The Patriots made moves to bulk up their defense on Monday, reportedly signing linebacker Robert Spillane and cornerback Carlton Davis as NFL free agency kicked off.

Carlton Davis insisted he wasn't going to shortchange himself in free agency a second time. The Lions starting corner proved true to his word in the opening hours of the NFL's negotiating period. Davis agreed to terms with the New England Patriots on a lucrative 3-year contract that will pay the 28-year-old corner $34.

Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III signals cutting a throat as he is introduced before the game between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 at Ford Field. The Detroit Lions defeated the Green Bay Packers 34-31. (Jake May | MLive.com) (Jake May | MLive.com)