NFL Free Agency 2022 edition

[venecol]

Judon is a lock and will be 30 to start the season.

That being said, maybe, just maybe Belichick wants to see what he has in NINE youngsters currently on the roster. Langi will be 30, and is primarily a STer, so I didn't count him.

26 McMillan
25 Bentley
25 Tavai
25 Hall
24 Wilson
24 Jennings
23 Uche
22 Perkins
21 McGrone

We cry for Belichick to draft linebackers. We get upset when ends up playing Hightower and Van Noy (and a bit of Collins). Well, we plenty of youngster competing for the roster spots. Sure, we might add more to the mix, as we did with Wilson, or a late draft choice for the Practice Squad.

Of course, there is still the possibility of acquiring an EDGE rusher in free agency or the draft.
===========================

Tavai sucks ass. He allowed one of the blocked punts and missed tackles when he did play on defense. Cut him at $1.2M savings.

 

[mgteich]

Tavai sucks ass. He allowed one of the blocked punts and missed tackles when he did play on defense. Cut him at $1.2M savings.

I agree that we don't want Tavai on the 53. He should just be camp fodder.

 

[mgteich]

I’m really hopeful for McGrone, Perkins successfully switching and Wilson picking up pissed off. Have Bentley play a reduced role, with McMillan as top reserve. I don’t have much hope for Uche. I want him to succeed so badly, but he seems to be going the way of Wino.

If they are healthy for the beginning of the season, I expect to see the following on the 53. Obviously, new acquisitions can replace these players.
Judon
Bentley
McGrone
Perkins
Wilson
McMillan
Uche or Jennings or an acquisition

Last year, we also had a couple of STers on the LB unit, as usual. This could be anyone, although re-signing King would be a Belichick-type signing.

 

[long distance]

Decent bits of insight to FA so far:

Making sense of the New England Patriots' quiet start to free agency

After heavy spending in free agency last year, the Patriots seem to be making a renewed commitment to drafting and developing players.

www.espn.com

As some have already speculated here:

I asked one NFL front-office staffer, with knowledge of how the Patriots operate, how they would explain what Belichick is doing this offseason, and this was their assessment:

• He essentially did two years' worth of free-agent shopping in 2021, hoping to capitalize on a depressed market.
• Now he's focused on making internal adjustments to get more out of last year's additions.

f.e.:
4. Jonnu for Jakob: Fullback Jakob Johnson played 27.9% of the snaps last season, while tight end Jonnu Smith played 46.8%. That isn't a high enough total for Smith after he signed a four-year, $50 million contract with $31.25 million guaranteed. With Johnson joining the Raiders, it would make sense that Smith takes over some of that workload, even though they have contrasting playing styles. The Patriots easily could have re-signed Johnson (his deal included a minimum salary with just $200,000 guaranteed), and their lack of motivation to do so leads back to the idea of getting more out of Smith as a complement to Henry (68.5% playing time). Thus, it wouldn't be a surprise if the traditional fullback isn't as big a part of the offense in 2022.

 

[Patsgofor4]

I asked one NFL front-office staffer, with knowledge of how the Patriots operate, how they would explain what Belichick is doing this offseason, and this was their assessment:

• He essentially did two years' worth of free-agent shopping in 2021, hoping to capitalize on a depressed market.
• Now he's focused on making internal adjustments to get more out of last year's additions.

f.e.:
4. Jonnu for Jakob: Fullback Jakob Johnson played 27.9% of the snaps last season, while tight end Jonnu Smith played 46.8%. That isn't a high enough total for Smith after he signed a four-year, $50 million contract with $31.25 million guaranteed. With Johnson joining the Raiders, it would make sense that Smith takes over some of that workload, even though they have contrasting playing styles. The Patriots easily could have re-signed Johnson (his deal included a minimum salary with just $200,000 guaranteed), and their lack of motivation to do so leads back to the idea of getting more out of Smith as a complement to Henry (68.5% playing time). Thus, it wouldn't be a surprise if the traditional fullback isn't as big a part of the offense in 2022.

It was at this moment that I began to search for that old bottle of cyanide capsules in my basement.

 

[Ross12]

Decent bits of insight to FA so far:

Making sense of the New England Patriots' quiet start to free agency

After heavy spending in free agency last year, the Patriots seem to be making a renewed commitment to drafting and developing players.

www.espn.com

As some have already speculated here:

I asked one NFL front-office staffer, with knowledge of how the Patriots operate, how they would explain what Belichick is doing this offseason, and this was their assessment:

• He essentially did two years' worth of free-agent shopping in 2021, hoping to capitalize on a depressed market.
• Now he's focused on making internal adjustments to get more out of last year's additions.

f.e.:
4. Jonnu for Jakob: Fullback Jakob Johnson played 27.9% of the snaps last season, while tight end Jonnu Smith played 46.8%. That isn't a high enough total for Smith after he signed a four-year, $50 million contract with $31.25 million guaranteed. With Johnson joining the Raiders, it would make sense that Smith takes over some of that workload, even though they have contrasting playing styles. The Patriots easily could have re-signed Johnson (his deal included a minimum salary with just $200,000 guaranteed), and their lack of motivation to do so leads back to the idea of getting more out of Smith as a complement to Henry (68.5% playing time). Thus, it wouldn't be a surprise if the traditional fullback isn't as big a part of the offense in 2022.

