Deltha O'Neal: A Good Signing for the Patriots?

Deltha O'Neal was recently signed by the New England Patriots to their roster, to bolster their secondary and their return game. O'Neal is a highly productive playmaker who has tailed off in recent seasons. The Cincinnati Bengals ended up cutting bait on him just before the start of the season, due to his decreased playmaking skills, but he can still contribute significantly in terms of their return game.

Deltha O'Neal is probably best used as a third or fourth cornerback, who still can create turnovers and interceptions with his steady style of play. His hands are as good as many wide receivers and will not drop potential interceptions that are thrown his way. O'Neal is getting older, but this is a reasonable gamble on the Patriots part as he has been a great playmaker over the course of his entire career.

The signing of Deltha O'Neal is fairly low risk with a potential high reward for the Patriots. The Patriots have the coaching staff in place for him to find success and is another one of those players who they can use "creatively." I am very excited at the possibilities that O'Neal will have to contribute to a winning squad this season. Keep a close eye on him!