Second-year cornerback Alfonzo Dennard was sentenced to 30 days in jail for assaulting a police officer while in college at Nebraska, but he won't begin serving time until March 1 of 2014.
So not only will he be free for another year, but he won't miss any team activities this year or next.
In early March, the Patriots' defensive backfield was stripped down thanks to free agency and the uncertainty of Dennard's fate. But New England went on to re-sign cornerbacks Kyle Arrington and Aqib Talib while helping shore up the centerfield with the addition of safety Adrian Wilson.
Now that Dennard's situation is solidified, the Patriots can enter the draft knowing exactly what they have. Regardless, they still could use another young defensive back with Talib signed for just another year.
As a rookie, Dennard tallied 35 tackles, three interceptions and a touchdown in 10 games last season. The former seventh-round pick was also sentenced to two years of probation and 100 hours of community service, according to CSNNE.com.
