The New England Patriots didn't have a very impressive defense last season. Their defensive unit was ranked 26th overall and their pass defense was 18th in the league. Much of that was due to injury, but this team has still made various efforts to improve on the defensive side of the ball.

Recently, Devin McCourty and his agent have been talking with the Patriots about a new contract extension. McCourty was originally a corner, but has mostly been playing safety in Bill Belichicks system mostly as of late. Currently, McCourty is signed under a 5 year, $10 million contract which has almost $8 million guaranteed. He was second on the team last year in total tackles with 58, just seven behind Dont'a Hightower.

With Aqib Talib no longer in Foxboro and Darrelle Revis entering his first season in a new system and health still a concern, locking up McCourty could be a great long term investment.

Sticking with the defense, free agent Kevin Williams has reached out to the Patriots organization about a contract. Williams was thinking about retirement, but the Patriots called him back. Williams is a former first round pick and a five time All-Pro. His numbers have been down in recent years, but he still provides a big body to stop the run against opposing offenses.

The Patriots defense ranked 30th overall against the run last season. Losing Vince Wilfork certainly hurt the defensive line, but the Patriots have no certainty he will be one hundred percent next season. Adding Williams could provide more depth in case of another injury to the defensive line.

Although the defense is usually what holds the team back, the Patriots have been interested in tight end Jermichael Finley as well. Finley is a proven tight end who once helped the Green Bay Packers win the Super Bowl, but injuries have hindered his performance lately. Robert Gronkowski ranks among the very best tight ends in the National Football League, however he too has battled injury problems.

Out of all the names mentioned, McCourty is the most vital. He's proven he can play successfully in this defensive system and he rarely misses games. A hard hitter that can make the transition to corner is a valuable player.

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