On Tuesday, the New England Patriots made a surprising change of heart regarding their corner Jalen Mills. Instead of releasing Mills as they planned to do last week, the Pats instead reworked the veteran’s contract to keep him on the team.
Multiple sources close to the New England organization previously reported that the franchise is looking to release Mills in a move that would get them a $5 million salary cap relief. But the 28-year-old ended up agreeing to a revised deal that is now basically a one-year contract worth up to $6.1 million. He previously had two years left on the four-year, $24 million deal he signed as a free agent with the Pats in 2021.
Mills has been a regular starter for the Patriots on the corner position when healthy in the previous two years. He started 26 games, contributing with 78 tackles, two interceptions, and 15 passes defended in 2021 and 2022 combined.
By keeping Mills, the Patriots will have continuity on the defense that has been one of the league’s best last season. They are probably also motivated by the fact that Mills recently expressed willingness to play the safety position. The head coach Bill Belichick values versatile players, while the team’s safety position also lost some depth after Pro Bowler Devin McCourty retired.
