New England Patriots: Deflategate, Brandon Spikes and CB situation

While we enter the part of the offseason that traditionally is quite uneventful, the New England Patriots have kept things interesting throughout so far, sadly often not in a good way. In this article I look to analyze that latest updates on “Deflategate”, the Patriots bringing back Brandon Spikes, the Patriots cutting Kyle Arrington and what that means for the Pats secondary.

1. Robert Kraft announces that he will not appeal the NFL’s decision

Apr 23, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft (R) speaks with the media as Patriots head coach Bill Belichick , Patriots wide receiver

Julian Edelman

, Patriots tight end

Rob Gronkowski

, and Patriots defensive end

Chandler Jones

(L-R) listen after a ceremony honoring the 2014 Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots on the South Lawn at the White House. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

After a few days in which it seemed like Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, might start a battle with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, he decided to let it go in the interest of the league. He announced this at a press conference at the beginning of the spring owners meeting. In his statement he made it very clear that he still very much disagrees with the decision that was made, but for the good of the NFL and in order to not jeopardize Roger Goodell’s authority as commissioner, he decided to end his fight. He seemed to just want to have the entire debate over with.( Read the full statement here: )

A lot of rumors have been flowing around, that this will have a positive effect on Tom Brady‘s appeal trial, as Kraft just saved Goodell and the league office of a battle between one of its most profitable teams. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter believed that notion was incorrect, as both things were unrelated. I agree that it probably won’t affect Brady’s appeal much, as they looking at Brady as a separate entity from the Patriots.

Brady’s appeal will be a very interesting process, as Goodell has put himself in a position in which he likely could reduce Brady’s suspension to two games if given a good enough reason for it and new evidence. Patriots beat writer, Mike Reiss, does not believe that the suspension will be completely revoked, at least not by the commissioner. If it is not completely picked up, Brady could consider the option of taking the NFL to court, similar to Jonathan Vilma during “bountygate”. The fight between the Patriots and the NFL may be over, but the fight between Brady and the NFL has just begun.

2. Brandon Spikes adds LB depth

December 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz (right) instructs middle linebacker Brandon Spikes (51) during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Spikes is making a return to New England after what can be considered an ugly exit one year ago. When leaving the Patriots, Spikes did not have the nicest things to say about Bill Belichick. Those feelings have seemingly blown over, as both sides seem very pleased about Spikes return. Spikes is two down linebacker, as he is a fantastic run stopper, but on passing downs, he is a major liability. I believe Spikes will be on the field mostly on first and second down, but even then he will have to fight for snaps, as the Patriots have one of best linebacking corps in the NFL.

The Patriots have Dont’a Hightower who had a superb year last year, Jamie Collins who really developed into one of the best linebackers in the NFL in my eyes and Jerod Mayo, if he can bounce back from yet another season ending injury. More than anything Spikes gives them depth in a position that was lacking it.

After Mayo went down last year, the Patriots really lacked a capable third linebacker until trading for Akeem Ayers. Spikes will be a valuable addition to a run defense that lost Vince Wilfork this year, and as long they get Spikes off the field on passing downs, the Patriots front seven looks quite frightening.

3. What is next for the Patriots at the CB position?

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots cornerback

Kyle Arrington

(25) in Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

After cutting a different cornerback three Mondays in a row, the Patriots are looking quite terrible in a position that was a major factor in winning the Super Bowl last year. Kyle Arrington getting cut was the biggest surprise as he was a solid contributor in the slot, but the Patriots seemed to think that he wasn’t worth the money they were about the pay him. Dennard was a talented player who also produced at a solid level for the Patriots, and Chimdi Chekwa was the only not surprising cut, as he was mostly a special teams contributor.

The Patriots recently brought in Tarell Brown for a visit and he would be a viable option to actually start for the Patriots. Spin Zone writer Joe Soriano did a more in-depth look at his visit and caliber. They also brought in C.J. Spillman, but he is very similar to Chekwa in that his talents are mostly focused on special teams.

Currently the top four corners are Malcolm Butler, Bradley Fletcher, Logan Ryan and Robert McClain. Butler was often burnt last year, but he does have the most potential out of the group. Fletcher and McClain were both awful on their respective teams and Logan Ryan was benched during the Super Bowl for poor play, so the Patriots don’t have a lot of talent.

I think Brown is a must-sign, simply for the possibility of him being able to play back at his early career level. Switching Devin McCourty back to cornerback could be another option, but it would be a radical one, that could leave the Patriots even more exposed, as McCourty is their safety net in the secondary.

Next: Is Malcolm Butler a starting-caliber player?

More from NFL Spin Zone