Between having several leaders and key role players on expiring deals, plans to weaponize the league’s lowest-scoring offense, reshaping the quarterback room, and wanting to add an elite player to their stout defense, it should be a busy couple of weeks in New England.

De facto general manager Eliot Wolf has said the team will adopt ‘the Packer way’ regarding roster building, which entails drafting, developing, and extending core players from within. The team has been true to its message, retaining cornerstones Mike Onwenu and Kyle Dugger and productive leaders like Hunter Henry and Kendrick Bourne.

The Patriots’ reported plan to reshape the quarterback room has also begun to take form. New England traded Mac Jones to his hometown Jaguars for a sixth-round pick just before the NFL’s legal tampering period began. One day later, the team reunited with former third-rounder Jacoby Brissett on a one-year deal.

This list will track the Patriots’ reported free-agent signings, re-signings, and free-agent departures. Hyperlinks on players’ names will direct readers to my instant reaction videos.

RE-SIGNINGS/EXTENSIONS

SAF Kyle Dugger

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, safety Kyle Dugger and the Patriots have agreed to terms a four-year deal as the team continues living up to its word of rewarding homegrown talent. Ian Rapoport adds that the deal is worth $58 million with a maximum value of $66 million and $32.5 million guaranteed. He becomes the first top Patriots draft pick to receive a second contract since Nate Solder.

The deal makes Dugger the league’s sixth-highest-paid safety by average annual value, behind 27-year-old Jessie Bates ($16,005,000) but ahead of 28-year-old Budda Baker ($14,100,000) and 28-year-old Marcus Williams ($14,000,000). The hard-hitting safety is New England’s only free agent to receive a four-year deal, as other long-term signings maxed out at three. He will likely be paid handsomely through the first two years of the deal, with less security in the final two years when he is in his 30s.

Last week, The Boston Herald‘s Andrew Callahan reported Dugger was dissatisfied with receiving the one-year,  $13.2 million transition tag. This tag allowed the 28-year-old to negotiate with other teams, but it paid him the average salary of the top 10 players at the position rather than the top five players, as we see with the exclusive and non-exclusive tags. The idea of a trade was even floated.

The former second-round pick has been one of the Patriots’ most impactful players since being drafted but had a relatively down year last season after spending more time at free safety following Devin McCourty’s retirement. While his on-field play wasn’t up to the standard most have grown used to seeing, head coach Jerod Mayo noted that Dugger stepped up as a communicator in the defense.

If Dugger can play to his strengths and spend more time near to the line of scrimmage, he should regain form and return to his status as one of the best at his position.

ED Anfernee Jennings

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings is re-signing with the Patriots on a three-year, $12 million deal with a maximum value of $24 million.

Jennings took on a larger role in the defense last season when Matthew Judon suffered a season-ending biceps injury, and he turned the opportunity into a breakout campaign. Despite only playing on run-downs, he tied for second among edge defenders in tackles for loss or no gain behind Maxx Crosby.

New England’s depth on the edges looked shallow entering free agency, as Matthew Judon, Keion White, and Deatrich Wise were the only regular contributors under contract. Now, the team has bolstered the spot by re-signing both of its free-agent outside linebackers as de facto general manager Eliot Wolf continues living up to his philosophy of drafting, developing, and extending core performers from within.

ST/LB Christian Ellis

According to the Patriots’ Twitter account, the team has re-signed special teamer and exclusive rights free agent Christian Elliss.

This move comes one day after New England released linebacker and special teamer Chris Board, likely signaling Elliss will take his roster spot.

Elliss was claimed on waivers in early December. He appeared on every special teams unit except the field goal teams and registered a pair of tackles, but he did not record a defensive snap.

ED Josh Uche

According to NFL Network‘s Mike Garafolo, outside linebacker Josh Uche will return to the Patriots on a one-year deal despite more lucrative offers elsewhere. Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer reported the deal is worth $3 million with a maximum value of $8 million. This doesn’t come as a huge surprise, as MassLive‘s Mark Daniels last season that he wanted to play for Jerod Mayo and was one of the players who attended the new head coach’s introductory press conference.

This move comes one day after New England lost Mack Wilson Sr. in a bidding war with the Cardinals, who gave the linebacker a three-year deal worth $12.75 million, bolstering the Patriots’ outside linebacker depth with Anfernee Jennings still unsigned.

Uche had a breakout season in 2022, leading the NFL in pressure rate (20.7%) and ranking 5th in pass rush win rate (19.2%) among defenders with at least 200 pass rushes. But in 2023, his pressure rate dipped by 5% while his pass rush win rate fell by over 8%. While there were still impressive flashes, Uche was inconsistent and didn’t produce as many high-quality reps as he had the year prior.

His decline could have been partly tied to a mid-season foot injury that caused him to miss Weeks 7 and 8. He was also often asked to contain quarterbacks instead of playing to his strengths and attacking offensive linemen. Matthew Judon’s season-ending biceps injury in Week 4 could’ve played a factor, as well, since offenses typically prioritized taking away the Pro Bowler when the two were on the field.

The hope is that new defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington, defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery, and outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins will maximize Uche’s skill set in 2024 and help him regain his 2022 form. Uche also made some improvements as a run defender but will need to be more consistent if he wants to become an every-down player.

WR Jalen Reagor

According to Bleacher Report‘s Jordan Schultz, the Patriots are re-signing wide receiver and returner Jalen Reagor to a one-year deal. The former Eagle and Viking signed to the team’s practice squad before the start of the regular season before being elevated to the active roster in mid-October.

Reagor was inconsistent when called upon as a pass-catcher in New England’s depleted receiver corps but built some momentum late in the season. He registered a deep reception in each of the last three games and turned an endaround into a big gain during the finale against the Jets. His biggest play of the season came in Buffalo when he scored a touchdown on the opening kickoff after taking over the returner role from Ty Montgomery, who was cut after a poor showing in Week 14.

Reagor may never become a consistent contributor on offense, but he brings the big-play ability the new Patriots regime covets, and he deserves an expanded look on kick returns after flashing in limited opportunities.

OL Mike Onwenu

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots are re-signing offensive lineman Mike Onwenu to a three-year deal worth $57 million, including a guaranteed $38 million and a $22.5 million signing bonus.

Head coach Jerod Mayo and de facto general manager Eliot Wolf have each called Onwenu a cornerstone who they viewed as a priority this offseason. Wolf has also emphasized his desire to draft, develop, and retain key players from within, and rewarding a homegrown player who’s done everything right adds credibility to that sentiment.

Onwenu solidified a right tackle spot last season that was a carousel of subpar play before he made the transition from guard. He did struggle at times, particularly against refined rushers like T.J. Watt and Khalil Mack, but overall, he was solid in pass protection and continued to be an outstanding run blocker.

The Patriots have yet to confirm where Onwenu will play in Alex Van Pelt’s scheme, but the lineman did tell MassLive’s Mark Daniels that he wants to stay at tackle and will prepare to be on the edge this offseason. Cole Strange and Sidy Sow also seem like potential long-term fits at guard, assuming Strange bounces back from his season-ending knee injury.

Onwenu is easily New England’s most talented offensive lineman, and retaining is massive for an offense expected to undergo significant change this offseason. He also took on a larger leadership role in 2023 after injuries struck the trenches and former line coach Adrian Klemm had to leave the team for health reasons.

If Onwenu continues to play right tackle, left tackle would be the one glaring hole remaining on the line. The free-agent options aren’t great, but Jonah Williams is a name to watch. If New England can find a bridge option for the next season or two, the draft has several developmental options. Chukwuma Okorafor, who struggles as a run blocker but excels in pass protection, could also compete for the job.

WR Kendrick Bourne

According to The Boston Herald‘s Andrew Callahan, the Patriots are re-signing wide receiver Kendrick Bourne to a three-year deal worth $19.5 million with a maximum value of $33 million and a $4.2 million signing bonus.

Previous reports indicated Bourne would test the market coming off of a torn ACL, but he was vocal about his desire to return to New England. Now the veteran gets his wish after attacking rehab and telling NFL Network that he expects to be back by minicamp and should be a full go in training camp.

