Alex Austin Feeling Comfortable in Second Season With Pats

Alex Austin signed with the New England Patriots on Nov. 2, 2023, a day after being released by the Houston Texans. Austin appeared in five games down the homestretch of a disappointing season for the Patriots. The cornerback learned from being thrown directly into the fire. Now he feels comfortable as he heads into his second year in New England, participating in his first training camp as a member of the Patriots.

“I’m extremely comfortable,” answered Austin when asked about how the offseason enabled him to get a better feel for his team. “Being able to come in every day, building camaraderie with the guys throughout the spring with OTAs, and then coming in training camp now, continuing that.”

The lack of turnover in the Patriots secondary provides additional familiarity. Only sixth-round draft pick Marcellas Dial Jr. and UDFA Mikey Victor are new from the 2023 squad among the cornerbacks. Cornerbacks coach Mike Pelligrino also returns, despite some changes elsewhere on the New England staff.

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“It’s been amazing,” Austin said of having Pellegrino as his positional coach. “Coach Mike (Pellegrino) is a guy who’s a players’ coach. He wants to do what’s going to make you comfortable and play fast.”

Austin’s 2023 Season

The Buffalo Bills selected Alex Austin in the seventh round (No. 252 overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at Oregon State. The Bills cut Austin when it came time to cut their roster down to 53. The Houston Texans swopped in and signed him to their active roster. Austin played three games for Houston before his release on Oct. 14.  The Texans signed him to their practice squad, but he was released from the practice squad on Nov. 1. He was practicing with the Patriots the next day.

New England needed Austin to play meaningful snaps immediately. They were shorthanded at cornerback after losing Christian Gonzalez and Marcus Jones to season-ending injuries in September. Jack Jones and J.C. Jackson ran into issues on and off the field, with the former eventually being released.

Austin ended up playing in five games for the Patriots. He played 211 defensive snaps for New England. He finished with nine tackles (seven solo), two passes defended, and an interception.

The Patriots CB Austin Alex (28) with a great ex. of delivering the post, seeing the vertical on the sideline, & peeling back to get the ball.

The Bills Josh Allen didn't expect him to be there. #ArtofX pic.twitter.com/OEayysETnY

— Cody Alexander (@The_Coach_A) June 23, 2024

2024 New England Cornerbacks

The Patriots cornerbacks unit consists of Alex Austin, Isaiah Bolden, Marcellas Dial Jr., Christian Gonzalez, Azizi Hearn, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Mikey Victor, Shaun Wade, and Marco Wilson. Only Gonzalez and Jonathan Jones appear locks for New England’s 53-man roster.

Coach Mike Pellegrino brings back a room of players who have played under his tutelage. A year of NFL experience and familiarity with the New England Patriots should serve Alex Austin well in 2024. He is comfortable, confident, and ready to make a difference maker. After three NFL stops in his first few months in the league, it appears the third time is the charm for the corner.