Report: Patriots “Very Close” To Re-Signing CB Aqib Talib

Update:

Dianna Marite Russini reports that the New England Patriots are “very close” to re-signing free agent CB Aqib Talib. 

• Russini adds that Redskins wanted Talib but Patriots are offering better deal.

Talib, 27, was the Patriots best cover corner and started the season off great before injuries took a toll later in the year. He totaled 41 tackles, four interceptions and a forced fumble over the course of 13 games.

We have Talib listed as the No. 11 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.

————-

Jason La Canfora reports that athough there here has been a lot of talk about Redskins targeting free agent CB Aqib Talib, he doesn’t expect Washington to “heavily pursue” of him in the coming days.

————-

Mike Jones of the Washington Post reports that the Redskins have, in fact, reached out to Patriots’ free agent CB Aqib Talib this weekend.

• Jones adds that Washington has also expressed interest in Panthers’ S Mike Mitchell as well.

A league insider tells Jones that the Redskins seem intent on “making a statement at DB” this offseason.

If that’s the case, you can see why they wold make a run at one of the best available cornerbacks in this year’s free agent class.

After all, Washington made an attempt to sign Talib last year before he returned to New England on a one-year deal. Former Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris has been the Redskins’ secondary coach for the past few years and could be an additional selling point for Talib.

Recent contracts handed out to guys like Brent Grimes and Sam Shields indicate that it’s going to cost interested teams at least $9 million per season to land Talib.