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Patriots CB Signee's Absence Flies Under Radar at OTAs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Griffin Goodwyn | Last updated Jun 9, 2025 6:00 PM ET

The New England Patriots are transitioning into the next phase of their preseason preparations: a three-day mandatory mini-camp that begins on Monday.

But upon further reflection of the Patriots' OTAs, which took place over the past three weeks, some of the biggest headlines came from the players who missed significant parts of those voluntary activities.

The most notable of these early absences was All-Pro wideout Stefon Diggs, who received backlash from a boat party video posted on social media over Memorial Day weekend. Diggs, who signed a three-year, $63.5 million contract in March, eventually showed up to Gillette Stadium and took steps towards recovering from an ACL injury he suffered last year.

Cornerback Carlton Davis III, another player who the Patriots signed in free agency this offseason, also missed the majority of the team's OTAs, appearing for the first time at a practice session open to reporters this past Thursday, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.

Davis III, who spent the 2024 season with the Detroit Lions, inked a three-year, $54 million deal with the Patriots on March 13. Prior to joining the Lions, he spent the first six years of his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Davis III has appeared in 89 games, 88 of which he has started, in his time as a professional football player. He has 380 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 11 interceptions and 84 passes defended to his name.

While with the Buccaneers, Davis III earned a Super Bowl ring with the Tom Brady-led squad in the 55th edition of the NFL's championship game. He recorded five tackles, including three solo stops, in the contest.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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