The New England Patriots addressed the cornerback position in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting former Kansas, North Carolina A&T, and Wake Forest standout Karon Prunty 171st overall in the fifth round. After spending 2020 at Kansas, 2021 to 2024 at North Carolina A&T, Prunty transferred to Wake Forest in 2025. He enjoyed a strong senior campaign, totaling 40 tackles, two TFLs, one sack, one interception, and eight pass breakups, allowing two touchdowns and a 65 passer rating, and earning Third-Team All-ACC honors.
Prunty, who will turn 25 in December, will compete against free-agent signing Kindle Vildor and 2024 sixth-round pick Marcellas Dial Jr. for the top backup outside cornerback role to replace Alex Austin.
New England Patriots ink backup CB with four-year deal
New England Patriots, Karon Prunty
May 9, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Karon Prunty (21) takes questions from the media at rookie camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The Patriots announced last week that they have signed Karon Prunty to a four-year rookie contract. Over The Capprojects his deal to be worth $4.807 million, including a $427,000 signing bonus. In addition, Prunty’s cap hit is projected to be approximately $991,000 in 2026, $1,156,000 in 2027, $1,271,000 in 2028, and $1,386,000 in 2029.
Lance Zierlein
Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL Network Draft media analyst Lance Zierlein during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“Prunty has taken an unlikely path to the league, spending a year at Kansas and then four seasons at North Carolina A&T before finishing his college career at Wake Forest in 2025. He’ll be a 25-year-old rookie come December but has been a productive player at every stop. Prunty has good size and length.
“He showed long speed at his pro day. His technique gets sloppy in off-man coverage and his instincts are average in zone, but he has the burst/length to make up for it. He lacks the consistency teams look for but has traits worthy of consideration.”
He projects as an average backup.