The incentive-heavy deal seems fair for both sides, as Bourne has flashed big-play ability throughout his Patriots career. He was on pace for a career season as the offense’s top pass-catcher in 2023 before his season-ending injury. And while he had a down 2022 season after landing in Matt Patricia’s dog house, he was responsible for some of the offense’s most impressive highlights in 2021 despite trailing Jakobi Meyers and Hunter Henry in targets.

The 29-year-old may not be as explosive in 2024 as he’s been in years past, which is common for any athlete following a significant knee injury. But his smooth route-running, exceptional hands, and toughness through contact should allow him to remain a fixture in the passing game. He’s also a willing blocker and an electric personality who provides a spark both on and off the field.

The Patriots’ offense is expected to go through a significant overhaul this offseason, and the dominoes have already begun to fall with Mac Jones being traded this morning. But retaining Bourne ensures one of the unit’s few bright spots will be around for the foreseeable future.

TE Hunter Henry

According to NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garofolo, the Patriots and tight end Hunter Henry have agreed to terms on a three-year deal worth $27 million with a maximum value of $30 million.

New England was slated to enter free agency with zero tight ends under contract, but that will no longer be the case with the team retaining the reliable pass-catcher and team leader.

Henry, who was voted a team captain last season for the first time since joining the team, is tied with Dawson Knox for the 5th-most touchdowns at their position since signing with the Patriots in 2021. He also ranks top-10 in contested catches and is tied with Mike Gesicki for the 9th-lowest drop rate among tight ends with at least 50 targets over that span. Henry is no longer an explosive receiving threat, and he’s just okay as a blocker, but he’s a dominant Red Zone presence and consistent chain-mover.

There is reason for cautious optimism, as Henry is 29 years old and has been banged up throughout the past few seasons. After playing every game from 2021-2022, he missed Weeks 16-17 with an ACL injury before landing on injured reserve ahead of the season finale.

PFF’s Brad Spielberger projected Henry would receive a two-year deal averaging $6.13 million, but Dalton Schultz signing an extension with the Texans thrust Henry to the top of the tight end market. The Patriots also may have paid a premium to keep Henry from testing free agency.

Overall, this seems like a fair deal for both sides. Henry makes a bit more than most expected, and New England keeps a respected contributor in the fold amidst a franchise rebuild and offensive overhaul.

OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr.

According to Mass Live‘s Mark Daniels, the Patriots plan to pick up the option for offensive tackle and exclusive rights free agent Tyrone Wheatley Jr.

New England acquired Wheatley from the Browns in exchange for running back Pierre Strong. The move was made in response to injuries decimating the team’s tackle depth just before last season’s opener.

Wheatley recorded five snaps on the extra point unit in the first two weeks of the season. He was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury in mid-October and had his 21-day return window opened in mid-December, but was never activated.

Retaining Wheatley makes sense given his experience with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and offensive line coach Scott Peters, who worked with the tackle in Cleveland from 2022 through the 2023 offseason. He should compete for a backup spot.

CB Alex Austin

Cornerback Alex Austin announced on Twitter that he will be returning to the Patriots in 2024, meaning the team has picked up the exclusive rights free agent’s option.

The Bills drafted Austin in the seventh round of last year’s draft, but he was waived before the season opener and claimed by the Texans. He was waived in mid-October and re-signed to the practice squad but was released on the first day of November and signed by New England one day later.

Austin quickly made an impression during his Week 14 debut in Pittsburgh. He nearly intercepted Mitch Trubisky for what could’ve been a pick-six on his only target in six coverage snaps. Austin allowed scores on tough coverage assignments against the Chiefs and Broncos but proved to be a competitive, sticky cover guy and willing run defender who brought some swagger to the secondary. He also showed flashes of hidden gem potential after baiting and intercepting Josh Allen on a deep throw in Week 17.

Austin’s settled a cornerback position that was highly unstable for New England, and it will be interesting to see where he stands on the depth chart with so many players returning from injury. At the very least, he’s an intriguing developmental depth piece who could prove to be a legitimate starter with a strong offseason.

QB Nathan Rourke

According to NFL Network‘s Tom Pellisero, the Patriots have made quarterback and exclusive rights free agent Nathan Rourke their first re-signing of the Jerod Mayo era.

Rourke entered the NFL in 2023 after a two-year stint in the CFL, where he won Most Outstanding Canadian in 2022. The Jaguars signed him to a three-year deal the following year, but was ultimately released in mid-December and claimed by the Patriots two days later.

Rourke primarily served as an emergency third quarterback but served as Bailey Zappe’s backup over Mac Jones in the finale against the Jets.

I wouldn’t expect Rourke to be much more than a camp arm this season, as New England will likely draft a quarterback early and sign a veteran to serve as a primary backup and mentor. Bailey Zappe is also under contract and proved to be a solid spot starter despite having little to work with.

SIGNINGS

SAF Jaylinn Hawkins

According to NFL Network‘s Mike Garofolo, the Patriots are signing former Falcons and Chargers safety Jaylinn Hawkins to a one-year deal.

Marte Mapu is projected to be the team’s third safety behind Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers. Still, New England needed safety and special teams depth after releasing Adrian Phillips and losing Jalen Mills to the Giants.

The 2020 fourth-round pick was waived by Atlanta last October before being claimed by Las Angeles. He was a core special teamer last season, spending time on every unit but the extra-point team. Defensively, he’s primarily been used as a free safety. His best season came as a starter for the Falcons in 2022 when he recorded 56 tackles, six pressures, four pass breakups, picked off two passes, and both forced and recovered a fumble.

WR K.J. Obsorn

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Patriots are signing former Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn. Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer reports it is a one-year deal, $4 million deal.

The former fifth-rounder adds a much-needed veteran presence to a Patriots wide receiver room that recently cut DeVante Parker and will likely part ways with JuJu Smith-Schuster later this offseason. He will likely compete for a starting job unless the team adds an experienced boundary receiver later in the coming days or weeks.

Once Calvin Ridley signed with the Titans, despite a strong push from the Patriots to acquire the former All-Pro, it became clear New England would “weaponize” through the draft. Osborn gives the offense a pass-catcher with starting ability who has experience in a West Coast offense similar to what Alex Van Pelt will run this season. With a clearer picture at the top of the depth chart, whichever young receiver or receivers the Patriots take draft in April won’t be forced into a larger role than they can handle.

Last season, Osborn ranked fourth on the Vikings in targets, receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, though his seven drops led the team. Osborn’s missed just one game in the past three seasons, registering at least 550 receiving yards in each. With Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, Hunter Henry, and Antonio Gibson slated for big roles in the passing game, in addition to whomever New England selects in April, Osborne can serve as a similar complementary piece and a great locker room presence.

IOL Nick Leverett

According to ESPN‘s Jeremy Fowler, the Patriots are signing former Buccaneers interior offensive lineman Nick Leverett.

The 2020 undrafted free agent started 10 games for Tampa Bay in 2022, spending 728 snaps at left guard and 61 snaps at center. He allowed zero sacks and just four hits on 483 pass-blocking snaps, thanks in large part to Tom Brady’s quick release and help from his fellow linemen. He struggled statistically as a run blocker, with only Donovan Smith receiving a lower PFF run grade than Leverett among Buccaneers linemen with at least 200 such snaps. But he has a knack for stacking pancakes and gets to the second level effectively on combo blocks.

Despite having a solid season, Tampa selecting Cody Mauch in the 2nd round of last year’s draft led to Leverett being inactive in every game.

Due to injuries and a lack of quality veteran depth on the interior offensive line last season, the Patriots were forced to play developmental rookies Atonio Mafi and Jake Andrews prematurely. The new regime has attempted to correct that mistake by signing Leverett and Michael Jordan, who spent a season with Alex Van Pelt as a Bengal in 2019.

Their additions will be crucial, as Cole Strange could miss time after landing on injured reserve late last season with an undisclosed knee injury. An additional knee injury suffered in training camp delayed Strange’s progress in a crucial second season, and he was rushed back onto the field before he was back to full strength. But he came on strong late in the season before his second injury, and the hope is he won’t have to rush back with more experienced backup options.

