Patriots HC Mike Vrabel adds former Super Bowl champion alongside Tom Brady ahead of 2025 NFL season

The New England Patriots are looking to become that feared team in the AFC East once again. As the first step, Mike Vrabel was hired as the new head coach to build a competitive team ahead of the 2025 NFL season. The latest news reveals the addition of a former Super Bowl champion alongside Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the roster.

Carlton Davis, who recently sent a strong warning to the Lions regarding his contractual situation, has finally reached an agreement with the Foxboro franchise and has become the newest addition to Mike Vrabel’s team.

The news was reported by NFL insider Adam Schefter, who, through his X (formerly Twitter) account, provided more details regarding the agreement between the experienced cornerback and the New England Patriots.

“Sources: Carlton Davis has agreed to a 3-year $60M contract with the New England Patriots. The deal averages $20M a year and contains $34.5M fully guaranteed. Deal negotiated by David Mulugheta and Trevon Smith of Athletes First,” Schefter reported via @AdamSchefter.

Detroit Lions Cornerback Carlton Davis (23) looks on during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Detroit Lions and the Indianapolis Colts on November 24, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

With the arrival of the CB, the Patriots significantly strengthen the team’s defense, one of the areas that faced some issues during last season.

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Davis’ Super Bowl ring alongside Brady

Selected in the second round of the 2018 draft with the 63rd pick, Carlton Davis joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from Auburn. With a career that grew steadily over time, the talented cornerback reached the ultimate glory on February 7, 2021.

At that time, the team led by Bruce Arians defeated Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs 31-9, claiming the Super Bowl LV championship. Tom Brady, the legendary quarterback of the Patriots, was named the MVP.

Davis had the privilege of starting the game as a starter for the Bucs, and made five combined tackles (three solo).

Carlton Davis #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts as confetti falls after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium on February 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Chiefs 31-9.

The warning for the Lions

It was known that Carlton Davis would be one of the most sought-after players in this free agency at his position. For this reason, the experienced cornerback had issued a serious warning to his former team about his situation, stating that he wouldn’t make the same mistake he did while in Tampa Bay.

“It’s not, ‘I need the money,’” Davis said. “I want to be happy. I’ve won a Super Bowl and I’ve already made a lot of money. If it was to end right now, I wouldn’t be disappointed. I would not be mad at all.

“But at this point of my career, I’m in my prime. The receiver market is going up, and the cornerback market is going up — and it’s going to keep going up in years to come. The (salary) cap is going up. The NFL TV deals are going to keep going up. There’s more than enough money for them to pay you what you’re worth.”