Adrian Phillips is sticking around New England. The Patriots safety is inking a three-year extension, reports SiriusXM’s Adam Caplan (via Twitter).
The three-year deal is worth $12.75MM and could be worth up to $14.25MM. The deal contains $7.25MM in guaranteed money.
Phillips evolved from an undrafted rookie into an All-Pro special teamer with the Chargers. He caught on with the Patriots in 2020, signing a two-year, $6MM deal ($3MM guaranteed). After starting 24 games in six seasons for the Chargers, Phillips has started 27 games in one-plus seasons with New England.
Following a first season in New England that saw him starting all 16 games and collecting a career-high 109 tackles, Phillips has had another productive season with the Patriots in 2021. In 15 games (11 starts), the 29-year-old has compiled 76 tackles, eight passes defended, and four interceptions. He ranks among the top of Pro Football Focus’ ranking of top coverage safeties, and he also earned a spot on the site’s recent “All-Pro Team.”
While Phillips is listed as a safety, Bill Belichick and co. haven’t been afraid to use the veteran throughout their defense. Per Next Gen Stats (and passed along by ESPN’s Field Yates on Twitter), Phillips has played more than 100 defensive snaps at safety, slot cornerback, outside linebacker, inside linebacker, and edge. He’s also seen time at perimeter cornerback and interior defensive line.
Chess v checkers
The Patriots have quite a few defensive free agents to be. The signing couldn’t have come at a better time, and looks to be a great value extension. It’ll be interesting to see what they do with McCourty and Jackson.