parker to find a new team. Just about 24 hours after a report that the Patriots would be releasing him, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Parker is signing a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Patriots will still be on the hook for $3.5 million of Parker’s $4.69 million guaranteed salary.

  • Josh Uche returns to Patriots

    The Patriots are retaining another in-house free agent, this time on defense. According to Mike Garafolo, they’re re-signing Josh Uche to a new one-year deal. Per Garafolo, Uche had better offers elsewhere but instead chooses to stay with the team that drafted him.

  • Colts re-sign CB Kenny Moore

    The Colts are rewarding slot cornerback Kenny Moore with a new three-year deal worth up to $30 million, according to Adam Schefter. One of the recent cornerstones of Indy’s secondary is staying put – and becoming the highest-paid pure inside cornerback in league history.

  • Commanders add Dante Fowler

    The Washington Commanders continue to load up on edge rushers. According to Jordan Schultz, they’re now signing Dante Fowler Jr. They add him to a list of additions including Dorance Armstrong and Clelin Ferrell along their defensive front.

  • Bears sign TE Gerald Everett

    The Bears are adding another weapon for … whoever is their quarterback in 2024. They’re signing free-agent tight end Gerald Everett, according to Jeremy Fowler. USC quarterback Caleb Williams is projected to go to the Bears No. 1 overall in the 2024 draft.

    Adam Schefter has the contract details for Everett in Chicago: two years and a max value of $14 million.

  • Chase Young sets free-agent visits

    At this point, some of the biggest names available are being more patient, and thus will visit teams before making a decision. That’s the case with 49ers defensive end Chase Young, who according to Tom Pelissero is expected to visit the Panthers and Saints this week. According to Ian Rapoport, he’s also set to visit the Titans.

  • Patriots made offer to Calvin Ridley

    According to Josina Anderson, the Patriots  “have an offer out” to impending free agent wide receiver Calvin Ridley. The Pats and Jaguars have widely been the two teams reported to be bidding for Ridley’s services. Indications are that Ridley prefers to stay in Jacksonville, but New England is presenting a competitive offer.

  • QB Drew Lock joins Giants

    The New York Giants are signing quarterback Drew Lock, as reported by Ian Rapoport. Lock may have a legitimate chance to play in 2024, as Daniel Jones comes back from an ACL injury.

  • Patrick Queen jumps ship

    Former Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen is going to their biggest rival. As reported by Marcus Spears via Adam Schefter, Queen is jumping ship from the Baltimore Ravens to the Pittsburgh Steelers. A big addition for the Steelers’ front-seven, and an excellent fit.

  • Niners extend special teams ace

    The San Francisco 49ers are re-signing core special teamer George Odum to a two-year deal worth up to $10 million, according to Tom Pelissero. When you have one of the best rosters in the league and a quarterback on his rookie deal, you can afford to make these kinds of signings.

  • Ridley rumors heading up

    Tuesday afternoon came with increased chatter around wide receiver Calvin Ridley. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Patriots are making a push to sign the 29-year-old but Ridley “prefers to return to Jacksonville” and is discussing a deal with the Jaguars. Shortly after, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported that “it’s down to the Jaguars and Patriots…both teams feel they’re in it.”

    Adam Schefter on Twitter: "New England is pushing to sign free-agent WR Calvin Ridley, but sources believe that he currently prefers to return to Jacksonville and he has been discussing a deal with the Jaguars. pic.twitter.com/cmFLgY6aV9 / Twitter"

    New England is pushing to sign free-agent WR Calvin Ridley, but sources believe that he currently prefers to return to Jacksonville and he has been discussing a deal with the Jaguars. pic.twitter.com/cmFLgY6aV9

  • King Henry joins the MVP

    Derrick Henry’s incredible run in Tennessee has come to an end. The 30-year-old two-time NFL rushing leader is joining Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens on a two-year, $16 million deal worth up to $20 million.

  • Irv Smith Jr. joins Chiefs

    Patrick Mahomes has a new weapon. The Kansas City Chiefs are signing free-agent tight end Irv Smith Jr. to a one-year deal, according to Adam Schefter.

