{"id":39575,"date":"2022-01-30T05:00:50","date_gmt":"2022-01-30T10:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/?p=39575"},"modified":"2022-01-29T21:56:42","modified_gmt":"2022-01-30T02:56:42","slug":"patriots-news-01-30-a-look-at-the-teams-free-agents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2022\/01\/30\/patriots-news-01-30-a-look-at-the-teams-free-agents\/","title":{"rendered":"Patriots News 01-30, A Look At The Team\u2019s Free Agents"},"content":{"rendered":"

Good morning, and we hope that all of you are surviving well and are safe and warm after the blizzard that pummeled the East Coast on Saturday. Here are your weekly <\/span>Patriots news 01-30<\/b> and AFC East notes.<\/span><\/p>\n

With the Patriots season finished, we decided to take a look at the team\u2019s roster first and how the team is currently constructed. Today we\u2019ll look at their own free agents. And many of them were either starters or played significant roles for the team.<\/span><\/p>\n

In later posts, and depending on how the Patriots handle their own free agents, we\u2019ll delve into who is available and who the team may target as well as how the team will work around the salary cap.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Quick Hitters For the Pats, and the NFL:<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Josh McDaniels: <\/b>Early last week, the Raiders seemed interested in McDaniels, then early on Thursday, the rumor was that Las Vegas had moved on. Then late Thursday night, they requested an interview with him, and it may end up being a package deal, as apparently, the Raiders are also interested in NE front office exec, Dave Ziegler for the vacant GM job.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network said that the two sides are \u201call in\u201d on McDaniels taking over as the Raiders head coach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Among some of the names being floated about former NE Offensive Coordinator Bill O\u2019Brien, who now is fulfilling the same role at Alabama, Nick Calley, is an in-house prospect, being the Patriots tight end coach, another in-house prospect, Mick Lombardi, the Patriots wide receiver coach. Other former Patriots coaches who could be tagged include Chad O\u2019Shea, Joe Judge, and Jerry Schuplinski.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bill Belichick: <\/b>The Patriots HC was named the PFWA\u2019s Executive of the Year, for leading the Patriots back to the playoffs this season after a 7-9 season a year ago, the team\u2019s first losing season since 2000. I get a vote in that, being a member, but I\u2019m not sharing my ballot\u2026LOL<\/span><\/p>\n

Drew Desjarlais: <\/b>The Patriots signed the 24-year old offensive lineman to a future contract from the CFL. The 6\u20192, 313-lb lineman was a 1st round pick (4th overall) with Winnipeg and helped the Blue Bombers win a CFL championship this season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom Brady Retirement: <\/b>Everyone was speaking on Saturday afternoon about the retirement of Tom Brady after Adam Schefter reported it. Even teammate Mike Evans congratulated TB12 on his career.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Then Tom Brady Sr. threw cold water on the report saying that Tom hadn\u2019t retired. It could just be that Brady wants to do the honors himself when he\u2019s ready, and not reacting to another ESPN report. But if you\u2019re the cynical type, just go read the mouth breathers who commented on Pro Football Talk\u2019s piece on it.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Patriots 4th & 2 Podcast:<\/b> If you haven\u2019t checked out our <\/span>PatsFans.com podcast, <\/span><\/a>\u201cPatriots 4th & 2\u201d in a bit, please check it out. Russ, Derek, and I discussed the team\u2019s free agents, and the Brady news(?).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Russ Francis\/Chuck Fairbanks:<\/b> The former Patriot tight end and head coach both should be in the Patriots team Hall of Fame…this will be on our Sunday posts until it happens.<\/span><\/p>\n

Patriots Free Agents in 2022:<\/b><\/h3>\n

With the 2022 offseason upon us, let\u2019s take a look at the Patriots who are free agents. The team already signed one, Harvey Langi last week, but they still have a slew of their own free agents to sign.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This list includes 16 players who were either starters or played a significant role for the team in 2021. So, let\u2019s take a look at each of the Patriots\u2019 pending free agents.<\/span><\/p>\n

J.C. Jackson\u00a0 CB (UFA):<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 27, 2021 salary: $3.4 million<\/span><\/p>\n

