Raiders, Patriots could vie for same Super Bowl-winning cornerback in free agency

With free agency right around the corner, the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders are looking like two teams that could be among the most active.

The Patriots have plenty of motivation to be aggressive after making it to the Super Bowl this past season. New England also has the funds to make significant moves, with the Pats sporting $41 million in cap space this offseason.

Las Vegas is kicking off a rebuild in 2026, but the team is well-positioned to turn things around quickly, with the Raiders sporting the second-most cap space in the NFL at $91.5 million.

Among the positions both teams should be targeting is cornerback. 

The Raiders have a bigger need with guys like Eric Strokes, Darnay Holmes and Kyu Blu Kelly hitting free agency. Meanwhile, the Patriots really just need some depth.

One player who could be of interest to both teams, according to Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport, is Miami Dolphins cornerback Rasul Douglas.

The West Virginia product is likely going to get a raise in 2026—he made less than $2 million in Miami a year ago. But he's still going to be available for a reasonable price.

And proven defensive backs on the cheap (relatively speaking) should appeal to all 32 NFL teams.

Potential Fits: Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots

A former Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles, Douglas had a nice bounce-back season with the Dolphins in 2025.

Over 15 games (13 starts), Douglas surrendered a completion rate of 54.5% and a passer rating of 73.0 when targeted. Not only would he offer top-notch depth, but Douglas could start for a lot of teams with those numbers.

If Douglas wants a chance to start, which he will, the Raiders would offer a clearer path given the fact that Stokes is a free agent and 2025 draft pick Darien Porter has yet to cement himself as a long-term answer on the boundary.

For a better chance to win, the Patriots would offer that for Douglas, but he would not be a starter with Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis already locked into starting roles on the outside.

Spotrac projects Douglas will land a one-year, $4 million deal in free agency. We would definitely give the Raiders the edge over the Patriots if it comes down to those two teams because Las Vegas would give Douglas a chance to start.

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