DL Armon Watts

According to NFL Network‘s Tom Pellisero, the Patriots are signing former Steelers interior defensive lineman Armon Watts to a one-year deal. MassLive’s Mark Daniels reports that the deal is worth $3 million.

The Patriots released Lawrence Guy in late February to give the veteran a head start on finding a new team. New England had been searching for a replacement on the free agent market and reached an agreement with Watts shortly after the start of the new league year.

The five-year veteran was an effective rotational player for Pittsburgh, lining up at both defensive tackle and nose tackle. He made an impact as both a pass rusher and run defender, ranking 6th on the Steelers’ defense in total pressures and 5th in run defense grade among defenders with at least 100 such snaps.

Expect Watts to contribute on early downs alongside Davon Godchaux and Christian Barmore as a run stopper who can also add some juice to the pass rush.

TE Austin Hooper

According to NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots are signing former Raiders tight end Austin Hooper to a one-year deal worth up to $4.25 million. The move comes on the same day that Mike Gesicki signed with the Bengals on a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million.

Hooper will reunite with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, whom he worked with from 2020-2021. The eight-year veteran had a down season with Las Vegas last season, setting a career low with 234 receiving yards and zero touchdowns, but his familiarity with Van Pelt’s offense should allow him to catch on quickly in New England.

The Patriots needed more tight end depth behind Hunter Henry, as former USFL player La’Michael Pettway was the only other tight end on the roster. Exceptional blocker Pharaoh Brown, another former Brown who spent last season in New England, is still on the market and could be re-signed as added depth.

Look for the Patriots to add a developmental tight end on day two or three of the upcoming draft, where there are several prospects who could serve as rotational players early on and develop into key contributors down the road.

LB Sione Takitaki

According to MassLive‘s Mark Daniels, the Patriots are signing former Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki to a two-year, $6.5 million deal worth a maximum of $10.3 million. The move comes hours after Mack Wilson Sr. signed a three-year, $12.75 million deal with the Cardinals worth up to $15 million.

The Browns selected Takitaki in the third round of the 2019 draft, while Patriots de facto general manager Eliot Wolf was Cleveland’s assistant general manager, and senior personnel executive Alonzo Highsmith was vice president of player personnel. The linebacker tore his ACL in Week 13 of the 2022 season but bounced back to rank fourth on the Browns’ top-ranked defense in tackles while adding a pair of sacks, an interception, and breaking up three passes.

Takitaki is a disciplined run defender and sound tackler with positional versatility, having played all three linebacker roles for Cleveland. He also adds value as a special teamer after serving as a blocker on the Browns’ return teams, a coverage player on punts, and a rusher on the field goal block unit.

Takitaki adds depth to a linebacker room with two players in the final year of their deals, Jahlani Tavai and Raekwon McMillan. Having started half of his 72 career games, Takitaki projects should compete to be a backup behind Bentley and Tavai on early downs, with the possibility of competing with Marte Mapu for Wilson’s passing-down role.

QB Jacoby Brissett

According to Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer, the Patriots plan to sign Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal worth $8 million, returning to the organization that took 91st overall back in 2016. The move comes one day after the team traded former starter Mac Jones to the Jaguars for a sixth-round pick, sparking the team’s plan to reset the quarterback position.

Brissett felt like a no-brainer signing for the Patriots. Not only did the signal-caller begin his career in New England, but he also played for offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt in 2022 as a member of the Browns. With the Patriots likely drafting a quarterback with their top pick next month, the team needed a bridge option and mentor, and few, if any, fit the bill better.

Brissett only appeared in two games for the Commanders last season, but he went 18-23 for 224 yards and three touchdowns before being sidelined by a hamstring injury. 

It’s currently unclear whether New England will keep Bailey Zappe in 2024. If Zappe does stick around, he and Brissett will likely compete for a spot starter and top backup role, with Brissett bringing an experienced, unifying presence to the quarterback room. 

RB Antonio Gibson

According to NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots are signing former Commanders running back Antonio Gibson in their first out-of-house signing since the start of the legal tampering window. According to ESPN‘s Mike Reiss, the deal has a base value of $11.25 million and a maximum value of $17.25 million.

While top back Rhamondre Stevenson has been a productive pass-catcher for New England, leading the offense in receptions during the 2022 season, the team has needed a true receiving back who can run routes, bring an explosive element out of the backfield, and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties.

Gibson checks those boxes as a converted receiver who can line up all over the formation. His career-high 389 receiving yards last season were 10th-most among running backs, and his four receptions of 10+ air yards were tied with James Cook and Saquon Barkley for the most at the position. He’s also a solid pass protector.

Gibson ran for over 1,000 yards in 2021 and averaged a solid 4.1 yards per carry as a rusher last season, but that likely won’t be his primary role in New England. He also has experience as a kick returner.

The Patriots are still early in the process of weaponizing their offense, but adding an explosive player like Gibson, who ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine, is a solid start.

OT Chukwuma Okorafor

According to ESPN‘s Field Yates, the Patriots have signed former Steelers right tackle Chukwuma “Chuks” Okorafor to a one-year, $4 million deal and a maximum value of $8.25 million, hinting that the lineman could see significant snaps in 2024.

Pittsburgh cut Okorafor in a cap-saving move last February. He was benched after Week 8 after criticizing then-offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s play-calling, but reports indicate the incident was not a reflection of his character. Rookie Broderick Jones replaced Okorafor, but Pittsburgh still used him as an extra offensive lineman in heavy packages. Despite his Steelers career ending on a sour note, Okorafor is known as a good person and teammate.

While I don’t think he’s ideal as a top tackle option for New England, the former Steeler does have 59 games of starting experience at just 26 years old. He’s also played both tackle spots as well as guard. Okorafor is at his best in pass protection, where his massive frame, long arms, athleticism, and savvy hands make him tough to beat. He also plays with a mean streak at times and can be caught antagonizing defenders late into plays.

Okorafor can be an effective run blocker, but it isn’t a strength of his game. He also gets called for too many penalties, often due to grabbiness.

At worst, I see Okorafor serving as a swing tackle and occasional sixth offensive lineman, which Alex Van Pelt used more than any other team last season. At best, he competes for the top left tackle job, where he spent his final two seasons in college, or potentially even right tackle if Mike Onwenu isn’t re-signed.

FREE AGENT DEPARTURES

ST Cody Davis

Special teams ace Cody Davis announced via social media that he is retiring after an 11-season career, making him the second

Davis joined the Patriots in 2020 and was involved in two touchdowns during his tenure. During his first season with New England, he blocked a field goal in Week 13 against the Chargers that Devin McCourty returned for a score. Last season, Davis recovered a Marte Mapu forced fumble on kickoff and strolled into the end zone untouched.

Davis becomes the Patriots’ second veteran special teamer to retire this offseason, joining future Hall of Famer Matthew Slater. David and Slater tied for 4th in special teams tackles last season, trailing Brenden Schooler, Chris Board, and Ty Montgomery. With just one of the aforementioned players still on New England’s roster, as well as the losses of Mack Wilson Sr. and Adrian Phillips, it will be interesting to see how the team replaces that production, specifically after the kickoff changes announced earlier this week.

CB Myles Bryant

According to KPRC2‘s Aaron Wilson, cornerback Myles Bryant is signing with the Texans. Bryant was part of Houston general manager Nick Caserio’s final rookie class as the Patriots’ director of player personnel.

Bryant became the defense’s primary slot corner in 2021, thriving as a zone defender and run defender. He proved to be a smart, tough, and versatile member of the secondary, lining up at several spots last season to account for injuries. Bryant did struggle in man coverage due to average athleticism and length, which also led to some issues as a tackler.

It seems New England is embracing speed and explosiveness, which could have made Bryant a lower-priority free agent. This could also hint at a larger role for Marcus Jones, who has mostly been an outside corner while rotating in the slot behind Bryant. Jonathan Jones could also reclaim his job as top slot corner if Alex Austin, Isaiah Bolden, or another cornerback can establish himself opposite Christian Gonzalez.

Bryant’s reliability will be missed in a cornerback group ravaged by injury last season. With former Patriot Stephon Gilmore still on the market and multiple intriguing mid-round corners in this year’s draft, it would make sense for New England to address the position with an additional move.

