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The New England Patriots
New England Patriots corner Carlton Davis III made a pitch to free agents when he spoke to the media on Tuesday afternoon. Sports Illustrated’s Mike Kadlick reported this.
Davis was a key part of the 2025 Patriots free agent class and was one of the first signings of that timeframe for the team. He signed a three-year $69 million contract with the Patriots, which include $34.5 million in guaranteed money. The contract put him at an average of about $20 million per year, and he was thought of as a premier signing in the secondary.
Davis notable signing for Patriots
Davis performed at a high level for the Patriots and was a key starter opposite Christian Gonzalez. He started in all 17 games and recorded 38 solo tackles on the season.
His experience and veteran leadership shone brightly in the AFC divisional game against the Houston Texans in January. He recorded two interceptions, his first two interceptions in a Patriots uniform.
Davis sent a message loud and clear to potential free agents following the team’s Super Bowl LX loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
“Why wouldn’t you want to be here if we’re gonna compete for championships? We’re gonna win games and we have a good time doing it… I don’t see a reason why you wouldn’t wanna play here.”
The Patriots reshaped the culture of the organization last offseason. They added big-time free agents in Harold Landry, Milton Williams, and Davis, among others. These moves, combined with the hiring of Mike Vrabel, helped positively shape the Patriots’ offseason.
Davis brought winning track record to Patriots
Davis certainly understands a winning culture, having been a Super Bowl LV champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. He entered the league with the Buccaneers in 2018 as a second-round pick, 63rd overall. He spent his first six seasons with the Buccaneers before joining the Detroit Lions in 2024. Davis was in Detroit alongside Patriots assistant coach Terrell Williams and established himself as one of the top corners in the NFL.
Davis had his best season with the Buccaneers that year. He recorded 68 tackles, 18 pass deflections, and four interceptions. He was able to make the most of his interceptions on returns, as he recorded 42 total return yards.
The 2020 season would not be a flash in the pan, as he played at a high level for the Buccaneers throughout his tenure there. He recorded 63 tackles, 12 pass deflections and an interception in 13 games in 2022, establishing consistency.
He was able to bring his track record of high performance to Detroit, and he was able to do the same with the Patriots as well. If nothing else, he has been consistent.
Now, he is looking to rewrite his story with the Patriots. Davis provided veteran leadership and additional depth in the secondary last season. The Patriots undoubtedly took a solid first step in making it to the Super Bowl. Now, the goal is to land elite free agents and continue building on the success of the 2025 season.
Davis is correct in noting the organization’s strong stability and culture. The Patriots have built a blueprint for success for the foreseeable future. The corner was undoubtedly a major piece of building that culture, and bringing the organization back to an elite level after several down years.
Danny Jaillet Danny Jaillet is a sportswriter with more than 15 years experience in the industry. He has been featured on Fox Sports, USA Today, and Yahoo Sports among others. He graduated from Worcester State University with a B.A. in communications and a minor in writing. More about Danny Jaillet
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