Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson gave the New England Patriots one of the top cornerback tandems in football, but within a five-month span both left the organization. Gilmore was traded to the Carolina Panthers last October amid a contract dispute, while Jackson left to join the Los Angeles Chargers as an unrestricted free agent.
The Patriots have yet to replace either of the two. Jalen Mills, who served as the starter opposite Jackson in 2021, is a solid player but not of the same quality as the two Pro Bowlers. Free agency acquisitions Malcolm Butler and Terrance Mitchell should not be expected to perform on a similar level this season, despite the starter-level experience both of them bring to the table.