Phillips joined the Patriots in 2020 and has totaled 284 tackles, six interceptions, and 16 pass breakups in 67 games. The former All-Pro has been slowly phased out of the Patriots’ defense in recent years, starting just one of the 34 games he appeared in over the last two seasons. Phillips will be 32 at the start of next season and is on the back nine of his career, but could still provide a veteran presence for a secondary in need of some depth.

Phillips was in the final season of a two-year contract signed in 2020. The new deal maxes out at $14.25 million with incentives and includes $7.25 million guaranteed. Phillips has a career-high four interceptions while being featured at multiple spots in the Patriots' zone scheme, playing snaps at linebacker and corner in addition to safety. This is a team-friendly deal for the Patriots, who can get out easy and have Phillips signed through his age-32 season.

The deal is worth up to $7.5 million with $3 million guaranteed and includes a $1.5 million signing bonus. The Patriots already have Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung under contract, but Phillips could be the new No. 3 safety following the trade of Duron Harmon. Phillips missed a large chunk of 2019 with a broken arm, but he played 802 snaps in 2018. Nine days shy of his 28th birthday, Phillips isn't a difference maker, but he is solid depth.

A fractured forearm put a stop to Phillips bid for a second straight Pro Bowl appearance, but the versatile safety did pick up 22 tackles over the final four weeks of the regular season. The Chargers' base defense tends to operate with more safeties than expected so while he might not earn the "starting" distinction, his role as a special teams ace and multi-faceted safety could make him an under-the-radar safety in deeper IDP leagues next year.