Unrestricted
Jeremy Hill, RB: After tearing his ACL in camp, I think Hill gets a one year offer from the Patriots and stays. Hill could be a nice compliment to Sony Michel.
Chris Hogan, WR: Hogan’s production has slipped the past two seasons and he will have a limited market. I can see Hogan staying but I do not see the Patriots committing to him long term.
Phillip Dorsett, WR: Dorsett will also have a limited market. He got more acclimated to the Patriots system as the season went but he is limited in terms of what he can do in the passing game. The Patriots will test the waters but are more than likely to move on.
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR: Patterson will garner a lot of interest in the open market because of his size, athleticism and ability to return kicks. The Patriots would like him back but they are not willing to over pay for him. Patterson is gone.
Trent Brown, OT: GONE! Brown will be a very popular man and will have multiple suitors when free agency opens. Once the Patriots failed to place the franchise tag on him, they knew he was leaving. Brown will get big money elsewhere.
LaAdrian Waddle, OT: Waddle could come back on a one year deal but he is an intriguing talent with the size and athleticism to potentially start somewhere. I don’t see the Patriots overextending themselves to keep him.
Ulrick John, OT: GONE and he will be forgotten.
Trey Flowers, DE: 50/50. The acquisition of Michael Bennett is a security blanket for the Patriots in the event that Flowers leaves. Flowers will command $15 to $18 million per season on the open market. That might be too rich for the Patriots. I say Flowers joins old friend Brian Flores in Miami.
John Simon, DE/OLB: The Patriots love Simon’s positional versatility and his role on special teams. I think they will try to hammer out a deal to bring him back. Simon says, John returns.
Malcolm Brown, DT: GONE! Once the Patriots didn’t pick up Brown’s fifth year option, it was a sign they were ready to move on. Brown can get more money in the open market, especially out of a 4-3 team that is willing to move him around in their fronts.
Danny Shelton, DT: Shelton did not pan out in New England. He was inactive for the AFC Championship game. He has been a major disappointment thus far in his career. The Patriots might entertain an incentive laden deal but it is highly unlikely given the fact that Shelton will garner some interest in the open market.
Jason McCourty, CB: I think McCourty comes back on a one year deal. After a rough start in New England, McCourty proved to be a valuable commodity down the stretch because of his versatility.
Eric Rowe, CB: GONE! Rowe battled injuries last season but despite that he has struggled at times during his tenure in New England.
Stephen Gostkowski, K: Gosto will have interest from other teams but I think he and his family like it here. He is going to be willing to come back. Do the Patriots feel the same way? Tough to tell. For now, I think Gostokowski is back.
Ryan Allen, P: GONE! Punters don’t stay in one place as long as Allen has. The lefty punter thing has worn off for Belichick.
Albert McClellan, LB: McClellan was a valuable special teamer this season. The Patriots will have interest in bringing him back. It will come down to what is out there for McClellan and what role does he envision for himself.
Ramon Humber, LB: See Albert McClellan.
Restricted free agents
Josh Gordon, WR: Gordon’s future with the Patriots hinges on whether or not he is suspended again and for how long.
Jonathan Jones, CB: Jones will be back. He is a key piece in the Patriots secondary and a Belichick favorite.