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The New England Patriots could be in the market for a new starting cornerback this offseason with Malcolm Butler most likely on his way out. As it so happens, two very high-profile corners in Richard Sherman and Aqib Talib are rumored to become available this offseason. And according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, both players would not mind coming over to New England.
Howe notes that the Pats inquired about Sherman last year and that the corner would consider going to New England if the Seahawks ever decided to move on from him.
The Pats did call the Seahawks about Sherman last offseason, but the trade interest was brief. Sherman was receptive to the idea of joining the Patriots then and still is now if the Seahawks go in another direction, according to a source.
As for Talib, who played for the Patriots for a season and a half in 2012-13, Howe says he’s also open to a reunion, particularly if the Broncos decide to cut him and he becomes a free agent.
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Talib, 32, would be receptive to the idea of rejoining the Patriots, according to a source. So if the Broncos unload him prior to free agency, that potential courtship could begin in the coming ways.
It would be huge if the Patriots could add either player to the pass defense, which was the team's big weakness last season. While Sherman is still working his way back from a torn Achilles and Talib is getting up there in age, they are still outstanding corners who would be an excellent addition playing opposite last year's big acquisition, Stephon Gilmore.
Bill Belichick showed last season with his signing of Gilmore and his trade for wide receiver Brandin Cooks that he is capable of being aggressive and pulling the trigger on some major moves if they are on the table. So if it is indeed possible to snag either Sherman or Talib, the Patriots should do their best to explore those options in order to make necessary improvements on that defense.
