The Green Goblin is Headed to the Big Apple

Jalen Mills has become the third NFL free agent to leave the New England Patriots this offseason. The veteran defensive back has agreed to a one-year contract with the New York Giants. Jeff Howe of The Athletic was the first with the news.

DB Jalen Mills and the Giants have agreed to a one-year contract, per source. @TheAthleticNFL

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 12, 2024

Mills will turn 30 in April. The defensive back is a veteran of eight NFL seasons, the last three as a member of the New England Patriots. Mills transitioned from cornerback to safety in 2023. He appeared in all 17 games for New England, finishing the season with 45 tackles (26 solo) and had a forced fumble.

Jalen Mills played his first five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. He helped the Eagles win Super Bowl 52 in his second season, starting at left cornerback. Philadelphia beat New England 41-33 to win their first Lombardi Trophy. He signed with the Patriots as a free agent in 2021. Last offseason he opted to go back to New England on a restructured one-year deal after initial reports he was being released.

New England had two safeties play nearly every snap they were available for in 2023: Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers. The Patriots gave Dugger the transition tag designation and he remains unsigned. Peppers, Marte Mapu, and Joshuah Bledsoe are currently under contract in New England.

Jalen Mills appears to now be a full-time safety. He struggled at cornerback in 2022 and did not return there last season for the New England Patriots despite a plethora of injuries. The New York Giants needed depth the safety after losing Xavier McKinney in free agency to the Green Bay Packers.