The New England Patriots and safety Adrian Phillips have agreed to a three-year, $12.75 million extension with $7.25 million in guarantees.
Phillips joined the Patriots prior to the start of the 2020 season after spending the first six seasons of his career with the Chargers. He had a career-high 109 total tackles (seven for a loss) in 2020 and has 76 with two games remaining this season. In addition, he has a career-high four interceptions, one for a touchdown, and is credited with a forced fumble. He is Pro Football Focus’ sixth highest-graded safety in 2021 with a grade of 81.4.
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Despite the Patriots’ recent two-game skid, they have still allowed the second-fewest points in the entire league through 15 games and have allowed the third-fewest yards, including just 2,905 through the air. Only the Bills and Panthers have allowed less. Impressive when you consider the Patriots shipped All-Pro corner Stephon Gilmore to Carolina earlier this season.
The Patriots are primed to make another postseason appearance under Bill Belichick but with the offseason looming, Phillips was just one of a few contracts that need to be addressed in the secondary moving. Most notably, cornerback J.C. Jackson is set to become a free agent, although, he could be a prime candidate for the franchise tag.
For now, this is a great signing for a team readying themselves for a playoff birth. Assuming they can take care of business in the final two weeks of the season. The good thing for Phillips, that is the only business need taken care of with a new contract in hand.
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