The New England Patriots’ cornerback depth has been pressed the last few weeks. On Wednesday the team made a move to add much-needed depth to the position.
Late on Wednesday afternoon, the Patriots signed cornerback Marco Wilson off waivers from the Arizona Cardinals. The Patriots were one of three teams to put in a waiver claim on Wilson, along with the Broncos and Titans, but had top waiver priority.
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Wilson, 24, was a fourth-round pick by the Cardinals out of Florida in 2021. Over the past three years he played in 43 games for the Cardinals, starting 37. In that time he recorded 18 pass breakups and three interceptions – with two of those coming off of Tom Brady last year.
After a strong season in 2022 Wilson struggled to start this year. At the time he was released earlier this week he was PFF’s 121st-ranked cornerback out of 123 qualifying players. Still Wilson will give the Patriots much needed depth and size (6-foot, 191 pounds) at the position, especially following the loss of J.C. Jackson (who was one of the players two ranked behind Wilson).
Because the Patriots claimed Wilson off waivers, they inherit his contract. Still on his rookie deal, he’s signed through next season with a cap hit of $1.2 million for 2024.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 26: Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots stretches over Jason Pinnock #27 of the New York Giants while scoring a rushing touchdown during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
To open up a roster spot for Wilson, the Patriots placed running back Rhamondre Stevenson on IR. Stevenson has missed the last three games with an ankle injury, which was at the time was reported as potentially season-ending.
Now, Stevenson’s season is officially over. In 12 games this year he rushed for 619 yards at 4.0 yards per carry, with four touchdowns. He also caught 38 passes for 238 yards.
Stevenson isn’t the only injured starter on the Patriots’ offense. At Wednesday’s practice the team was also without tackle Trent Brown (illness), as well as safeties Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) and Jalen Mills (concussion). Nine players were limited including wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle), tight end Hunter Henry (knee), defensive lineman Christian Barmore (knee), and cornerback Jonathan Jones (knee).