  • Darnell Mooney joins Falcons

    The Atlanta Falcons are adding a weapon for new quarterback Kirk Cousins. Former Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney is joining them on a three-year deal worth up to $39 million, according to Ian Rapoport. The deal includes $26 million guaranteed. That basically makes the contract “two years and see how it goes.”

  • Nyheim Hines lands with Browns

    After the Bills moved on from Nyheim Hines, the veteran back has found a new home. He’s signing with the Cleveland Browns for one year and up to $3.5 million, according to Adam Schefter.

  • Shaq Barrett headed to Dolphins

    The Miami Dolphins have lost key pieces on defense, but they’re revamping their pass-rush with a new signing. As first reported by Jordan Schultz, edge rusher Shaquil Barrett is joining Miami. Contract details have not yet been reported. Barrett’s pass-rush production has tailed off in recent years, but he’s only two removed from a 10-sack season in 2021.

  • Trade! Bengals sending Joe Mixon to Texans

    News came out on Monday that the Bengals intended to release running back Joe Mixon. Instead, the Texans came calling, and now Mixon is headed to Houston in a trade. Cincinnati, meanwhile, signed Zack Moss in free agency. Mixon now gets a chance to play with rising star quarterback C.J. Stroud with the Texans.

  • Mike Gesicki leaves Patriots for Bengals

    The Patriots have lost a tight end to free agency. As reported by Adam Schefter, Mike Gesicki is signing with the Cincinnati Bengals for one year and up to $3.25 million. The Bengals have also re-signed Drew Sample at tight end. The Patriots, meanwhile, made a long-term commitment to Hunter Henry.

  • QB Jameis Winston chooses Browns

    The Cleveland Browns are going in a new direction at quarterback. As first reported by Jordan Schultz, Jameis Winston is signing a one-year deal with Cleveland for up to $8.7 million. The Browns still have Deshaun Watson atop their QB depth chart.

  • QB Marcus Mariota signs with Commanders

    Veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota has found a new team. As reported by Adam Schefter, he’s joining Sam Howell on the Washington Commanders, who have had a busy overall start to free agency. Mariota’s contract is one year for $6 million and up to $10 million.

  • Eagles add offensive line help

    The Philadelphia Eagles continue to reinforce their offensive line for the post-Jason Kelce era. According to Zach Berman of PHLY, they’re signing former Falcons center/guard Matt Hennessy to a one-year deal. Hennessy started all 17 games for the Falcons in 2022.

  • Clelin Ferrell to join Commanders

    Former Raiders and 49ers defensive end Clelin Ferrell has found a new home in the NFC. He’s signing with the Washington Commanders, according to Dianna Russini. He’ll make for a solid, well-rounded complementary edge defender in the Commanders’ remade defensive front, where they’ve also signed Dorance Armstrong.

  • ‘Mystery team’ season in the Calvin Ridley market

    Wide receiver Calvin Ridley remains the top wide receiver and one of the top overall players available heading into Day 2 of free agency. According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the Patriots and Jaguars are still in play. However, Jones added that “there could be a darkhorse lurking as well” to sign the 29-year-old wideout.

    NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 07: Calvin Ridley #0 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates a touchdown catch during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

    NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 07: Calvin Ridley #0 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates a touchdown catch during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

  • Star running back changes NFC North teams

    Less than 24 hours after getting released by the Green Bay Packers, running back Aaron Jones got a new deal – from a division rival. Jones will be signing with the Minnesota Vikings, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Jones was cut when the Packers signed Josh Jacobs on Monday.

    Dianna Russini on Twitter: "Grab your purple sombreros, RB Aaron Jones is expected to join the Minnesota Vikings, per sources. pic.twitter.com/9HBW6CBlUt / Twitter"

    Grab your purple sombreros, RB Aaron Jones is expected to join the Minnesota Vikings, per sources. pic.twitter.com/9HBW6CBlUt

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    Need a recap of the first day of free agency? Check out our official day 1 tracker.

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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. Check out all of Matt’s content.

Alex Barth is a digital content producer and on-air host for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Barth grew up in the Boston area and began covering both the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox in 2017 before joining the Hub in 2020. He now covers all things Boston Sports for 985TheSportsHub.com as well as appearing on air. Alex writes about all New England sports, as well as college football. You can follow him across all social media platforms at @RealAlexBarth.

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