Jackson will likely see a big payday once free agency hits, unless the Patriots place the franchise tag on him, which would pay him about $17 million next season. A long-term deal would tie up about $20 million per year. Jackson has earned his payday, he\u2019s shut down nearly everything thrown at him (with the exception of Stefon Diggs)<\/span><\/p>\n

But will NE pay him? For one more year\u2026yes with the tag. But the feeling here is, Jackson will be moving on after 2022.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Devin McCourty S (UFA):<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 35,\u00a0 2021 salary: $8.9 million<\/span><\/p>\n

The Patriots captain and long-time safety had a very solid season and there have been rumors that McCourty would retire. Beside excellent leadership on the field as the QB of the secondary, McCourty provides even more leadership off the field.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Obviously, they\u2019d love to have him back but not at the cost of what he was paid in 2021. If he and the team can find a happy medium, then he\u2019ll be back for one more season.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dont’a Hightower LB (UFA):\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 32, 2021 salary: $8.6 million<\/span><\/p>\n

Hightower has been the Willie McGinest of his generation and he\u2019s at his best when playing downhill. But he looked like he was nearing the end, down the stretch. The Patriots have several younger more athletic linebackers, and they need to see if they can play in this system or not (Winovich, Uche, Jennings, McMillan, and the rookie McGrone). But \u2026Bill Belichick has always built his defense around big, physical backers and those guys are getting rarer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As much as I\u2019ve admired his play for a decade, it may just be the time for the team to move on. Would it shock me if he too did return for one more season? No, but at a vastly reduced rate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trent Brown T (UFA):<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 29, 2021 salary: $7.6 million<\/span><\/p>\n

When he\u2019s on the field, Brown is an excellent tackle\u2026when, being the definitive word. He said he loves it in New England and will be probably willing to take a bit less to stick around. But with Isaiah Wynn\u2019s injury woes and inconsistent play in 2021, Brown will probably get only a short-term deal. The position needs an influx of youth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ja’Whaun Bentley LB (UFA):<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 26, 2021 cap hit: $920,000<\/span><\/p>\n

Bentley, like Hightower, is best when he\u2019s playing downhill. It will be intriguing to see if others around the league value him as he\u2019s not the 2020\u2019s version of an NFL linebacker, but does fit the mold of what Belichick values. He\u2019s better in coverage than Hightower but doesn\u2019t make the splash plays.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He\u2019ll return but won\u2019t command big bucks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jakobi Meyers WR (RFA):<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 26, 2021 cap hit: $850,000<\/span><\/p>\n

Meyers’ case is another intriguing one. He led the team with 83 catches, 866 yards, and 2 TDs. But he\u2019s not a YAC guy and with pedestrian speed, would another team pay big for him? The Patriots can\u2019t afford to find out so they\u2019ll probably tender him with a 2nd rounder. He\u2019s been their most reliable receiver, so, they should make an effort for him to return.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Matthew Slater STs (UFA):<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 37. 2021 salary: $3 million<\/span><\/p>\n

Slater is a HOF caliber player (every player with 10 Pro Bowls is in Canton) and the team\u2019s unspoken conscience. He sounded like he\u2019s retiring after the Bills game, but if he wants back, the team will pay him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ted Karras Interior OL (UFA):<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 29, 2021 salary: $3 million<\/span><\/p>\n

After a year in Miami, he was released and signed back with the Patriots. At the outset of the season, he was thought to be a backup, but he worked his way into being a starter again. And teams will pay for that, his toughness, and versatility. He may leave again for a payday.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jamie Collins LB (UFA):<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 33, 2021 cap hit: $836,000<\/span><\/p>\n

Collins came back for the third time this season, but looked slower and aging down the stretch. I think he\u2019ll get paid (by someone else), one more time and will be elsewhere in 2022. The Patriots need to re-do the linebacker position.<\/span><\/p>\n

James White RB (UFA):<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 30, 2021 salary: $2.5 million<\/span><\/p>\n

White suffered a possible career-ender with his hip injury last season. The Patriots had hoped that J.J. Taylor would eventually take that role. That appears less likely now. Bolden (more below) filled in admirably but the team missed White.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If he\u2019s healthy the team will look to bring him back, but around the same cash expenditure that he was paid.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Brandon Bolden RB\/STs (UFA):<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 32, 2021 salary: $1 million<\/span><\/p>\n