OT Trent Brown

According to NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport, offensive tackle intends to sign a one-year deal with the Bengals, officially ending his time in New England.

Brown’s first stint with the Patriots in 2018 ended with a Super Bowl championship, but his second wasn’t as decorated. In 2021, Brown served as the team’s primary right tackle when New England made the Wild Card Round before being blown out by the Bills. He switched to the left side in 2022, appearing in every game and serving as one of the few positives on a patchwork offensive line. A strong start to the 2023 season was derailed when Brown was rolled up in Week 7 against the Bills, beginning a downward spiral fueled by inconsistent play and effort, behind-the-scenes drama, and poor health.

Brown now gets a fresh start with a playoff contender, leaving the Patriots with former Steeler Chukwuma Okorafor as the projected starting left tackle. Given Okorafor’s one-year deal and inexperience on the left side at the NFL level, New England will likely address the position during next month’s draft.

LB Terez Hall

According to MassLive’s Mark Daniels, the Patriots did not extend offers to linebacker and restricted free agent Terez Hall, officially making him a free agent.

Hall was originally signed by New England as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He spent all of that season on the practice squad but, due to injuries, was active for the final nine games in 2020. He recorded 39 tackles, including 17 stops, and forced a pair of incompletions.

The linebacker spent all of 2021 on the reserve/physically unable to perform list and was released in the summer of 2022 due to a failed physical. He was re-signed to the practice squad in late December and signed a reserve/futures contract to return in 2023, but was released again on an injury waiver in August.

WR Tre Nixon

According to MassLive’s Mark Daniels, the Patriots did not extend offers to wide receiver and restricted free agent Tre Nixon, officially making him a free agent. He

Nixon, a seventh-round pick in 2021, was the final draft selection football research director Ernie Adams made for New England. He never appeared in a regular-season game for the team but caught 18 passes in eight preseason games.

Nixon was valued by the team behind the scenes for his attitude and work ethic, but was never able to become the deep threat many envisioned he would become out of UCF.

TE Pharaoh Brown

According to ESPN‘s Jeremy Fowler, tight end Pharaoh Brown has signed a one-year deal with the Seahawks. The signing came shortly after New England signed a one-year deal worth up to $4.25 million.

Brown, who played with former Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien when the two were with the Texans, signed to the team’s practice squad in late August. He was promoted to the active roster ahead of Week 1 and went on to become the team’s primary blocking tight end.

Brown brought a meanness to the ground game, consistently finishing blocks and playing to the whistle. He also had a surprising number of big plays as a receiver, making catches down the seam and proving to be a tough runner after the catch.

The Patriots were attempting to re-sign the tight end, and a reunion seemed likely, as Brown played for offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt in Cleveland. However, it appears the team might not have been willing to match the contract Brown was aiming for.

With an already shallow tight-end market looking thin, New England will likely have to find a third tight end in the draft, where several intriguing developmental options are available in the middle-late rounds.

SAF Jalen Mills

According to ESPN‘s Adam Schefter, safety Jalen Mills has agreed to a one-year deal with the Giants. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reports it is a one-year, $1.21 million deal. He is expected to compete for a starting role following the departure of Xavier McKinney.

Mills spent three seasons with New England. The team released him in March 2023, but he was re-signed five days later and moved from cornerback to safety.

The defensive back played some of his best football with the Patriots, showing more discipline and consistency than he had during his time with the Eagles. He was solid in a rotational role last season, serving as a tight-end eraser, free safety, and slot cornerback, but expressed unhappiness with his lack of playing time after playing just 10 snaps in a loss to the Saints.

New England now has Jabrill Peppers, Marte Mapu, and Joshuah Bledsoe as the only players under contract, with Kyle Dugger having yet to sign his transition tag. Mapu should take a step forward in his sophomore season, but Bledsoe is still unproven and may exclusively be a backup-caliber player.

With the Patriots using three-plus-safety packages at one of the highest rates in the NFL, the defense would benefit from another body at the position.

Kamren Curl, Julian Blackmon, and Jordan Fuller are the top safeties remaining on the free-agent market, while Kamren Kinchens, Javon Bullard, and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson are potential options on day two or three of the draft. Re-signing Myles Bryant, a versatile defensive back with experience playing every role in the secondary, could also add depth to the position.

TE Mike Gesicki

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, tight end Mike Gesicki is signing with the Bengals on a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million.

Gesicki is coming off a second consecutive down year where circumstances impacted his production. After falling out of favor with the Dolphins in 2022 due to a scheme change, he was projected to be more productive in Bill O’Brien’s more pass-heavy attack last season. But the Patriots’ disastrous quarterback situation and injuries forcing him into a larger role that didn’t fit his skill set continued to hold him back.

The tight end was still reliable when targeted. He caught a touchdown in two of the team’s four wins, including a clincher against the Bills in Week 7, and he didn’t record a single drop on 43 targets.

With Hunter Henry and La’Michael Pettway being the only tight ends under contract for New England, there is still a significant need at the position. Pharaoh Brown re-signing with the team would make sense, considering he played with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and quarterback Jacoby Brissett in 2022. Former Browns Harrison Bryant and Austin Hooper could also be good fits.

The Patriots could also target a tight end in the middle-late rounds of the draft, where there should be multiple serviceable options who could develop into valuable contributors.

LB Mack Wilson Sr.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, linebacker Mack Wilson and the Cardinals have agreed to a three-year deal worth $12.75 million with a maximum value of $15 million. MassLive‘s Mark Daniels reported that the Patriots made a competitive three-year offer, but Wilson decided to test the market and now lands in Arizona.

Wilson bounced back in a big way last season after struggling in 2022. New England’s coaching staff took responsibility for this, admitting they didn’t use the linebacker optimally in his first season with the team. This improved play was especially impressive, considering Wilson played through a labrum injury all season that required surgery in the offseason.

In addition to being used to his strengths as more of a coverage specialist and clearly being more comfortable in the defense, Wilson added muscle in the offseason that helped him take on and shed blocks, which had been an issue throughout his NFL career. The linebacker also surprised many by showing some pass-rush prowess mid-season when Josh Uche missed time with a foot injury and really came on as a playmaker as the year went on.

With Wilson off the board and the Patriots reportedly not offering pass rush specialist Josh Uche a contract ahead of the legal tampering period, the defense now has a pretty glaring need at the edge position. Re-signing Anfernee Jennings would reinforce the spot, but he’s an early-down presence who doesn’t typically play on passing downs.

Raekwon McMillan and Marte Mapu could also chip in as off-ball coverage linebackers.

The post Patriots 2024 Free Agent Tracker: Kyle Dugger to Remain in NE on Four-Year Deal appeared first on CLNS Media.

With New England’s coaching staff locked in, the team can focus on rebuilding a roster with several areas that need to be addressed. The Patriots are projected to have the 3rd-most cap space in the NFL this offseason, but that’s due in large part to their sizeable free agent class. 24 players are set to hit free agency in March, with 18 of those players being unrestricted free agents.

The Patriots have done a poor job retaining homegrown talent in recent seasons, particularly early-round picks, but this year’s group features multiple players who have earned the chance to turn that track record around. And with the franchise tag window officially open, de facto general manager Eliot Wolf can give a glimpse into how he values the tactic, which was rarely used during the Bill Belichick era. There are also a number of veterans seeking third contracts whose futures could be determined by whether New England wants to lean on familiar faces or forge a new path.

This list will take a look at the Patriots’ top impending free agents, the cases for and against retaining them, and what kind of deals they could earn on the market.

S KYLE DUGGER

Kyle Dugger assumed a bigger role in the Patriots’ secondary following Devin McCourty’s retirement last offseason. He played 1,069 defensive snaps, shattering his previous career-high of 721 the previous season, and led the defense with 71 solo tackles.

Dugger continues to thrive near the line of scrimmage, doing his best work when used as a strong safety, nickel corner, and dime linebacker. The versatile defender brings rare physicality in the run game, often jolting linemen with his explosive hands, and has exceptional timing as a blitzer. Coverage isn’t Dugger’s strong suit, but he comes downhill with bad intentions from zone and can hang with tight ends when on top of his game. He ranked 3rd among safeties in pressures (15), 6th in tackles for loss or no gain (8), and tied for 9th in coverage stops (15).

