Pats Sign CB Deltha O'Neal, Foxworth Acquisition Next?
In a move aimed at bolstering their thin CB corps, the Patriots today announced their signing of ex-Bengal cornerback Deltha O'Neal. In order to make room for their new acquisition, the Pats released tight end Stephen Spach.
O'Neal is a 2-time Pro Bowler with 8 years of pro experience between the Broncos and Bengals, so he'll immediately become one of the most veteran players in the secondary. At 31-years-old, he's not quite the playmaker he was in years past, but his addition instantly makes the secondary significantly stronger. The former first-round pick appeared in all 16 games with the Bengals last season (mostly at nickel), compiling 52 tackles (48 solos), 1 interception, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. O'Neal's here on a one-year deal and one of the key factors in his decision to join the Pats was the fact that he'd get to play alongside Rodney Harrison, for whom he has great respect. The Pats will hope he can fill the void left by Fernando Bryant.
In related news, the Broncos are reportedly on the verge of trading CB Domonique Foxworth. Foxworth has spent his Denver days as the team's primary nickelback, but he seems capable of stepping into a starting corner role with a bit more refinement (this will be his fourth season in the league). His size (5-11, 180 pounds) will limit him somewhat, but we've seen smaller CBs succeed in the Patriots' defense in the past (5-10, 185 pound Asante Samuel most notably). The signing of O'Neal lessens the possibility of a Foxworth trade, but don't rule anything out at this point.
O'Neal is a 2-time Pro Bowler with 8 years of pro experience between the Broncos and Bengals, so he'll immediately become one of the most veteran players in the secondary. At 31-years-old, he's not quite the playmaker he was in years past, but his addition instantly makes the secondary significantly stronger. The former first-round pick appeared in all 16 games with the Bengals last season (mostly at nickel), compiling 52 tackles (48 solos), 1 interception, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. O'Neal's here on a one-year deal and one of the key factors in his decision to join the Pats was the fact that he'd get to play alongside Rodney Harrison, for whom he has great respect. The Pats will hope he can fill the void left by Fernando Bryant.
In related news, the Broncos are reportedly on the verge of trading CB Domonique Foxworth. Foxworth has spent his Denver days as the team's primary nickelback, but he seems capable of stepping into a starting corner role with a bit more refinement (this will be his fourth season in the league). His size (5-11, 180 pounds) will limit him somewhat, but we've seen smaller CBs succeed in the Patriots' defense in the past (5-10, 185 pound Asante Samuel most notably). The signing of O'Neal lessens the possibility of a Foxworth trade, but don't rule anything out at this point.
Comments