Wonder what ‘23 will look like. My guess is extensions/re-signings for those of the FA class of ‘21 that met or exceeded expectations, plus hopefully a few top talent additions while the QB is still on a rookie deal. Hopefully the drafts are also continuing to go as well as ‘21 meanwhile.

 

[Ross12]

It’s amazing a lot of teams with legitimate superstar talent still manage to sign superstar talent where the Patriots who have zero superstar plays seemingly need to pick through the scraps

What's your definition of a "legitimate superstar"? How many legitimate superstars did the AFC team in the Super Bowl last year have that they acquired through big spending in free agency?

 

[ralmat55]

It was at this moment that I began to search for that old bottle of cyanide capsules in my basement.

Check the expiration date on those cyanide capsules first. You wouldn’t want to get sick, would you?

 

[ralmat55]

Step right up people to see the $13 million fullback. Seriously, the best way to maximize his contribution is to use him as a H-back, FB hybrid.

One thing I hope the Pats offense will be in 2022 is less predictable by formation and personnel. Using Smith in various ways might help accomplish that.

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

Step right up people to see the $13 million fullback. Seriously, the best way to maximize his contribution is to use him as a H-back, FB hybrid.

One thing I hope the Pats offense will be in 2022 is less predictable by formation and personnel. Using Smith in various ways might help accomplish that.

I can see him playing the AH role, coming out of the backfield. AH was a real weapon doing that. Hopefully Jonnu can be the same (minus the killings, of course).

 

[jah]

Step right up people to see the $13 million fullback. Seriously, the best way to maximize his contribution is to use him as a H-back, FB hybrid.

One thing I hope the Pats offense will be in 2022 is less predictable by formation and personnel. Using Smith in various ways might help accomplish that.

I'd like to see Stevenson's role increase in the passing game so that we can have a RB who doesn't immediately spoil the play type. When Harris is on the field, we run. When White (or Bolden last year) is on the field, we pass or run a draw with 20 yards to gain.

You can't even really blame McDaniels for that either, because what are you going to do? Make Harris run routes and pass protect when he's not good at it?

 

[gitgronked82]

WR OBJ Jr.

Odell Beckham Junior Junior

 

[Love The Drake]

Odell Beckham Junior Junior

I could see BB outbidding the Rams and selling OBJ that he is a 1 here and a 3 with the Rams.

I could see BB taking a flier on the knee he has In the past.

However On record to wanting Jameson Williams in the first round this draft.

Mac knows what he can do.
For once BB listen to your QB.
Priority now is resigning Trent Brown and strengthening the defense.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Step right up people to see the $13 million fullback. Seriously, the best way to maximize his contribution is to use him as a H-back, FB hybrid.

The article says "leads back to the idea of getting more out of Smith as a complement to Henry (68.5% playing time). Thus, it wouldn't be a surprise if the traditional fullback isn't as big a part of the offense in 2022."

Replacing Johnson on the field does not mean Smith becomes a traditional Johnson-type battering ram. There are lots of very exciting formations with Smith in the backfield (split back with Stevenson) and more 2 TE offense. The article specifically says this. Probably you just skimmed the article.

 

[Grogan14]

Regarding last years FA signings- there is a possibility that they could improve in year 2. Its not out of teh question. Especially Jonnu and Godcheaux. Jalen Mills I am less optimistic. He is what he is, they only spent 6million/year for an experienced hybrid safety/cornerback. He is and never was the second coming fo Revis Island.

Everything for the Pats hinges on the draft. They need to hit on at least 3 very good picks this year.If they select mostly busts again, the team willl continue to languish in the middle of the pack.

 

[Jim Beankie]

f.e.:
4. Jonnu for Jakob: Fullback Jakob Johnson played 27.9% of the snaps last season, while tight end Jonnu Smith played 46.8%. That isn't a high enough total for Smith after he signed a four-year, $50 million contract with $31.25 million guaranteed. With Johnson joining the Raiders, it would make sense that Smith takes over some of that workload, even though they have contrasting playing styles. The Patriots easily could have re-signed Johnson (his deal included a minimum salary with just $200,000 guaranteed), and their lack of motivation to do so leads back to the idea of getting more out of Smith as a complement to Henry (68.5% playing time). Thus, it wouldn't be a surprise if the traditional fullback isn't as big a part of the offense in 2022.

I (and a fair number, it seemed) was advocating for this early last year, as Jakob pretty much telegraphed a running play with the personnel. Even if he did line up outside, he was essentially a non factor barring a complete breakdown in coverage since he is sooo slow (although 2 1st downs out of 4 recs last year and obviously his blocking in the running and passing game was stellar). That being said, after reading the last few years about how difficult Deebo's or Patterson's practices were because of the different roles, it makes sense now why learning a new system and different roles would be tough to do in one season for Jonnu. We'll see if this even happens. We did see flashes of it last year.