Few New England defenders are as impactful as Dugger, but his highlights were often more opportunistic than anything last season, and he gave up big plays more frequently than usual. Missed tackles continue to be an issue for the veteran, and he seemed to be responsible for coverage busts throughout the season due to either missed assignments, poor depth, or losing receivers at the top of routes. In fairness, Dugger played 4.5x more free safety than his previous season-high despite lacking the range to hold up deep consistently, which put him in some difficult spots.

PFF salary cap expert Brad Spielberger predicts Dugger will earn $16.26 million on the franchise tag while Patriots cap expert Miguel Benzan believes Dugger will earn a three-year deal averaging $13.5 million. The latter deal would make Dugger the league’s 8th-highest-paid safety behind the Ravens’ Marcus Williams and ahead of the Seahawks’ Quandre Diggs.

Dugger’s struggles in an expanded role make the tag a realistic option, giving New England leverage and more time to find a deal that suits both sides. That said, no one on the Patriots’ defense brings his blend of size, physicality, instincts, and athleticism, and turning 28 in March could bring down the safety’s price tag. If New England minimizes Dugger’s free safety snaps moving forward, there shouldn’t be any hesitation about retaining him long-term. They may have to live with his inconsistent tackling and coverage, but neither drawback has kept Dugger from being a headliner in one of the league’s best defenses.

Prediction: Stays 

OL MIKE ONWENU

Mike Onwenu missed the entire summer and season opener due to offseason ankle surgery, leading to some rust in his first games back at right guard. But after sitting out Week 6 and returning in Week 7 at right tackle, which had been a glaring weakness on an already leaky front, Onwenu proved he’s still one of New England’s most valuable offensive players.

The versatile lineman put together an impressive 11-game stretch despite facing the likes of T.J. Watt, Khalil Mack, and George Karlaftis. Onwenu lacks ideal foot speed and quickness for the position but compensates with length, technique, and powerful hands. He and right guard Sidy Sow also combined for devastating run blocks on a weekly basis and could develop into a formidable duo.

Onwenu’s positional flexibility and skill set make for an interesting free-agency situation. His best fit is at guard, where I believe he has Pro Bowl potential, but he holds up well enough at right tackle to make a living outside. At 350 lbs, he’s also scheme-dependent and won’t fit in offenses that ask their linemen to regularly pull or cross defenders’ faces.

Spielberger projects a four-year deal averaging $14.5 million for Onwenu, which would make him the 11th-highest-paid right tackle just below the Browns’ Jack Conklin and ahead of the Dolphins’ Austin Jackson. This contract would make him the 5th-highest-paid right guard, just behind the Browns’ Wyatt Teller.

Benzan has Onwenu signing a contract of the same length but with an average of $17 million per year, featuring incentives if he earns Pro Bowl or All-Pro nods at tackle. This would tie Onwenu for 8th among right tackles with the Panthers’ Taylor Moton and 3rd among right guards behind the Cowboys’ Zack Martin and ahead of the Jaguars’ Brandon Scherff. Onwenu is also a candidate to receive the franchise tag.

In an Alex Van Pelt scheme that believes in flexibility and maximizing players’ strengths, Onwenu is a no-brainer re-signing for the Patriots. The Browns asked their interior linemen to pull far more often than their tackles, and Dawand Jones is another mountain of a man who succeeded on Cleveland’s right edge. Onwenu also took on a greater leadership role last season while continuing to be New England’s most consistent and dominant lineman. That’s the kind of homegrown talent you keep around.

Prediction: Stays

OT TRENT BROWN

Trent Brown is the most polarizing member of New England’s free agent class. 2023 was tough on just about everyone in the Patriots’ building, but Brown’s response to this adversity sparked rumors and controversy. After trailing only the Vikings’ Christian Darrisaw in PFF grade through seven weeks, Brown ranked 56th among 82 tackles with 200 snaps from Weeks 8-18.

There is a strong case to be made that New England and Brown should go their separate ways after what appeared to be a toxic relationship. Among multiple other alleged infractions, reports indicate he wasn’t sufficiently motivated, chose not to return from injury to protect himself, and openly discussed playing for an NFC team in the locker room after a win in Pittsburgh. Brown’s film was also damning at times, sometimes appearing to take plays off and show minimal effort.

Brown pushed back against these accusations, defending his willingness to play through injury and expressing discontent with his treatment by the team. Brown suffered an MCL and high-ankle sprain in Week 7 that derailed an excellent start to the season. Despite playing through the injury, he clearly wasn’t 100% and aggravated it the next week. Brown missed two games and came back as part of a rotation, which he says he supported, but he couldn’t regain his previous level of play. He fell ill in Week 15 and missed three of his final four games, including one where he appeared to be a healthy scratch despite being listed with an illness in each other absence. Brown also openly criticized the team for what he believed to be unfair scheduling practices, subjecting him to mind games, and mishandling the offensive line following Mac Jones’ rookie season.

Spielberger projects Brown will sign a two-year, $7.5 million per year deal, a $1 million pay bump from last season. With Tyron Smith likely chasing a ring and Jonah Williams being the next-best left tackle on the market, re-signing Brown could be a steal.

When motivated and healthy, Brown is one of the best at his position, and people forget he started every game in 2022. That said, Brown has struggled significantly in both areas. And while he’s publicly supported Mayo’s promotion to head coach, there’s no guarantee a regime change will be enough to keep the veteran at his best. The Patriots desperately need tackles, and there may not be a draft prospect outside of the top 10 ready to start out of the gate. If he hasn’t burned bridges inside the Patriots’ building, it makes sense for the sides to make peace for a year while a rookie learns on the bench. But with Brown’s contract voiding on Monday, guaranteeing he’ll hit the market in March, that feels like more of a pipe dream than a blossoming reality.

Prediction: Leaves

DB MYLES BRYANT

Myles Bryant is a lightning rod for criticism, which comes with the territory for most slot corners, but even the harshest of critics had to appreciate his efforts in a contract year. He responded to a career-high 816 defensive snaps with career-highs in tackles (66), tackles for loss or no gain (7), and forced incompletions (7).

Bryant’s value lies in his intelligence, toughness, versatility, and dependability. He played every position in the defensive backfield and filled in for Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, and Jabrill Peppers at different points throughout the season. The undrafted free agent is at his best on early downs, where he can read and react from zone coverage and provide high-effort run defense. He also consistently attacks the ball to force fumbles and was disruptive as a blitzer in limited opportunities.

Bryant stays competitive in man coverage thanks to his route recognition and technique, but his lack of size and explosiveness are undeniable detriments. This is most obvious when he’s left on an island against top receivers or forced to cover a lot of ground downfield. And while Bryant is a generally reliable tackler who minimizes yards after contact, he exceeded a miss rate of 10% for the first time in his career.

Spielberger projects Bryant will sign a two-year contract averaging $3.5 million, comparable to the Titans’ Sean Murphy-Bunting and former 1st-round corners on their first contracts. This would be one of the lesser veteran deals at the position, but few teams, if any, will covet Bryant as highly as the Patriots. He lacks the name recognition to command big money, and his average athleticism won’t fit in some systems.

Players and coaches alike gush about Bryant whenever he’s brought up, and his extensive experience in New England’s scheme is invaluable. That said, Bryant isn’t an ideal every-down player and could be pushed into a reserve role if Marcus Jones or another, more athletic corner steps up. If he’s content signing a team-friendly deal that includes a solid pay bump, Bryant could return as a rotational piece with the ability to slide in where he’s needed.

Prediction: Stays

TE HUNTER HENRY

2023 was Hunter Henry’s first season as a Patriots team captain, and he backed it up by being one of the offense’s only consistent playmakers. Among tight ends, only Sam LaPorta (10) caught more touchdowns than Henry (6), and he ranked top-5 at the position in contested catches (10) while dropping just two passes.

The former Charger isn’t the dynamic weapon he was in San Diego, but he’s a reliable chain-mover and a tough cover in the Red Zone. Henry makes up for a lack of explosiveness with well-executed routes, a big frame, and soft hands. He made some impressive adjustments to inaccurate passes last season and showed good concentration in traffic. Henry won’t blow anyone away as a blocker, but the effort is always there and he typically does enough to get in the way of defenders.

