Offense:
Quarterback:
Tom Brady, Jimmy Garappolo
Questions as to whether or not Brady would be distracted by off-field issues and/or age were answered when he had a fantastic MVP-type season in 2015. His numbers tailing off at the end of the year had more to do with injuries to his supporting cast and offensive line than it did with his play.
I would expect the team will add a QB or two during the spring to reduce the wear and tear on #12 as he’ll turn 39 in training camp in August. But the team is set there with no worries moving forward.
Running Back:
Brandon Bolden, James White, Dion Lewis (IR), Tyler Gaffney (IR), Joey Iosefa
Free Agents:
LaGarrette Blount (UFA/IR), Steven Jackson (UFA), James Develin (RFA)
Change is coming here again, While the third down passing back situation seems locked down with White and Lewis, the only question there is whether Lewis will be ready for September. But in the big back territory, they only have Bolden and the unproven Gaffney right now.
Belichick loves Blount, and vice-versa and he’s been very dependable in New England. Expect him to be re-signed with a team friendly, incentive laden contract again. Then they can still poke around free agency and possibly get some competition started. But with Jackson probably retiring, they need help there.
Develin was a valued member of the team at fullback and they’ll move to bring him back. But he’ll have competition with Iosefa.
Wide receiver:
Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell, Danny Amendola, Keshawn Martin, Chris Harper, Josh Boyce (IR), Aaron Dobson (IR)
Free agents: Brian Tyms (RFA/IR), Brandon Gibson (UFA)
Ch-ch-changes are undoubtedly coming here. Edelman is their most dependable receiver. Amendola had an impressive year and gutted through some tough injuries. But the team will probably look to lower his cap hit.
LaFell may be cut loose; his 2015 was a nightmare compared to the year before. And his playing time in Denver showed that he didn’t have the coaches’ or Brady’s confidence as he played in only 33 snaps while not being targeted. They could bring him back for training camp since he’s due no roster bonus and his contract is straight cash. That would allow him to earn his trust back into the offense.
Boyce and Dobson are probably gone at this point, they’ve had three years to show what they can do and we’re still waiting. Tyms and Gibson (who had strong summers), will probably be brought back as well.
Look for the team to look for a free agent upgrade or possibly a mid-level draft pick.
Tight end:
Rob Gronkowski, Scott Chandler, Michael Williams, A.J. Derby (IR)
Free Agents: None
The team went with a two-man tight end look for much of the season featuring Gronkowski who had a fantastic year and surprisingly Michael Williams. Scott Chandler who we thought was going to have a big year opposite Gronk, never fit in the offense and has to be considered a disappointment. Although he was slowed by a knee injury, if he’s still around at training camp it will be a surprise.
Derby was the converted QB from Arkansas who was hurt in camp last season. They’ll look to add a veteran tight end for short money this season. And can use another receiving target next to Gronk.
Offensive line:
Bryan Stork, Sebastian Vollmer, Marcus Cannon, Shaq Mason, Josh Kline, David Andrews, Tre Jackson, Nate Solder (IR), Kevin Hughes (IR), Chris Barker
Free agents: Ryan Wendell (UFA/IR), LaAdrian Waddle (RFA), Cameron Fleming (ERFA)
Nate Solder is locked up and should be healthy next season after landing on IR with a torn bicep. He was sorely missed in both pass protection and in the running game. The Pats need a veteran upgrade both at tackle and inside.
Look for them to cut down on Vollmer’s cap number and scour free agency for a veteran RT. Then perhaps he could be moved to the swing position. Waddle will be brought back as his cap number shouldn’t break the bank.
Decisions have to be made with Wendell, Fleming and Cannon who is probably the most criticized member of the offensive line. The latter two could conceivably be cut loose this spring. Mason and Jackson were drafted with an eye towards the future, they were forced into starting early. Will their second year jump be enough to improve the interior play? That’s a question the coaches will have to answer soon enough.
Next up the Defense and Special Teams…
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A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)
