The New England Patriots may not have made a “splash signing” since the first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period, but they keep adding experienced depth and rotational players to their roster.
The latest among them is safety Marcus Epps, joining the club on a reported one-year deal at a maximum value of $4.4 million.
Let’s grade the signing.
Instant grade: Patriots sign Marcus Epps to 1-year, $4.4 million max deal
Bernd Buchmasser:
There is a lot to like about Epps, from the fact that he can play the centerfield role to the experience and leadership qualities he provides.
Six months removed from a season-ending knee injury, he projects to be ready by training camp and should compete for a prominent role alongside starters Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers. | Grade: B
Matt St. Jean:
Epps has found success as a free safety in the NFL and was signed by Josh McDaniels to play in Las Vegas. He’s coming off a torn ACL, but there is upside if he can return to form. | Grade: C
Pat Lane:
Coming off of a torn ACL, but was a starting free safety for a few years, and if he is healthy, could help the safety room for the Patriots. There’s no guarantee that he’ll have any impact, but it’s at least worth taking a shot at a guy that fits a need they have. | Grade: C+
Epps becomes the eighth safety on the Patriots’ roster. He is joining the likes of Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins, Marte Mapu, Dell Pettus, Brenden Schooler and Mark Perry.