Injuries have plagued Henry his entire Patriots career, but last season was the first where he missed time, sitting out Weeks 16 and 17 with a knee before landing on injured reserve ahead of the finale. This is concerning for the 29-year-old, whose burst and fluidity have already been impacted by years of similar issues. While still effective, Henry can’t pull away from coverage and offers next to nothing after the catch. In the run game, he doesn’t get much push and gets worked by bigger defenders, making him a less-than-ideal fit in-line on a consistent basis.

Spielberger projects Henry will sign a two-year deal for $6.13 million per year, less than half of his current average. This would sandwich him behind the Jets’ Tyler Conklin and ahead of the Texans’ Dalton Schultz, a fair deal given Henry’s diminishing explosiveness and injury history.

David Andrews’ future is up in the air, and Mac Jones is likely playing elsewhere in 2024. Henry could be one of the only remaining leaders in an offense led by its fourth coordinator in as many seasons. The cupboard is also bare at tight end, with the Patriots having zero players under contract at the position. If Alex Van Pelt wants an athletic dual-threat a la David Njoku, Henry may not fit as well as someone like Schultz. But if he values an inexpensive veteran who’s well-respected in the locker room, Henry should be a priority re-signing.

Prediction: Stays

ED Anfernee Jennings

Anfernee Jennings came out of nowhere to have one of the most productive seasons of any edge defender in 2023. Matthew Judon’s season-ending injury thrust Jennings into a larger role, and he answered by tying Maxx Crosby for the position lead in run stops (38) and tying Khalil Mack for the 2nd-most tackles for loss or no gain, all while nearly doubling his career-high in snaps.

The former Alabama linebacker has always been a force against the run, but he flourished as a consistent presence on potential run downs. Equipped with outstanding instincts, a sturdy anchor, and a knack for stacking and shedding blocks, Jennings completely shut down his end of the line and even made plays away from his gap. He rarely lost a rep and was one of the key figures behind New England’s league-best run defense.

Generating negative plays consistently is valuable on any down, but Jennings’ lack of pass-rush upside caps his ceiling. He’s disciplined and can create disruption when asked to slant inside, but he lacks the juice or bend to be a consistent threat off the edge. Jennings isn’t very fluid in coverage, either, making him strictly an edge defender.

Spielberger projects Jennings will sign a two-year deal averaging $5.25 million, a nice contract for an early-down playmaker with limited flexibility. This would place him behind teammate Deatrich Wise and ahead of Eagles veteran Brandon Graham among edge defenders.

Unless some team surprises and throws a big contract at Jennings, he seems like an easy re-sign for the Patriots, particularly with former defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington now running that side of the ball. Some statistical regression from his breakout campaign is to be expected, but I’d expect Jennings to remain a fixture of the defense and one of the league’s best run-stoppers.

Prediction: Stays

ED JOSH UCHE

One season after putting himself on the map with 11.5 sacks in seven games, Josh Uche experienced a disappointing regression in a contract year.  His pressure rate plummeted from 20.7% to 15.7%, which was closer to his rookie figure of 13.0%, and his pass rush win rate was a career-low 11.1%, nearly half of what it was in 2022.

Uche spent parts of the year dealing with a foot injury, which understandably slowed him down after a strong start to the season. But unlike his breakout campaign, where he was beating tackles 1-on-1 with dizzying efficiency, the edge rusher had significantly fewer quality wins in 2023 and was inconsistent in contain. Uche showed improvement as a run defender thanks to better recognition, but there were still too many reps where poor discipline resulted in big gains. He also struggled in space when asked to drop into coverage.

Spielberger projects Uche will make $7.5 million on a one-year deal, placing him between the Chiefs’ Charles Omenihu and the Bills’ Leonard Floyd. Uche can’t contribute on every down like the aforementioned veterans, but youth and pass-rush upside help his case.

Uche is still an explosive athlete who can hit linemen with an arsenal of rush moves, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the situational rusher return on a team-friendly prove-it deal. But if another team offers a decent payday and/or more security, the former 2nd-rounder might start fresh elsewhere.

Prediction: Leaves

WR KENDRICK BOURNE

Kendrick Bourne was on pace for his best year as a pro before tearing his ACL in Week 8 against the Dolphins, depriving the offense of its best receiver. Through eight weeks, Bourne was the Patriots’ only pass-catcher with 35+ targets (55), 30+ receptions (37), 250+ receiving yards (406), more than two receiving touchdowns (four), or double-digit receptions of 15+ yards (12).

After spending 2022 in Matt Patricia’s dog house, Bourne seized his new opportunity and established himself as a key cog in the passing game. He brought smooth route running to a group filled with stiff veterans and inexperienced rookies, and his juice after the catch was matched only by DeMario Douglas. Bourne also showed great effort in the run game and threw several key blocks throughout the season.

Unfortunately, time isn’t on Bourne’s side as he approaches 29 years old coming off of a major injury. ACLs typically take a season to mentally recover from, which could be detrimental for a player who already lacks great explosiveness and relies so heavily on running after the catch.

Spielberger predicts Bourne will sign a one-year prove-it deal this offseason, a $2 million pay bump from last season that would put him in a similar neighborhood as the Texans’ Robert Woods and the Steelers’ Allen Robinson. Woods has been my top comparison for Bourne at this stage in his career, as both had to battle back from ACL injuries in their late 20s before going on to help mentor young quarterbacks.

Bourne has been open about his desire to return to the Patriots, and his infectious energy was sorely missed. Even if his burst takes a step back, his strong hands and smooth routes should compensate in a WR3/4 role. And though he didn’t get many chances to show it in a conservative passing attack, he is capable of making jaw-dropping grabs downfield. With this year’s free agent class falling off significantly outside of the top five players, bringing Bourne back as a depth piece and locker room presence could be best for both sides.

Prediction: Stays

TE MIKE GESICKI

It’s been a tough couple of seasons for Mike Gesicki. After falling out of favor with the Dolphins due to his skill set not matching their scheme, he came to a doomed Patriots offense and had his worst season statistically since his rookie year.

Gesicki was exactly what fans were promised, an oversized slot receiver with magnets for hands and a huge catch radius. Both of his touchdowns came in rare wins for New England, including a dagger against the Bills and a great scramble adjustment late in Denver. Gesicki didn’t drop any of the 47 passes thrown his way and caught five of 10 contested targets. Similar to Bourne, his skill set wasn’t maximized due to the Patriots’ conservative passing attack, which provided minimal opportunities to make plays downfield. He was also forced to play more true Z receiver once Bourne went down, which wasn’t a great fit.

While Gesicki wasn’t put in position to consistently succeed with the Patriots, he also became an odd fit for their offense when running the ball became a survival tactic. Gesicki’s linear frame and average strength make it hard for him to consistently succeed as a blocker, even though his effort is never in question. As a receiver, Gesicki being tall with minimal bend allows defenders to get into his chest and shut down routes early, which can affect both his availability and the timing of the overall pattern.

Spielberger projects Gesicki will earn $2 million on another prove-it deal, which is less than half of the $4.5 million he earned in 2023. This would put the 28-year-old on par with the Bears’ Marcedes Lewis, who is still one of the best blocking tight ends in the game at 40 years old.

Gesicki could be an odd fit in Alex Van Pelt’s run-heavy offense, but the coach’s affinity for multiple tight ends sets could also work in his favor. Gesicki was a great locker room presence who always kept things light despite the dark cloud of a 4-13 season hanging over the building. He can still be a formidable Red Zone threat and 50-50 specialist if given more opportunities, but I think someone like Harrison Bryant, an underutilized dual threat who’s spent his entire career with Van Pelt, makes more sense.

Prediction: Leaves

RB EZEKIEL ELLIOTT

Following a down season with the Cowboys, Ezekiel Elliott was expected to be a short-yardage and pass-protection specialist when the Patriots signed him late during training camp. He far exceeded those expectations, serving as a solid one-two punch with Rhamondre Stevenson and eventually becoming the lead back when Stevenson suffered a season-ending ankle injury.