 

[Rob0729]

Thinking about it. This free agency is more like the norm for the Patriots under Belichick than people are realizing. It seems that most years the Pats sit out the first week of free agency and then go for the value guys who still are good, but not nearly as high priced in week two. And they typically lose several of their higher priced free agents. Let's JC Jackson walk isn't new. They have let players of his caliber walk before. Trading Mason was a bit out of the norm. But most of the other moves and non-moves are not.

The question is now is whether this strategy can work in a Post-Brady era. That hasn't been put to the test yet.

I just think after last year and with the cap expected to explode, people were expecting the Pats to be more aggressive this year. But they are sticking to their usual strategy. They will likely be far more active this week than last. There are still some good free agents left at positions the Pats have needs. Hopefully, they sign some of them.

 

[Ross12]

Thinking about it. This free agency is more like the norm for the Patriots under Belichick than people are realizing. It seems that most years the Pats sit out the first week of free agency and then go for the value guys who still are good, but not nearly as high priced in week two. And they typically lose several of their higher priced free agents. Let's JC Jackson walk isn't new. They have let players of his caliber walk before. Trading Mason was a bit out of the norm. But most of the other moves and non-moves are not.

The question is now is whether this strategy can work in a Post-Brady era. That hasn't been put to the test yet.

I just think after last year and with the cap expected to explode, people were expecting the Pats to be more aggressive this year. But they are sticking to their usual strategy. They will likely be far more active this week than last. There are still some good free agents left at positions the Pats have needs. Hopefully, they sign some of them.

Yup. There's definitely some very good "B-tier" guys still available. Dudes like Akiem Hicks are still out there. Guessing Bill will grab a couple guys, wait on the draft, then scoop up a few more at that point (there's usually a mini flurry of FA activity right after the draft).

My thought is that 2022 is more about trying to refine what they had in 2021 (which was a team that held the 1 seed for a time before losing steam), get a bit younger on defense, see how competitive they are at that point and then use the cap space available in '23 and then '24 to be a "true" contender in the conference.

I do think it is interesting that many AFC teams this year went into "win now" mode, but only one team can actually come out of the AFC. Those teams will feel the pain of that approach to an extent in a couple years and most won't have anything to show for it. Bill might see this and realize now's not the right time to push his chips to the middle of the table, and may instead opt to wait 2 years until the AFC is hurting a bit and then make moves once his team's foundation is hopefully very solid.

 

[Rob0729]

Yup. There's definitely some very good "B-tier" guys still available. Dudes like Akiem Hicks are still out there. Guessing Bill will grab a couple guys, wait on the draft, then scoop up a few more at that point (there's usually a mini flurry of FA activity right after the draft).

My thought is that 2022 is more about trying to refine what they had in 2021 (which was a team that held the 1 seed for a time before losing steam), get a bit younger on defense, see how competitive they are at that point and then use the cap space available in '23 and then '24 to be a "true" contender in the conference.

I do think it is interesting that many AFC teams this year went into "win now" mode, but only one team can actually come out of the AFC. Those teams will feel the pain of that approach to an extent in a couple years and most won't have anything to show for it. Bill might see this and realize now's not the right time to push his chips to the middle of the table, and may instead opt to wait 2 years until the AFC is hurting a bit and then make moves once his team's foundation is hopefully very solid.

There will be at least one AFC team that made a huge splash last week that will blow up in their face completely. It could be that Watson blows out his knee in week one and is never the same or Davante Adams shows that he was a product of Aaron Rodgers or JC Jackson is exposed as a product of the Patriots system and was playing far beyond his talent or something.

But yes, the odds aren't great now for the Pats to win the AFC in 2022 even if they did make a huge splash last week. Say the Pats kept Jackson, signed Robinson, didn't trade away Mason, and re-signed Karras. Would they be a favorite to win the AFC? They would still be like the fourth or fifth most likely to win the AFC after those moves. Only a significant jump by Jones in 2022 would change that.

 

[jdlboot14]

1. all this Jonnu over Jakob stuff is nice in theory, but Jonnu won't block in the trenches, consistently, and be happy about it.
2. all the talk about "slow start" to FA, um... we don't have the money! BB made his big splash last year, now we have to live with it.
3. I'm not convinced OBJ would be any better in his first year here off a LATE ACL tear, than Agholor in his 2nd year. We have to let it ride.
4. What we have to assume is that Bourne and Jonnu will be better, and whether it's the addition of MonTy (my new nickname), and/or a new WR, we'll be growing in the passing game.
5. White being back is huge, I think our run game can be even better - depending on the solidification of the OL - which is now the biggest offseason story. We need another legit FA starter - whether G or T.
6. I think draft will be our chance for CB1, LB/EDGE, DL, OL, WR