Patriots Re-Sign Cornerback Alex Austin
FOXBORO — With the start of the NFL’s free agent frenzy close on the horizon, the New England Patriots have re-signed cornerback Alex Austin.
The second-year defensive back out of Oregon State took to social media on Thursday afternoon to announce his deal with the Pats. Terms of the contract have yet to be disclosed.
“It’s official.. I’m back for another one!!” Austin posted. “Can’t wait to turn up with y’all this season… Let’s run it!”
Austin was the No. 252 pick in April's draft by the Buffalo Bills, being one of the last players selected overall. He was then released in the final round of roster cuts and spent the subsequent two months with the Houston Texans, alternating between the active roster and the practice squad. Despite suiting up for three regular-season games with the Texans, he did not register any statistics.
Cred: NBC Sports Images
The Long Beach, California native signed with the Patriots in early November, amid a rash of injuries at the position — most notably a season-ending torn labrum by first-round draft pick (No. 17 overall) Christian Gonzalez. The 22-year-old made some positive contributions to New England’s secondary, displaying solid movement and a natural ability to stay with his target. He finished the season having played five games for the Pats (making one start) and logging nine total tackles, two pass-breakups and one interception.
Austin was set to enter unrestricted free agency on March 13, when the new NFL year begins at 4 p.m. ET. Earlier this month, the Patriots released cornerback J.C. Jackson, creating approximately $13.5 million in available salary cap space. In addition to both Austin and Gonzalez, the Pats currently have Shaun Wade, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Marco Wilson, and Isaiah Bolden under contract at the position heading into 2024.