Running lanes were scarce behind an every-shifting Patriots offensive line, resulting in Elliott getting stuffed on over 20% of his carries for the first time in his career. But he clawed and scratched for every yard he earned, leading to a career-high 72.6% of rushing yards coming after contact and his 3rd-highest rate of missed tackle forced per attempt (0.13). Elliott also showed off his vision on several trademark blitz pickups, and he was a solid receiver out of the backfield on screens.

Elliott’s 2023 evaluation is tough due to how consistently poor his blocking was, but he clearly isn’t the same player despite having some gas left in the tank. The veteran isn’t very dynamic in space, and there were times he appeared to miss open running lanes. Despite Bill O’Brien trying to make him a true dual-threat, Elliott couldn’t make much magic as a pass catcher, and he allowed pressure on a career-high 17.9% of pass protection snaps.

Elliott was a great locker room presence who immediately gelled in New England, and he performed admirably in a tough situation. But the Patriots need to go younger at running back with Stevenson entering a contract year, and Elliott turning 29 this offseason is intimidating, given his downhill running style. Unless he comes at a price similar to the $3 million he received last season, I think the team should sign a younger option like Zack Moss while Elliott tries to earn a ring on a contender.

Prediction: Leaves 

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Fast forward a few months, and the Patriots offense are averaging the 2nd-fewest point per game (14.1) and 7th-fewest yards per game in the NFL. They’ve been kept out of the end zone in three games, and from Weeks 5-6, they allowed three touchdowns to opposing defense’s while only scoring a field goal. O’Brien has taken responsibility for the offense’s struggles, and injuries haven’t been kind to New England, but there’s plenty of responsibility to go around for this season’s disaster.

Here are my deep dives and grades for each position group through ten weeks.

Quarterback

In August, offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien called the Patriots’ group of passers “one of the better quarterback rooms I’ve ever been a part of.” It was an odd comment since Bailey Zappe and then-QB3 Trace McSorley struggled throughout the summer, but Mac Jones’ consistency and solid play were worthy of praise. Three months later, New England’s quarterback situation is so bad that fans are clamoring for Will Grier, whose two career starts came as a rookie for the Panthers in 2019.

Offensive line injuries, poor receiver play, and front-office failures contributed to Jones’ continued regression. He also overcame these issues with late pushes against the Eagles, Dolphins (Round 1), Raiders, and Commanders, and pulled off his first comeback in two seasons against the Bills. But the 3rd-year signal-caller has consistently hurt his team with turnovers, missed opportunities, and poor fundamentals, punctuated by a fade-away interception against the Colts that landed him on the bench.

The #Patriots have been one of the league's most efficient Red Zone offenses this season, but they went 0-4 in scoring territory vs the Colts

Each dropback Mac took in these situations ended the drive, including a sack and each of the QB's worst throws/decisions of the game pic.twitter.com/rng6oo4Ya3

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) November 13, 2023

Jones’ 18 turnover-worthy plays are five more than his previous career high, and he’s last in the NFL in completion percentage (20.0%) and yards per attempt (4.4) on passes of 20+ air yards. Even with the offense reduced to quick throws and relatively simple reads, Jones has looked like an accurate game-manager at best and an unplayable liability at worst.

As bad as Jones has been, there aren’t any viable replacement options behind him. Bailey Zappe has only committed one turnover-worthy play this season but has a 36.1 passer rating in three appearances.

Zappe's interception doesn't make any more sense with All-22, tho

I'm guessing he wanted a flag for Zaire Franklin hooking Pop's arm, but the throw isn't catchable and shouldn't have been attempted on 1st down with 37 seconds left pic.twitter.com/CLaso3pn4t

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) November 13, 2023

The team also showed how they value the Western Kentucky product by waiving him during roster cuts and demoting him to emergency 3rd quarterback behind undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham in Week 6.

Cunningham flashed under center on the final drives of the preseason opener and finale, but both of his live reps against the Raiders resulted in negative plays. While I think Cunningham’s future is at quarterback, he has a long way to go before being trusted in a game.

With the Patriots unlikely to pick up his 5th-year option, Mac Jones has one year left on his rookie deal. I’d like to see if he can rebound with playmakers and a stable offensive line in 2024, but with his inexcusable play this season, New England has to look for his long-term successor during the offseason.

Grade: D+

Running Back

Adding Ezekiel Elliott late this summer seemed to round out an interesting Patriots running back room. Rhamondre Stevenson would continue to be the workhorse, Elliott would mix in as a top backup, Ty Mongtomery would serve as a top receiving back, and Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris would continue to grow and eventually crack the lineup. While Stevenson and Elliott have carried the load as predicted, none of the other backfield options have panned out. Strong was traded in a desperate attempt to add tackle depth. Montgomery has primarily been a special teamer, playing just 31 offensive snaps. Kevin Harris has spent all season on the practice squad.

I was concerned that a two-man rotation would wear down its backs, as we saw last season when Stevenson was asked to carry the offense. But through ten weeks, we’ve seen the opposite result.

The ground game started slowly behind several offensive line combinations, which blockers acknowledged hurt their ability to build chemistry. But things picked up around Week 6 when Sidy Sow slid in at right guard, with Mike Onwenu kicking out to right tackle the next week. Since Sow became a mainstay in the trenches, Stevenson has been one of the league’s best runners.

Elliott’s season-long averages are nearly identical to Stevenson’s, but the short-yardage specialist converts more often (26.7%; Stevenson, 19.8) while forcing missed tackles at a lower rate (0.09; Stevenson, 0.16). Elliott’s numbers haven’t seen a dramatic shift since the changes up front, but he looks more explosive than he did early on.

Stevenson and Elliot have combined for over 100 rushing yards in each of their past two games, including a season-high 142 yards. Their only other such performance came in Week 3 against the Jets.

Once again, Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott were two of the few bright spots for the #Patriots offense

Mike Onwenu, Sidy Sow, and David Andrews delivered some great blocks, but the backs also showed nice patience and ran hard pic.twitter.com/hYB6dbHO9M

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) November 12, 2023

As productive as New England’s backs have been lately, the offense desperately needs a true receiving back.

Stevenson was top-10 among running backs in receptions (32, 4th) and yards after catch (253) from Weeks 1-10. But he was bottom-10 in catch rate (76.2%, 9th-lowest), yards per route run (1.03, t-10th-lowest), and conversions (8) among backs with at least 25 targets. He was also tied for the 2nd-most drops at the position (4) behind Alexander Mattison (5). Stevenson’s inability to separate has been glaring at times, and he hasn’t consistently proven to be the security blanket this offense needs.

The Patriots unsuccessfully fed Elliott screens in the season opener, and his receiving impact has been limited for most of the season. His first real impact plays came against the Colts, where he turned two slip screens into big gains.  He also took a short pass 74 yards for a score against the Raiders, but most of the yardage was nullified after a questionable penalty.

Montgomery’s only been targeted eight times after catching a touchdown in the only game he played last season. His most recent catch was an impressive grab on a pass that should’ve been intercepted in Vegas, but he did have a target picked against the Saints after a hit dislodged the football. I’d like to see his role expanded, but the results have been rough in a limited sample size.

I’ll have no complaints if the Patriots run it back with Stevenson and Elliott next season. Still, a difference-making receiver and at least one developmental piece with upside would help round out the backfield and take some of the load off of its veteran grinders.

Grade: B-

Wide Receiver

New England’s wide receiver room has lived up to the “Stink, Stank, and Stunk” label it was smacked with this summer. While no one expected any Pro Bowl nods, Kendrick Bourne being out of the doghouse, DeVante Parker making daily deep catches, Demario Douglas’ quick emergence, and Kayshon Boutte’s flashes set the stage for a group that would be better than the sum of its parts. However, thanks to injuries and poor play, they’ve failed to meet already low expectations.

Bourne enjoyed a career year before tearing his ACL in Week 6 against the Dolphins. He was the Patriots’ only pass-catcher with 35+ targets (55), 30+ receptions (37), 250+ receiving yards (406), more than two receiving touchdowns (four), or double-digit receptions of 15+ yards (12) through eight weeks. His 5.6 yards after catch per reception are still 6th in the NFL among wide receivers with 50+ targets.

