Patriots 2019 Free Agency Preview

The new league new officially starts Wednesday, March 13th at 4 p.m. EST. All teams have up until then to sign, or attempt to sign, their own players to extensions. If a deal is not reached by then, those players will hit the open market and sign with other clubs. Looking ahead to that time, the Patriots currently have 18 players set to hit unrestricted free agency, highlighted by DE Trey Flowers, K Stephen Gostkowski, DT Malcom Brown, and WR Chris Hogan among others. I’ve evaluated each players and determined whether I would bring them back, whether the Patriots would bring them back, and what their market will be, among other factors. So let’s dive in, shall we.

Ryan Allen, P: Bill Belichick loves his special teams, and he loves the left-footed Allen, however the team could’ve been looking for Allen’s replacement last offseason when the team signed Corey Bojorquez as an undrafted free agent to compete with Allen. Although the rookie didn’t make the final roster, it seemed evident that the team was willing to part with the veteran Allen. With punters not having much of a market, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Patriots signed Allen to a three- or four-year contract, after testing the open market.

Malcom Brown, DT: The Patriots’ 2015 first-round pick, expected to be the new Vince Wilfork, has flashed his potential, but consistency has always been an issue. This upcoming draft is being called one of the greatest defensive line drafts, so a DT-needy team could look for a younger, cheaper option in the interior, which makes guys like Brown expendable. Although the team declined to pick up the fifth-year option on Brown’s contract, I wouldn’t be too surprised if he re-signed with the Patriots at a lower price tag than what the option would’ve paid him. The Patriots will likely see how the DT market plays out, as it also features the likes of Grady Jarrett, Sheldon Richardson, and Ndamukong Suh. Per Doug Kyed of NESN, Brown would like to come back, however no contract talks have occurred.

Trent Brown, T: The Patriots have an interesting situation at left tackle. They drafted Isaiah Wynn 23rd overall last year to be their new left tackle after Nate Solder signed a monster contract with the Giants. Then the Patriots made a draft day trade, acquiring Brown and a fifth-round pick from the 49ers for a third-rounder. After starting 26 of 32 games at right tackle for the 49ers the previous two years, the draft day trade acquisition started all 16 games at left tackle for the Patriots in 2018, and performed very well there. A franchise left tackle is something every team craves, and Brown could get that type of money from another team. However, if the team wants to devote a large sum of cash to the 2015 seventh-rounder, then they’ll have to make a decision on Wynn, who’s making his way back from a torn Achilles.

Phillip Dorsett, WR: Acquired in a trade with the Colts for QB Jacoby Brissett before the start of the 2017 season, the 2015 first-rounder has never lived up to that billing, but has carved out a nice role as a rotational third or fourth receiver. There is mutual interest in a return according to NFL Network’s Mike Giardi, and I would very much welcome it, as the Patriots receiving group is a major question mark.

Trey Flowers, DE: PAY THIS MAN! Although the pure numbers may not show it, Flowers is the blueprint Patriots edge defender. He sets the edge, is great stopping the run, can generate pressure, and get to the quarterback. The DE free agent market is headlined by Demarcus Lawrence, Jadeveon Clowney, Ziggy Ansah, Frank Clark, Dee Ford, just to name a few. The draft is loaded with defensive line talent, so a team may not need to break the bank for Flowers, but if they do, I pray it’s the Patriots. Keep an eye on the Dolphins, who are considered the frontrunner to sign Flowers away from New England because of new head coach Brian Flores. (Off topic but I just found out Flowers’ real first name is Robert, so there’s that).

Stephen Gostkowski, K: The four-time Pro-Bowler needs, and should return to New England on what would be his fourth contract. He’s had his struggles the past few seasons, but I’d rather stick with the vet and not run the risk with a rookie or a free agent signing.

Jeremy Hill, RB: The former Bengal signed a one-year contract with the Patriots last March and entered the 2018 season in a crowded backfield with James White, Rex Burkhead, and Sony Michel. He unfortunately suffered a torn ACL in Week 1 and does not expect to make much of a market. He could re-sign for the veteran’s minimum and rejoin the backfield. I would welcome a return.

Chris Hogan, WR: This really hurts to say, but I don’t think Hogan’s coming back. After signing a three-year contract with the team in 2016, the former Bill had the best season of his career in 2016 and was primed for a great career in New England. A shoulder injury derailed his 2017 season, and was unable to bounce back in 2018. The 30 year-old is garnering interest from several teams, so don’t expect a return.

Ramon Humber, LB: The former Colt, Saint and Bill was a solid contributor on special teams. Wouldn’t be surprised if he re-signed on a veterans minimum deal.

Ulrick John, T: The journeyman tackle looked like he was going to claim a roster spot as a backup after performing well in the preseason, but an injured foot caused him to miss the season. He’s a candidate to return and compete for a roster spot as a reserve offensive tackle.

Albert McClellan, LB: The longtime Raven was spectacular on special teams with the Patriots, blocking two punts on the Dolphins in Week 14, and recovered a muffed punt in the divisional round against the Chargers. Belichick loves strong special teams play, and I believe he will return.

Jason McCourty, CB: The 10-year vet put together a solid season alongside his twin brother. His pass breakup in the endzone on Brandin Cooks in the Super Bowl will go down as one of the best in Patriots history. After some retirement talk, Devin announced he would be returning, and brother Jason wants to keep playing, likely with the Patriots. Cornerbacks over the age of 30 don’t have much of a market, so I expect a return on a cheap deal.

Cordarelle Patterson, WR/KR: The electrifying returner lived up to that billing, and actually contributed well on offense as a power running back and gadget player on end-arounds and screens. He’s great with the ball in his hands, the problem is getting the ball into his hands. In a weak wide receiver market, another team could sign him to more than what the Patriots could offer. I’d welcome a return, as the Patriots have a massive question mark at the receiver position.

Eric Rowe, CB: The former Eagle entered the season as a starting cornerback opposite Stephon Gilmore. However injuries limited him to just four games, and likely cost him his future with the team. I don’t expect him back and frankly, I don’t want the former second-round pick back. Give me more J.C. Jackson.

Danny Shelton, DT: Like Malcom Brown, the Patriots declined the former Cleveland Brown’s fifth-year option. He played decent at times, but was a healthy scratch three straight weeks down the stretch. He’ll likely test the free agent market, but don’t rule out a return to New England.

John Simon, DE: The former Raven, Texan, and Colt was signed mid-season and quietly was a great contributor. He took on a Rob Ninkovich role and set the edge and rushed the passer well. There’s been positive contract talks, so it’s all but certain he’ll re-sign in New England.

LaAdrian Waddle, T: I’ve never been a fan of Waddle, he’s okay at times but I would like to see him out of New England. The team doesn’t feel the same way though, as he’s been their primary swing tackle and can start if need be. But if something happens to Marcus Cannon, or Isaiah Wynn is not 100% and the team lets Trent Brown walk, I don’t want to see Waddle out there. They could sign him to a cheap deal and have him compete for a spot, but I’d rather see him leave.