Patriots – Page 63 – New England Football Journal®

Looking back on the Patriots free agent shopping spree of 2021

March 14, 2023

Bill Belichick went on an uncharacteristic shopping spree two years ago during the opening two days of free agency. He spent over $163 million in guaranteed money on several high profile free agents. It was the perfect storm. The NFL was still dealing with Covid, teams weren’t spending and the Patriots had an abundance of cap space. Coming off of a 7-9 season, Belichick wanted to turn things around quickly…

Patriots focusing on their own thus far in free agency

March 13, 2023

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The Patriots have focused on their own free agents thus far in free agency. They started the day by re-signing Jonathan Jones to a two-year, $19 million dollar deal. They followed that up by re-signing defensive tackle Carl Davis and linebacker Raekwon McMillan to a one year deals respectively. Sources: The #Patriots are expected to re-sign standout CB Jonathan Jones. He gets a 2-year deal. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March…

Patriots get out from Jonnu Smith’s contract by trading him to Atlanta

March 13, 2023

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The Patriots are trading tight end Jonnu Smith to the Atlanta Falcons for a 7th round draft pick. The move was a salary dump by the team as they looked to shed the Smith’s contract. The former Titans tight end signed as a free agent in the spring of 2021 for four years and $50 million dollars. The Patriots had high hopes for Smith but he never became the player…

10 wide receivers that the Patriots could target in free agency and the draft

March 13, 2023

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The Patriots have a decision to make on wide receiver Jakobi Meyers with free agency opening on Wednesday. Do they compete with other teams and sign him or do they accept the fact that he will probably be too expensive and move on? This question could be answered as early as today with the league tampering window opening up. If Meyers moves on, the Patriots will have some options. This…

Patriots Free Agency Wish List

March 13, 2023

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Free agency is finally upon us. The tampering period begins Monday at noon eastern time and the official start of free agency is March 15th at 4pm. Due to the tampering period, many free agents will have agreed to deals before the official March 15th start, but that time kicks off the new league year and will lead to a flurry of visits, signings and trades. The Patriots have $32…

Patriots Biggest Needs Series: Safety

March 12, 2023

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We continue the Patriots biggest needs series highlighting the safety position. With Devin McCourty retiring on Friday, safety now becomes a priority position in free agency and the draft. Replacing McCourty is virtually impossible but the Patriots are well positioned to address the position in both free agency and the the draft. They have $32 million dollars in cap space and the 14th and 46th pick in the first two…

Patriots release punter Jake Bailey

March 12, 2023

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Image courtesy of USA Today The Patriots have released punter Jake Bailey, seven months after giving him a contract extension. The news is not surprising given the fact that Bailey was suspended to end the 2022 season after filing a grievance against the team for how they handled his back injury. After an all-pro season in 2020, Bailey began to decline the past two seasons. So the question now is,…

McCourty retirement leaves a void in leadership. Here are five players who can fill the void

March 11, 2023

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Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images Devin McCourty announced his retirement on Friday after 13 seasons with the Patriots. McCourty won three Super Bowls and was a two-time Pro Bowler. McCourty’s loss on the field will be felt. During his career he intercepted 35 passes and was one of the best free safeties in the game. Perhaps McCourty’s greatest contribution in recent years however was his leadership as he became one…

Patriots pick up two compensatory picks in the 4th and 6th rounds

March 10, 2023

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The Patriots were awarded two compensatory picks yesterday by the NFL. They picked up a third 4th round pick (#135) and an additional 6th round pick (#210). They were given the picks after losing cornerback J.C Jackson and offensive lineman Ted Karras in free agency last off-season. Here are the Patriots up to date draft picks. They now have a total of ten picks in April’s draft. Round 1, Pick…

Patriots Biggest Needs Series: Wide Receiver

March 10, 2023

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The Patriots have several significant needs this offseason and the New England Football Journal is breaking down each one. This installment is about wide receiver, a position that has some strong internal candidates, but could use an addition in at least one key spot. At present, the Patriots receiving corps consists of Kendrick Bourne, DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton and practice squad receiver Raleigh Webb. Matthew Slater is listed as a…

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