Phillips seems to be a perfect Belichick safety.

Is there a single coach that appreciates positional versatility more than Belichick? At least, there isn’t one who speaks about it as much. And, Phillips can play many different roles for Patriots.

As previously mentioned, he was an All-Pro gunner in 2018. New England currently has two of the best gunners in the league in Matthew Slater and Justin Bethel. However, adding another talented player at the position can’t hurt.

Phillips will also be able to spell Patrick Chung and get him some more rest this season. Chung will be 33 this year, and Phillips can help take some of the in-the-box safety reps of his hands.

He also has some ability to play a smaller linebacker role. The Patriots are very thin at linebacker with Elandon Roberts and Kyle Van Noy departing in free agency. Phillips can help do a little bit of everything in New England.