The Patriots have 18 free agents. 16 of them are unrestricted free agents and there are some familiar names on the list including Devin McCourty, Trent Brown, Dont’a Hightower, J.C Jackson and Ted Karras.
So who should Bill Belichick bring back? Well, much of that will depend on cap space and the Patriots don’t have a lot of it. They currently have just over $10 million in space.
Here is who think they should STAY or GO
Devin McCourty, FS UFA (STAY): McCourty is re-signing with the Patriots on a one year deal worth $9 million dollars. The deal the is part of his existing contract that had included void years. That means his 2022 cap charge is lower than expected.
Trent Brown, OT UFA (STAY): The Patriots should try to re-sign Brown but it is going to be hard given their cap situation. Brown is going to hit the market looking for one more long term deal. It remains to be seen if he gets but if he doesn’t, the Patriots should wait it out and make him an offer.
Dont’a Hightower, LB UFA (GO): Hightower has had a great career in New England but he is not the elite level player he was before Covid. He has lost a step and unless you can get him on a short term, short money deal, it is time to move on. At this point Hightower is a two down linebacker who is best suited to play on run downs.
Kyle Van Noy, LB UFA (GO): The Patriots released Van Noy last week. He could potentially RW-sign but it is a long shot.
J.C Jackson, CB UFA (GO): In an ideal world, the Patriots re-sign Jackson but once they opted to not franchise him, that became a long shot. Jackson will have plenty of suitors and will get a contract north of $75 million. The Patriots will have a new number one corner next season.
Ted Karras, G/C, UFA (STAY): The Patriots don’t have a lot of cap space to work with but Karras is a player they should sign. He can play guard or center and he knows the system. Plus he is respected and liked in the locker room. Karras will have a market because of his versatility but the Patriots should be able to compete for his services.
Matthew Slater, WR, UFA (STAY): Slater is one of the top special teams players in the NFL. If he wants to play, he should be back. If he does re-sign, it will probably be a short term deal. Either way, Slater should finish his career in a Patriots uniform if he wants to.
James White, RB, UFA, (GO): With Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson getting the bulk of the carries, the Patriots could go younger and cheaper with their third running back. White has had a great career in New England and has made countless plays out of the backfield. However, given his age and injury his, it is time to move on. I would rather they re-sign Brandon Bolden.
Brandon Bolden, RB, UFA (STAY): Bolden is a Belichick favorite because he can contribute on offense and he is an integral part of the special teams units. Bolden is playing at a high level so he will garner some interest but if the Patriots can find a way to bring him back, they will.
Brandon King, LB, UFA (STAY): King has been an important part of the special teams unit in recent years. He is reliable and versatile Two things Belichick places a premium on. If the Patriots can re-sign him, they will.
Brian Hoyer, QB, UFA, (STAY): Bringing Hoyer back only makes sense because he knows the system and he can continue to mentor Mac Jones. Otherwise, the Patriots should move on. Jarrett Stidham is also still in the fold as well.
Nick Folk, K, UFA (STAY): I know the Quin Nordin fan club doesn’t want to hear this but Folk should stay. He has made 62 of 67 field goal attempts the past two seasons. Despite his numbers, I am not sure there will be much of a market for Folk so a return is certainly possible.
Jaime Collins, OLB, UFA (GO): Collins is no longer the elite level, three downs linebacker he once was. While he still has some juice as a pass rusher, he doesn’t do enough to bring back.
Jakob Johnson, FB, UFA (GO): The Patriots opted not to tender Johnson which makes him an unrestricted free agent. He could be back but it is highly unlikely. With more teams utilizing 21 personnel, Johnson could have see some interest in open market.
Troy Fumagali, TE, RFA (STAY): Fumagali could be back as Ora rice squad player.
Ja’Whaun Bentley, ILB, UFA (GO): It is hard to tell what Bentley’s market will be. I could see Bentley back, but that’ll depend if the Patriots even want him back. It is widely known that the Patriots want to get faster on defense. If that’s the case, Bentley won’t be back.
Jakobi Meyers, WR, RFA (STAY): The Patriots placed a second round tender on Meyers today so there is a good chance he is back. Unless of course, a team signs him to an offer sheet. That is highly unlikely but you never know.
Gunner Olszewski, WR, RFA, (STAY): Olszewski should be back. He has developed a valuable role as a kick returner and he is a Belichick favorite.