The hype of free agency has come and gone and now it’s time to look at what teams have gained and lost since March 15th and where they stand as they prepare for the upcoming draft. Let’s get into the New England Patriots.
New England Patriots
Key acquisitions: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, TE Mike Gesicki, T Riley Reiff, RB James Robinson, T Calvin Anderson, LB Chris Board, K Corliss Waitman
Re-signed: CB Jonathan Jones, ST Matthew Slater, S Jabrill Peppers, DT Carl Davis, LB Raekwon McMillan, LB Mack Wilson, DT Daniel Ekuale, T Conor McDermott, C James Ferentz, LS Joe Cardona, S Cody Davis
Departures: S Devin McCourty, WR Jakobi Meyers (Raiders), RB Damien Harris (Bills), TE Jonnu Smith (Falcons), P Jake Bailey (Dolphins), WR Nelson Agholor (Ravens), QB Brian Hoyer (Raiders)
Remaining free agents: T Isaiah Wynn, T Marcus Cannon, CB Joejuan Williams
Analysis: A pretty classic Patriots free agency. Silence throughout the legal tampering period, then signed a couple backups, then once all the big time free agents sign, they swoop in with a couple solid signings, maybe make a trade or two, re-sign all their special teamers and backups, and let some key starters walk, it’s pretty predictable at this point.
As I mentioned, it was a quiet start, but things were happening inside their own building. Following the retirement of longtime safety and beloved captain Devin McCourty, franchise special teams stalwart Matthew Slater announced his return for the 2023 season. They then took care of their own with extensions for starting cornerback Jonathan Jones, safety Jabrill Peppers, defensive tackle Carl Davis, and linebackers Raekwon McMillan and Mack Wilson. All key contributors to the defense.
Outside the building, starting wide receiver and former undrafted Jakobi Meyers signed a three-year deal with the Raiders and Josh McDaniels, aka Patriots West. Meyers was a solid player for four years after emerging as a starter, and was lucky to cash in on his productivity. He was replaced by former Steeler and Chief JuJu Smith-Schuster, who signed a similar, but incentive-laden, deal to Meyers. Still only 26 years old entering his seventh season, JuJu has been a very good receiver. He struggles to be the top target, but if he’s the No. 2, he is very very good.
Also joining the receiving core is former Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki on a one-year deal. The former second-round pick is a 6′-6″ athletic freak who can post crazy numbers any given week, but hasn’t been super consistent. Pairing him up with Hunter Henry will be a lethal duo that the Patriots were hoping for when they signed both Henry and Jonnu Smith in 2021. Henry has worked out ok, but Smith was shipped off to Atlanta for a seventh-round pick to dump his salary and his one touchdown through two seasons.
Former RB1 Damien Harris signed with division rival Buffalo Bills, so the team signed James Robinson, who fell out of favor with the Jaguars before being shipped to the Jets for nothing. He’s only entering his fourth season, and he’s got some productive seasons already under his belt. This is a very low risk high reward signing, and he will pair nicely with new RB1 Rhamondre Stevenson.
After not re-signing tackle Isaiah Wynn, the Patriots went and signed veteran Riley Reiff, who’s got 149 career starts in 11 seasons. He’s expected to compete for one of the two vacant tackle spots, along with former Broncos backup tackle Calvin Anderson.
Conclusion: I’ve never seen so much dysfunction in a Patriots coaching staff and front office. Belichick apparently doesn’t like Mac Jones, but everyone else in the building is all in. Bill completely botched the Matt Patricia/Joe Judge offense experiment and ruined Jones’ development, so Bill O’Brien was brought in to fix Belichick’s mistake. People are clamoring for Bailey Zappe, but I’m a Mac believer. If they have a successful draft that gives this offense a starting tackle and wide receiver, and B.O.B. fixes Mac, the Patriots will be back in relevance.
Football Nerds 