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…

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Patriots focusing on their own thus far in free agency

March 13, 2023

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…

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

March 13, 2023

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…

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Patriots Biggest Needs Series: Safety

March 12, 2023

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…

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Patriots release punter Jake Bailey

March 12, 2023

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,…

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

March 11, 2023

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…

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Patriots Biggest Needs Series: Offensive Tackle

March 8, 2023

The Patriots have several significant needs this offseason and the New England Football Journal is breaking down each one. This installment is arguably about the biggest need of all: offensive tackle. The Patriots offensive line was wildly inconsistent in 2022. New England had a sack rate of 7.06%, which was 19th in the NFL. Rhamondre Stevenson is a star, but he often did not have sizable running lanes and had…

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Patriots don’t use franchise tag; Meyers, Jones & others will hit the open market

March 7, 2023

The Patriots have decided not to place the franchise tag on any of their unrestricted free agents. They are letting them hit the open market when free agency opens on Monday. The most notable free agents include wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, cornerback Jonathan Jones, offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn and running back Damien Harris. All four of these players were developed by the Patriots. The team is reportedly interested in bringing…

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Cornerback a top priority for the Patriots as they meet with some of the top players at the position

March 3, 2023

Going into this off-season, cornerback was identified as one of the top positional needs the Patriots have. With Jonathan Jones a free agent and little depth behind him outside of Marcus and Jack Jones, the Patriots need to address the position. New England will look at all options starting with the draft. The Patriots have met with some of the top draft prospects in Indianapolis this week including: Oregon’s Christian……

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