The New England Patriots added to their already deep group of safeties by signing Cody Davis in free agency this offseason.
Davis, 30, spent his last two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the five seasons prior with the Los Angeles Rams. He’s 6-foot-2, 203 pounds and has extensive experience as a special teamer. New England lost Nate Ebner and Duron Harmon last season — leaving Davis and Adrian Phillips to directly fill those roles.
The Patriots signed Davis to a one-year deal with a $1.1 million base salary, along with a $100 thousand signing bonus — including a cap charge of $1.5 million. His deal is inexpensive compared to Phillips’ $7.5 million over a two-year span.
Chances he makes the roster: 50%
Davis will fight an uphill battle to make the roster this season. His special teams experience will give him a leg up on Terrence Brooks, who would be his primary competition. The depth with Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Phillips and rookie Kyle Dugger will make it tough. Davis could play a very similar role to Ebner and sit at the bottom of the safety depth chart — and just play special teams.
What it means for Davis
Davis has a successful career and doesn’t have much time to display his value with hopes of getting a large contract. But, he’s only played in one playoff game and has a much higher chance of making the postseason with the Patriots — even with Tom Brady out of the mix. This could be his chance to be a part of a contending team ran by Bill Belichick.
He’s durable and only missed more than four games in a season once — still playing seven matches that year. Davis led the Jaguars in special teams snaps over the past two seasons and will find himself as an important role player if he makes the roster.
