NFL free agency opens March 13th with the tampering period opening up a couple of days before that. The Patriots are expected to have roughly $70 million to spend in free agency.

The secondary is not perceived as a need but it will be both in free agency and the draft. The Patriots have to make a decision on safety Kyle Dugger who is an unrestricted free agent. Do they bring him back and if do, at what price? Dugger will have a market.

Myles Bryant another unrestricted free agent. Bryant played well last season and the Patriots will have an interest in bringing him back. 

Jalen Mills is also a free agent after signing a one year deal last season after being released. Mills is a leader in the locker room but his role was greatly diminished last season and quite frankly it would be a surprise if he returned.

The Patriots are expected to part ways with cornerback J.C Jackson and have already parted ways with safety Adrian Phillip. Releasing Jackson would create more cap space but more of a need at both positions as well.

Expect a youth movement of sorts in the secondary with the addition of a veteran that could come in and help stabilize the back end.

Here are five cornerbacks and five safeties the Patriots could target in free agency. 

Cornerbacks

1. LaDarius Sneed, Kansas City Chiefs: Sneed should be a priority for the Chiefs coming off a season in which he did not allow a touchdown pass. He is a pure man to man cover corner who offers scheme flexibility in terms of his alignment. Sneed could command upwards of $18-$20 million dollars annually so he is going to be a luxury if the Patriots want to sign him.

2. Kendall Fuller, Washington Commanders: Fuller is another cornerback who could command big money because of his size and versatility. He has proven throughout his career that he can match up against some of the best receivers in the game. Fuller will also have plenty of suitors and look for Washington to make a strong play to keep him.

3. Steven Nelson, Houston Texans: The veteran corner is a more realistic option for the Patriots. Nelson has had a career renaissance if you will in Houston. He has proven to be an effective man to man cover corner who can play zone in off-coverage as well. Nelson would add a veteran to presence to a group that is young outside of Jonathan Jones.

4. Adoree Jackson, New York Giants: Jackson turned his career around with the Giants. He struggled to live up to expectations in Tennessee. He has length, is athletic and still has elite play making skills. Jackson can play on the outside or in the slot. Like any free agent, Jackson will be big money hunting

5. Keisan Nixon, Green Bay Packers: Nixon is an elite level kick off returner and he became an integral part of the Green Bay secondary this past season. The Packers want to retain him but they will have competition. Most notably from the Patriots and their Packer ties in the organization.

Safeties

Kyle Dugger, New England Patriots: Re-signing Dugger should be a priority. In this era of three safeties who are required to play three downs, stop the run and cover slots and tight ends, Dugger is the prototype. The problem is, that player is awfully expensive to retain these days so unless the Patriots tag him, there is a good chance the Patriots get outbid for his services. 

Jordan Fuller, Los Angeles Rams: Fuller profiles more like a true free safety, something the Patriots lack. He is physical and does play down hill in the run game but he is more of hash safety or center fielder in most schemes.

Jordan Whitehead, New York Jets: Whitehead is another classic centerfield safety who is best suited to play in the middle of the field and over the top in coverage. He would fill the void as a free safety and could play in the slot in certain sub packages. Only 27, Whitehead should have a strong market. 

Geno Stone, Baltimore Ravens: Stone played in a lot of three safety coverages with the Ravens last season. He was a versatile piece in Mike McDonald’s defense. While he can play in all three levels, he is best suited playing over the top. Stone finished with seven interceptions last season. 

Xavier McKinney, New York Giants: Another versatile safety who can play in all three levels. McKinney will garner plenty of interest in the open market but the former Alabama safety has the versatile skill set the Patriots look for in the safety position