Quick hits on new Patriots CB Tarell Brown

Some quick-hit notes on the newest Patriots cornerback: former Raiders and 49ers veteran Tarell Brown.

Recovering from foot injury

Brown was placed on injured reserve by the Raiders on December 21st of the 2014 season with a foot injury. He visited the Patriots in the spring, and was widely considered one of the top remaining free agents available on the market. However, that visited was likely tied, in part, to the health of that foot injury. Presumably, Brown has now passed that physical and will be ready for the start of training camp.

Raiders went with a youth movement at cornerback

The Raiders picked up two veteran 49ers cornerbacks prior to the 2014 in Brown and Carlos Rogers. While Brown was solid when healthy, Oakland decided to go with youth at the position in 2015, writes Silver and Black Pride.

Strong tackler

The Raiders, as a team, were a porous tackling squad in 2014. Brown was one of the few exceptions for them. He ranked ninth in the league of all cornerbacks in ProFootballFocus’ tackling efficiency statistic (4 missed tackles, 49 total tackles).

Outside option

Brown figures to be more of an outside option for the Patriots, as that has been where most of his starting experience has come with the Raiders and 49ers. At 5’11” and 190 lbs, he has solid length for the position, and while he has played mostly on the right side in his career, he does have some experience on the left. In 14 games for the Raiders in 2014, Brown allowed 42 completions on 67 attempts his way, for 521 yards, one touchdown, and a long of 33.

$2 million mistake

Although this is not related to what he will provide the Patriots on or off the field, in what became somewhat of an infamous mistake, Brown lost a $2 million workout bonus in 2013 after his agent failed to notify him of a workout program requirement in his contract. Ouch. His new agent, Joel Segal, was able to recoup $300k for Brown.

Chance to compete with other veteran additions

Brown is the third veteran cornerback that the Patriots have signed that significant starting time on their respective 2014 squad. The other two: Bradley Fletcher (Eagles) and Robert McClain (Falcons). All three players add a different element in their playing style if Brown or Fletcher in particular can regain their prior form, the Patriots could have a capable trio in place with Logan Ryan and Malcolm Butler.