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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Danny Jaillet

Jalen Mills talks up switch to safety and 2023 outlook with Patriots

Jalen Mills was released by the New England Patriots in March but was then picked back up by the organization shortly after.

Some have pondered the reasoning for that initial release, but it isn’t something Mills wants to give that much energy to at the moment. Right now, he’s putting his focus completely into football.

Mills recorded 31 tackles and two interceptions last season. In 2023, he’s looking to move from cornerback to the safety position. He’ll be contributing to a group that includes the likes of Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Jabrill Peppers and possibly even rookie Marte Mapu.

His presence in the defensive backfield will only help what was a stalwart New England defense last season. The Patriots ranked seventh overall in holding opponents to 105.5 rushing yards per game, as well as only 322 passing yards allowed per contest.

Mills is excited to contribute and show off a bit more versatility this time around.

“It gives me the ability to not only show my versatility but be around the ball a little more and make more plays,” said Mills, via NESN’s Zack Cox.

Mills in a permanent safety role will be intriguing, as his athleticism could be beneficial to New England with a regular season schedule that features multiple top-tier passing offenses.

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