The New England Patriots are looking for cornerback help this offseason, and with free agency officially underway, the team is reportedly "in on" Lions free agent Chris Houston. From Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald:

On cornerbacks: Patriots are in on Chris Houston. Derek Cox is scheduling visits, but nothing with Pats at the moment. They called Saturday.

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 12, 2013

Houston, 28, has spent the last three years with the Lions after spending the first three years of his career with the Falcons after being drafted in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft out of Arkansas.

In 2012, Houston started all 14 games he played in, recording 56 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 11 passes defensed. Playing primarily out of the left cornerback spot, Houston held opposing quarterbacks to a 56.4 completion rate and a quarterback rating of 78.7. However, he did allow three gains of 40+ yards.

Houston is considered one of the better options available on the market, and he could be a potential insurance option for the Patriots if they're unable to re-sign Aqib Talib.