The Patriots have 19 gamers set to change into free brokers. As it stands, large receiver Jakobi Meyers, cornerback Jonathan Jones, and working again Damien Harris are among the many most notable gamers on the record.
Long-time veterans Devin McCourty and Matthew Slater are additionally within the group, and could be the headliners of the pending free brokers, however there’s an excellent likelihood each of them retire. If both of the longtime captains resolve to play one other 12 months, it’s arduous to fathom it not being with the Patriots, given they’ve each spent their whole careers right here.
During his end-of-season session with the media, Bill Belichick outlined the significance of re-signing in-house free brokers and the way they issue into the general success or failure of any free agent class.
That stated, right here’s a breakdown of the present crop of Patriots set to hit free company when the brand new league 12 months begins March 15.
Nelson Agholor, WR
Age: 30
2022 stats: 31 catches, 362 yards, 2 TD
Skinny: Do the Patriots imagine they obtained what they paid for after signing Agholor to a two-year, $22 million contract? Doubt it. Hard to see him returning.
Jakobi Meyers, WR
Age: 27
2022 stats: 67 catches, 804 yards, 6 TD
Skinny: According to Pro Football Focus, his 69% catch charge is greatest amongst receivers over the previous three seasons. Meyers has voiced the need to stay in New England, and it behooves the Patriots to re-sign Mac Jones’ go-to-guy. Given a free agent class that lacks star energy on the place, nevertheless, Meyers might earn a big payday on the open market.
Damien Harris, RB
Age: 26
2022 stats: 106 carries, 462 yards, 3 TD (11 video games)
Skinny: The Patriots haven’t made a behavior of extending their lead backs past their rookie contract. They simply reload by means of the draft. Harris has indicated wanting to remain. But with Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris ready within the wings, and Rhamondre Stevenson having a breakout 12 months, the Pats may wish to transfer on.
Isaiah Wynn, OT
Age: 27
2022 stats: Appeared in 9 video games, beginning seven, earlier than touchdown on IR in December. Graded 73rd worst out of 81 tackles by PFF.
Skinny: The transfer from left deal with to proper deal with proved a catastrophe for Wynn, the staff’s 2018 first-round choose. Between sacks allowed and penalties, Wynn was benched earlier than ending the season on IR. No shock if he’s headed out of city.
Yodny Cajuste, OT
Age: 27
2022 stats: Appeared in 10 video games, beginning three.
Skinny: Cajuste served because the backup swing deal with in 2022. He’s been injury-prone all through his profession however with little depth at deal with, is a candidate to re-sign.
Conor McDermott, OT
Age: 30
2022 stats: Three begins.
Skinny: Former Patriots 2017 draft choose who returned late within the 12 months after being signed off the Jets apply squad. He wound up beginning at proper deal with the ultimate three video games.
Marcus Cannon, OT
Age: 35
2022 stats: A 63.7 total grade from PFF.
Skinny: The longtime Patriot was traded to the Texans final season. He was then launched in 2022, and finally re-signed by the Pats. Made two begins. Place on injured reserve in November with a head damage and didn’t return.
James Ferentz, C
Age: 34
2022 stats: Received a 53.4 total grade from PFF, with 43.8 run block grade close to the underside of the league.
Skinny: Has all the time been a dependable backup and depth piece enjoying a number of positions on the road. Filled in at middle when David Andrews missed time. Usually holds down a spot on the apply squad.
Devin McCourty, S
Age: 36
2022 stats: 4 INT, 71 tackles
Skinny: After 13 seasons with the Patriots, McCourty is pondering retirement. If he performs one other season, it will probably be with the Patriots, however chances are high, he’s going to name it quits. The three-time Super Bowl champ would depart a management void, and because the quarterback within the secondary, a big gap there, too.
Jonathan Jones, CB
Age: 32
2022 stats: 4 INT (1 TD), 3 pressured fumbles, 69 tackles
Skinny: Was moved from his main function as slot nook to exterior nook, and dealt with himself fairly properly. Bill Belichick loves his versatility. Whether he pays him (see J.C. Jackson, Stephon Gilmore) is one other story. He’s thought-about one of many high 5 free agent corners.
Jabril Peppers, S
Age: 27
2022 stats: 60 tackles
Skinny: He brings toughness and an edge to the defensive backfield. He wound up being a very good free agent addition, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Patriots prolong him.
Raekwon McMillan, LB
Age: 27
2022 stats: 1 sack, 35 tackles
Skinny: After his first season was worn out resulting from damage (torn ACL), McMillan performed this season, and contributed in spurts. Worked properly in tandem with Ja’Whaun Bentley.
Mack Wilson, LB
Age: 25
2022 stats: 1.5 sacks, 1 pressured fumble, 36 tackles
Skinny: He arrived from Cleveland in a commerce for Chase Winovich and was seen as a participant who would add much-needed pace to the linebacking corps. Toward the top of the season, he was just about relegated to simply particular groups.
Carl Davis, DT
Age: 31
2022 stats: 1 sack, 11 tackles
Skinny: Has been a very good depth piece up entrance the previous three seasons. Wouldn’t be a shock to see him return.
Joejuan Williams, CB
Age: 25
2022 stats: Spent your complete 12 months on IR.
Skinny: The 2019 second-round choose was on the bubble to make the staff in 2022, however wound up not enjoying a snap after injuring a shoulder through the preseason. Has largely been a disappointment.
Myles Bryant, CB (RFA)
Age: 25
2022 stats: 1 INT, 70 tackles
Skinny: They’ll probably place a excessive sufficient tender on him to maintain him round. Bryant’s versatility within the defensive backfield, and talent to be a returner make him priceless on a Belichick-coached staff.
Matthew Slater, WR/ST
Age: 37
2022 stats:
Skinny: One of the very best particular groups gamers of all-time. Should Slater retire, he’s Pro Football Hall of Fame-worthy. Spiritual chief and a useful presence on and off the sector.
Joe Cardona, LS
Age: 31
2022 stats: Started 12 video games earlier than ankle damage ended his season.
Skinny: Will the Patriots transfer on from their long-time lengthy snapper? Maybe, but it surely’s arduous to see them parting with their Naval Reserve lieutenant.
Source: www.bostonherald.com