2012 NFL Free Agents: Defensive Backs New England Patriots Must Sign

The New England Patriots have a great chance to get back to the Super Bowl if they improve the talent and depth of their secondary.

Head coach Bill Belichick must improve the team at cornerback and both safety positions. Injuries and poor performance at the safety spots really hurt the Patriots' ability to defend the pass, which is why they ranked dead last in passing defense for most of the season.

Let's look at three defensive backs the Patriots should sign to improve the defense for next season.

LaRon Landry, S

Former Washington Redskins safety LaRon Landry is a talented safety who tackles well, and can also cover receivers downfield. 

He's a big hitter and also has a high level of football intelligence. The biggest issue with Landry is his ability to stay healthy, and the Patriots have already had their share of injuries to safeties over the last few years.

Landry played in just eight games last season, and nine in 2010, because of injuries.

According to ESPN, the Patriots and New York Jets are among the teams interested in signing Landry. The Patriots would probably like to draft Alabama safety Mark Barron with one of their two first-round picks in the 2012 NFL draft, but the Crimson Tide star will likely be gone by pick No. 20.

If Landry works out with the Patriots and is in full health, there's no reason for the team not to sign him.

Lardarius Webb, CB

The Baltimore Ravens star intercepted five passes last season, and took one of them back for a touchdown.

Webb also performed very well in the 2011 playoffs for the Ravens, who lost in the AFC Championship game to the Patriots.

At 26 years old, Webb is a young star who is only going to get better. Since he's a restricted free agent and had a first-round tender put on him, the Patriots would have to give the Ravens a first-round pick in addition to the big contract Webb would demand. 

This isn't a big deal for the Patriots, since they have two first-round picks.

Not only would Webb give the Patriots a star cornerback to build the secondary around; prying him from the Ravens would damage one of New England's biggest threats in the AFC.

Tracy Porter, CB

The New Orleans Saints cornerback is testing the free agent market and would be a great fit on the Patriots.

He's a reliable corner who is also one of the best playmakers at the position. As a veteran, learning the Patriots' complex defense shouldn't be a major issue.

Porter can cover opposing teams' best wide receiver, and his strong tackling skills allow him to excel in run defense.

New England wouldn't have to break the bank to sign Porter, which would make him a solid addition to the defense. 

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