After reporting the release of longtime defensive lineman Lawrence Guy, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero is also reporting the New England Patriots are releasing veteran safety Adrian Phillips on Monday.
Phillips’ usage dipped dramatically during the 2023 season with him only being on the field for 12 percent of the defensive snaps. It paled in comparison to the 2021 season, when he was in on 82 percent of the snaps.
Phillips was likely hoping to do more than just helping out on special teams, even at 31 years old. However, safety has been a bit of a luxury position for the Patriots with so many talented players, including Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, and Jalen Mills all competing for playing time.
The #Patriots are also releasing veteran safety Adrian Phillips, per source. So two veterans on defense gone as New England gets younger in the post-Bill Belichick era. https://t.co/3bpB83aMjk
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 19, 2024
The Patriots are looking to clear up space to make a splash in free agency, and moving on from older veteran players, like Phillips and Guy, helps them do exactly that.
