The New England Patriots have replaced Darrelle Revis with Bradley Fletcher.
The cornerback will sign with the Pats on a one-year deal after visiting the team on Tuesday his agent, Andy Simms, confirmed to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. ESPN first reported the news.
The contract is worth up to $2.5 million, per Rapoport.
The 6-foot tall Fletcher spent the past two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles after beginning his career with the St. Louis Rams. The six-year pro has eight career interceptions.
The 28-year-old cover-man struggled mightily along with most of Philly's secondary last season -- he was torched by the likes of Dez Bryant and Jordy Nelson -- after putting up a solid 2013 campaign. Fletcher ranked No. 92 on Pro Football Focus' corner ratings out of 108 eligible players in 2014 (he ranked 44th in 2013).
While it's a jest to suggest Fletcher will replace Revis, the signing begins what will be Bill Belichick's low-priced makeover of his secondary, which also included jettisoning Brandon Browner. With a dearth of talent on the corner market, Belichick focused on his front seven instead of overpaying for help on the back end. Now he will clean up with low-level deals on veterans with some upside.
In addition, corner Robert McClaintweeted Wednesday that he will sign on with the Patriots. The former Atlanta Falcons defensive back also had a down year in 2014.
As happens every year, Belichick's personnel churns, but he adjusts, changes and keeps on winning. We expect nothing different in 2015.
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