KB was also the main Z bc he's the most consistent separator among NE's veterans, and he got most of the intermediate in-breaking targets + curls

Think JuJu will get plugged into these roles, but I'd love to see Tyquan Thornton get a shot, especially the double moves pic.twitter.com/EVucaNOaM7

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) October 31, 2023

As the team’s only reliable veteran receiver, Bourne’s loss has made the passing game difficult to watch.

Jitterbug Pop Douglas has done his best to keep the offense afloat, showing promise as both a downfield receiver and gadget player. He ranks 7th in yards after catch per reception (6.9) among receivers with at least 25 targets, and he’s the team’s only active receiver with multiple deep catches.

That said, Pop's been fun on schemed touches, too pic.twitter.com/5QX7sTmI9b

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) November 14, 2023

But, as with most rookies, there have been growing pains. Douglas’ route-running has been all over the place, and it’s clear he’s actively learning the offense. Unfortunately, a lack of veteran production has put the Liberty product in an impossible position.

Shortly after signing a three-year contract extension to retire a Patriot, Parker’s ability to win deep along the boundary vanished. He hasn’t caught any of his three deep targets, headlined by a drop on a pinpoint bomb during the final drive against Vegas. Parker was also outmuscled by Xavien Howard for an interception in Week 2 and a near-interception against the Saints, which reflected a season-long trend of questionable effort. He’s missed the past two games with a concussion, but it’s unlikely his presence would’ve been a needle-mover in those matchups.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, who was signed to replace Jakobi Meyers in the slot, doesn’t look like the same player after tearing his ACL in the 2022 playoffs. Expectations waned during a quiet training camp, but the Super Bowl champion’s precision and reliability have been major disappointments. Smith-Schuster was being phased out of the offense until injuries forced him back on the field late in Week 8, but a game-sealing drop against the Commanders has been his most noteworthy play since returning to the lineup.

Jalen Reagor, who was signed to the active roster after running out of practice squad elevations, began taking snaps from Parker in Week 6. He’s thrown some key blocks in the run game, but a rough performance against the Commanders saw him benched for a combination of Smith-Schuster and Boutte, who’s been a healthy scratch in all but two games this season.

Tyquan Thornton may be the biggest letdown among this group after being taken in the 2nd round last season. The skinny speedster can’t seem to stay healthy, and the time he missed due to injury was glaring against Washington, leading to his benching after a dozen plays.

Extending or re-signing Bourne should be a priority, as he was one of the offense’s few bright spots on and off the field. Douglas has also shown enough talent to be considered a building block moving forward. Outside of those two players, the wide receiver room needs a significant overhaul next offseason.

Grade: D+

Tight End

It was no secret that the Patriots tight end room lacked dynamic talent entering this season. But replacing Jonnu Smith with a proven glue trap in Mike Gesicki seemed like an upgrade for the passing game. Bill O’Brien, who orchestrated one of the best two-tight-end offenses in history, was also expected to squeeze everything he could out of the room. The on-field product has been better than some may realize.

Hunter Henry isn’t the same athlete after some injury-plagued years, and his two drops this season were magnified by the situation (4th & 17 in Week 1 vs. PHI, 00:35 left in 2nd half in Week 4 at DAL). But no tight end had more contested catches (6) through ten weeks, and he was tied with Kyle Pitts for 10th at the position in conversions (20). Henry’s also been money in the Red Zone, catching three touchdowns in scoring territory.

The #Patriots TEs have sneakily been one of the most productive receiving groups at the position

They're top-5 in receiving yards, conversions, and touchdowns through 10 weeks, and Mike Gesicki has been open downfield more than his stats would indicate pic.twitter.com/FZKfT7IxJt

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) November 19, 2023

Gesicki’s absurd catch radius hasn’t been exploited consistently, but the big slot receiver has caught 4 of his 6 contested targets, including the game-winner against Buffalo. There are some tough reps on film where defenders contact Gesicki early and lock him down, but he’s been open more than his stats suggest.

Pharaoh Brown has been the group’s biggest surprise after signing ahead of the season opener. Though he’s primarily served as an in-line blocker, Brown’s been absurdly efficient as a receiver. He’s caught all seven targets, converting on six and turning five into gains of 15 yards or more. He isn’t the smoothest mover, but he’s exploited some downfield opportunities off of play action and been a great checkdown option. The six-year veteran has shown excellent concentration at the catch point, while his size and toughness make him a handful after the catch.

PFF had New England’s tight ends as the 7th-highest-graded at their position (68.1) from Weeks 1-10, but their 50.0 run-blocking grade was 10th-lowest. Brown has given the group an edge it’s lacked for years, leading to some dominant reps, and each player blocks with maximum effort. Unfortunately, the consistency hasn’t been there, and several runs have been blown up by tight ends losing reps or being pushed into the backfield.

While the group’s efforts in the ground game have been streaky, their reliability as receivers saves their grade. The position needs young talent to carry it into the future, but I wouldn’t mind seeing this group back next season with a quarterback who can capitalize on their size more consistently.

Grade: C+

Offensive Line

The Patriots’ offensive line was heavily (and fairly) scrutinized this offseason for lacking talent at right tackle.  Rather than overpaying in a shallow free agency class, they opted for cheap veterans in Conor McDermott, Riley Reiff, and Calvin Anderson while drafting collegiate guard Sidy Sow to switch positions. As objectionable as their plan was, it was magnified by brutal injury luck.

Mike Onwenu missed the entire summer and season opener after undergoing ankle surgery, while Cole Strange suffered a knee injury early in training camp that sidelined him until Week 2. At tackle, McDermott and Reiff ended the offseason on injured reserve, while Anderson missed all of training camp with an undisclosed illness. This forced the team to trade for two tackles during roster cuts, which caused a trickle-down that affected multiple other spots.

Between having Vederian Lowe at right tackle after Anderson’s early struggles, Atonio Mafi playing significant snaps every week, and Strange missing crucial time in year two, the offensive line has been a mess for most of the season. The group has also undergone several permutations, making it nearly impossible to momentum.

Trent Brown and David Andrews were the only bright spots up front, but stability and quality starting options were needed for a turnaround. Luckily, the heavens opened in Week 6 when Sidy Sow filled in for Onwenu at right guard over Mafi. After a solid performance against the Raiders, Sow became a mainstay at the spot, with Onwenu moving to tackle. For the most part, the difference up front has been night and day.

Sidy Sow’s 1.5% pressure rate allowed from Weeks 6-9 ranked 2nd lowest among guards with at least 100 pass block snaps, and Onwenu’s move back to tackle was seamless. Conor McDermott has also been solid filling in for Trent Brown in the past two games, allowing just four pressures.

Protection took a huge step back in Germany with line coach Adrian Klemm out due to health reasons, allowing five sacks in a single half against the Colts.

I'd put Mac Jones' 5 sacks vs the Colts on protection and play design more than anything else pic.twitter.com/WBa43Zdycn

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) November 13, 2023

But it was also the first time Sow had allowed multiple pressures since Week 1, and New England plowed through Indy’s front in the ground game.

Mike Onwenu and Sidy Sow forever and forever, a hundred years Mike Onwenu and Sidy Sow pic.twitter.com/6m2MuO5dZV

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) November 14, 2023

Brown missing more time could hurt the line down the stretch, and the interior will need big bouncebacks from Strange and Sow. That said, the recent turnaround has been impressive and kept New England more competitive than they’d been for the middle stretch of the season.

Brown and Onwenu are set to hit free agency, which could leave some big holes to fill next offseason. Strange also has yet to prove he can be relied on 1-on-1 as a pass blocker against better defensive tackles. But if the team re-signs Onwenu to play outside and Sow continues to develop, New England should have plenty of capital to address left tackle and field a quality offensive line.

Grade: C-

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Check Greg’s Coverage out over at www.bostonsportsjournal.com, for $50 on BSJ’s annual plan. Not only do you get top-notch analysis of all the Boston pro sports, but if you’re a Patriots junkie — and if you’re listening to this podcast, you are — then a membership at BSJ gives you access to a ton of video analysis Bedard does on the coaches film, and direct access to him in weekly chats.

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