The New England Patriots solidified an already deep group of safeties for the 2020 season. They started making additions in the offseason by signing six-year veteran Adrian Phillips.
Phillips, 28, spent the entirety of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers and earned a Pro Bowl nod, along with First-Team All-Pro honors in 2018. New England signed him after losing Duron Harmon and Nate Ebner in free agency — immediately filling a hole. He’ll spend the 2020 season alongside Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Terrence Brooks and rookie Kyle Dugger.
New England nabbed Phillips on a two-year deal that’s relatively inexpensive for a player with his talent. The deal includes a max of $7.5 million over the two-year span and $3.5 million guaranteed.
S Adrian Phillips contract w/ Patriots:
Signing bonus: $1.5 million
2020
Base: $1.25m
Roster: $500k ($31,250k per game)
Incentives: $750k2021
Base: $2.25m ($500k g'teed)
Roster: $500k
Incentives: $750kANALYSIS: 18 tackles in last 2 games vs. NE; Bill Belichick never forgets
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 20, 2020
Chances he makes the roster: 90%
McCourty and Chung are both 32-years-old, giving Phillips the opportunity to put his youth and veteran experience on display quickly. Phillips is slotted to play behind McCourty, but he has the ability to step up and play a hybrid linebacker role. Phillips’ only downfall is the broken arm he suffered last season — allowing him to only play seven games.
Phillips is a lock for the roster as long as he proves he’s fully healthy and prepared for the season. His skill and experience isn’t in question and the Patriots need to start evaluating the future at the position — which could involve Phillips as a starter in 2021.
What it means for Phillips
This is Phillips’ chance to expand his name and learn from Bill Belichick — along with McCourty and Chung. Both safeties won three Super Bowls and have a plethora of knowledge to help Phillips’ career going forward. The Patriots have a long list of solid veteran players who deal with an injury, compete for a Super Bowl and leave the team better than where they began.
He’s an extremely versatile player who can play on all levels on the defensive side — including the line. Phillips also is an outstanding special teams player, giving him an additional role on the team. If healthy, Phillips can make a major impact for the Patriots and work toward a large contract to finish out his NFL career.
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