Bolden was a bargain at what he was paid last year and filled in for White. It seems every summer, media types write his obituary from the team, and then (like 2021), he shows why he\u2019s so valuable and worth keeping around. He should return.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Brandon King STs (UFA):<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 29, 2021 salary: $1.1 million<\/span><\/p>\n

King returned after missing two seasons to play a key role on the Patriots\u2019 special teams although it wasn\u2019t his best season by far. But after missing two years, he played 75 percent of the ST\u2019s snaps. Belichick likes him, and he\u2019ll get a chance to stick around again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Brian Hoyer QB (UFA):<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 37, 2021 cap hit: $1 million<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoyer\u2019s value is that as a veteran mentor and sounding board for Mac Jones. He\u2019s like another coach in the ear of the rookie QB, something the team should address once his playing days are over. But not in 2022. Hoyer should be re-signed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nick Folk K (UFA):<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 38, 2021 cap hit: $955K<\/span><\/p>\n

2021 stats: 17 games, 36-for-39 field goals, 53 long, 42-of-47 PATs<\/span><\/p>\n

Folk was once again outstanding in 2021. He hasn\u2019t missed a FG inside of 50 yards since Week 2 of 2020.\u00a0 His range isn\u2019t great, but he\u2019s money inside of his wheelhouse. He should be back and Quinn Nordin will have his work cut out, trying to win over the job from Folk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Carl Davis DL (UFA):<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 30, 2021 cap hit: $1 million<\/span><\/p>\n

Davis worked his way into a role in sub-packages and has played well. Well enough that he should get another contract to\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gunner Olszewski STs (RFA):<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 26, 2021 cap hit: $850,000<\/span><\/p>\n

Olszewski took a big step backward in 2021 after being an All-Pro PR in 2020. It was hoped that he would follow the path of Julian Edelman and become a viable WR, but that hasn\u2019t happened. The team will bring him back but they\u2019ll also start looking for his replacement\u2026during training camp.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jakob Johnson FB (RFA):<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 28, 2021 cap hit: $850,000<\/span><\/p>\n

Johnson has been a feel-good story, earning a roster spot from being a European player. The Patriots can tender for $2.5 million this offseason. But with so many TEs not being utilized, could he be out next season? Possibly, we\u2019ll see who the offensive coordinator is once camp starts.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Troy Fumagalli TE (UFA):<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 27, 2021 cap hit: $465,000<\/span><\/p>\n

Troy Fumagalli spent the season on IR and won\u2019t return in 2022.<\/span><\/p>\n

Terez Hal LB (ERFA):<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 26, 2021 cap hit: $440,000<\/span><\/p>\n

Hall spent the season on the PUP list, therefore he didn\u2019t accrue an official season and is an exclusive rights-free agent (ERFA). The Patriots will probably bring him back but no one else can offer him a contract so that number will be low.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alex Redmond OL (UFA):<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 27, 2021 cap hit: $182,000<\/span><\/p>\n

Redmond spent most of the season on the Patriots practice squad before being placed on IR late in the year. He may get offered a low-ball deal to come back to camp.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

James Ferentz OL (UFA):\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Age: 32, 2021 cap hit: $162,000<\/span><\/p>\n

Ferentz has been in and out of Foxboro seemingly forever, it is doubtful that they bring him back again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Conference Championship Weekend Predictions:<\/b><\/h3>\n

The slate of games for the Conference Championships and my predictions are straight up for this week.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sunday <\/b>\u2014<\/b>
\n<\/b>Kansas City over Cincinnati<\/span>
\n<\/span>LA Rams over San Francisco<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Last Week:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 0-4<\/b>
\n<\/b>Season:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 182-89-1<\/b><\/p>\n

Last Season:\u00a0 \u00a0 169-86-1<\/b><\/p>\n

2019 Season: \u00a0 162-93-1<\/b><\/p>\n

_______________<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, how was your week?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Follow me on Twitter @SteveB7SFG or email me at<\/span><\/i> stevebpatsfans@gmail.com<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Listen to our<\/span><\/i> Patriots 4th and 2<\/span><\/i><\/a> podcasts on Stitcher and Streamyard as Russ Goldman, Derek Havens, and myself from<\/span><\/i> PatsFans.com<\/span><\/i><\/a> discuss the latest Patriots news and game analysis.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network said that the two sides are \u201call in\u201d on McDaniels taking over as the Raiders head 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