Raiders and Patriots could battle for Super Bowl-winning cornerback in free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
As free agency approaches, the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders look to be the two most active teams.
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After reaching the Super Bowl last season, the Patriots have plenty of motivation to run their offense. New England also has the funds to make major moves, with the Patriots having $41 million in cap space this offseason.
Las Vegas will begin rebuilding in 2026, but the Raiders are well-positioned to turn things around quickly and have the second-most cap space in the NFL at $91.5 million.
One position both teams should target is cornerback.
The Raiders have greater needs in free agents such as Eric Strokes, Darnay Holmes and Kyu Blu Kelly. At the same time, the Patriots do need some depth.
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Miami Dolphins cornerback Rasul Douglas is a player that both teams could be interested in, according to Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport.
The West Virginia product will likely receive a raise in 2026 — he was making less than $2 million a year ago in Miami. But he’s still available at a reasonable price.
And a proven cheap (relatively speaking) defensive back should appeal to all 32 NFL teams.
Potentially suitable for: Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots
A former Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles, Douglas is having a great bounce-back season with the Dolphins in 2025.
In 15 games (13 starts), Douglas has a completion rate of 54.5% and a target passer rating of 73.0. Not only would he provide 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 will provide a clearer path given that Stokes is a free agent and 2025 draft pick Darian Porter has yet to solidify himself as the long-term answer at boundary.
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For a better chance of winning, the Patriots will give Douglas that opportunity, but he won’t be the starter since Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis have already locked up starting spots on the outside.
Spotrac expects Douglas to receive a one-year, $4 million free agent contract. If it comes down to these two teams, we’d definitely give the Raiders the edge over the Patriots, as Las Vegas will give Douglas a chance to start.