Adrian

Phillips

Phillips joined the Patriots in 2020 and has totaled 284 tackles, six interceptions, and 16 pass breakups in 67 games. The former All-Pro has been slowly phased out of the Patriots’ defense in recent years, starting just one of the 34 games he appeared in over the last two seasons. Phillips will be 32 at the start of next season and is on the back nine of his career, but could still provide a veteran presence for a secondary in need of some depth.

Phillips was in the final season of a two-year contract signed in 2020. The new deal maxes out at $14.25 million with incentives and includes $7.25 million guaranteed. Phillips has a career-high four interceptions while being featured at multiple spots in the Patriots’ zone scheme, playing snaps at linebacker and corner in addition to safety. This is a team-friendly deal for the Patriots, who can get out easy and have Phillips signed through his age-32 season.

The deal is worth up to $7.5 million with $3 million guaranteed and includes a $1.5 million signing bonus. The Patriots already have Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung under contract, but Phillips could be the new No. 3 safety following the trade of Duron Harmon. Phillips missed a large chunk of 2019 with a broken arm, but he played 802 snaps in 2018. Nine days shy of his 28th birthday, Phillips isn’t a difference maker, but he is solid depth.

Phillips went on IR after breaking his forearm in Week 2. He’s been practicing the last few weeks and is finally ready to return. Getting Phillips back is great news for the Chargers secondary and special teams, where Phillips earned All-Pro status in 2018. The Chargers are also expected to have Derwin James (foot) for Sunday’s game with Denver.

He landed on I.R. after breaking his forearm in Week 2. Phillips has missed the required eight games and could return as soon as Monday night in Mexico City, though that may be ambitious coming off such a long absence. Ultimately, Phillips will have 21 days to be activated once he resumes practicing. More secondary reinforcements are on the way as fellow safety Derwin James (foot) is expected to be the second player Los Angeles designates for return.

He went down after tackling Kerryon Johnson in Sunday’s Week 2 loss to Detroit. With Phillips hurt and Derwin James (foot) on injured reserve with a stress fracture, the Chargers are now down a pair of All-Pro safeties. It’s uncertain if Phillips’ injury is a season-ender, though obviously he’s going to be on the shelf a while. Jaylen Watkins spelled Phillips at strong safety after his injury Sunday and should soak up most of the snaps there going forward.

Phillips was the third defensive player to leave for the Chargers in Week 2 following Joey Bosa’s and Melvin Ingram’s exits in the second half. Phillips was replaced by rookie S Nasir Adderley.

The Chargers haven’t offered a firm timeline yet, though it doesn’t sound like James, who was seen in a walking boot on Friday, will be back in the fold anytime soon. James wreaked havoc on the NFL as a rookie, grading out as PFF’s No. 3 coverage safety behind only Chicago’s Eddie Jackson and New York’s Jamal Adams. Adrian Phillips, who garnered All-Pro status as a special teamer last year, figures to get first crack at replacing James at strong safety.

Phillips earned All-Pro status as a special teams ace last year while also logging a career-high 94 tackles over 16 appearances. The 26-year-old has been with the Bolts since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2014.

Phillips will provide depth with Jahleel Addae (ankle) doubtful.