The NFL Combine is now over and the new league year is quickly approaching. For the Patriots, they currently have 18 pending free agents. With a variety of holes to fill, the Patriots will have some tough decisions to make. Let’s work through the biggest pending Patriots free agents and what I believe the Patriots should do and what I believe will happen.
Devin McCourty
As a 13-year vet and career-long Patriot, the only decision here is whether Devin McCourty wants to return for another season in the NFL. If he plays professional football in 2023-2024, it’ll be in New England. McCourty isn’t what he used to be, but he’s still a solid player on the field. Off the field, he’s a great leader and locker room presence.
McCourty went on “Good Morning Football” and said Matthew Slater texted him after he decided to return for another season, saying “Hey, just talked to Bill. I’m coming back. Don’t make me do this alone.”
If he wants to return, the Patriots front office and fans should welcome him back for one more year. His return would not only drop free safety down the list of needs for the team but also help the Patriots keep a major leader in the locker room.
Prediction: Returns to New England. One year, 6.5 million
Jabrill Peppers
Jabrill Peppers came to New England on a one-year contract hoping to prove himself. As the season progressed, Peppers was able to find a role in the Patriots’ defense and excelled in it. He isn’t an every-down player but when used properly, he can become a quality contributor to a defense. Heading into free agency, Peppers’ stock is higher than it was last year so he should expect a better payday. That being said, I’d hope Peppers recognizes his fit in New England and prioritizes that over scraping a few extra bucks in his next contract.
Prediction: Returns to New England. Two years, 7.5 million
Nelson Agholor
When Nelson Agholor signed with the Patriots, expectations were higher than they probably should’ve been. After a career year with the Raiders in 2020, Agholor had a disappointing two seasons with the Patriots. He’s a decent receiver but with the contract he received, he was expected to be something he wasn’t. A return to New England is probably unlikely at this point and the Patriots should be aiming higher in terms of quality of play at the wide receiver position.
Prediction: Signs with the Atlanta Falcons. Two years, 15.5 million
Jonathan Jones
Jon Jones enjoyed arguably the best season of his career in 2022. Expectations heading into the season were timid as Jones was injured for most of 2021 and plans were to move him to a boundary cornerback. Jones far exceeded expectations and now heads into free agency as one of the top corners on the market.
He’ll be turning 30 in September and so a long-term deal is unlikely, but he should enjoy a spike from his three-year, 21 million dollar contract he signed in 2019. The decision to bring him back to New England will be tough and likely depend on money. He has said he wants to return, but finding a middle ground on a contract is another story.
Prediction: Signs with Detroit Lions. Three years, 40 million
Damien Harris
Damien Harris came to New England after being selected in the 3rd round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Harris enjoyed a breakout season in 2021, going for 929 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Heading into 2022, expectations were for a similar season, but it didn’t play out that way. Rhamondre Stevenson took over the lead back role and Harris battled injuries in a reserve role for the Patriots’ offense.
As he heads into free agency, Harris will battle a strong class of veteran backs. When the Patriots selected two running backs in the 2022 draft, all signs pointed towards Harris leaving in free agency. That being said, I wouldn’t rule out a return. Harris is close friends with Patriots QB Mac Jones and with a likely limited market, Harris could opt to return to the place he knows and loves.
Prediction: Returns to New England. One year, 2.25 million
Jakobi Meyers
Jakobi Meyers enters free agency looking for the first big payday of his career. Meyers came to New England as an undrafted free agent and has developed into one of the more reliable wide receivers in football. He won’t “wow” you with his size or speed, but he understands how to find success as a wide receiver. The wide receiver free agent class is weak, and Meyers should be one of the top names on the market.
I’m sure the Patriots would welcome him back with open arms, but the expectation is that he’ll have a good market. Reports are that Meyers is unlikely to give the Patriots a “home town discount”. The hope is that the Patriots are thinking big and will finally get Mac Jones an elite wide receiver. Meyers is solid, but he is not elite.
Prediction: Signs with Chicago Bears. Four years, 58 million
Isaiah Wynn
Isaiah Wynn‘s tenure in New England has certainly been an adventure. Injuries have consistently been an issue for the former first-round pick, and after shifting to right tackle in 2022, things went downhill. This past season was filled with inconsistency and way too many penalties.
At this point, I’d be surprised if he returns to New England. Rumors have swirled that Wynn hasn’t been happy over the last year and I expect he moves on to a new team. Wynn could be better suited as a guard and other teams could sign Wynn with that in mind. Either way, he’ll likely be suiting up in a new uniform in 2023-2024.
Prediction: Signs with Seattle Seahawks. Three years, 29 million
Major Turnover
Though it’s important to have leaders inside the locker room, the Patriots shouldn’t overpay to keep their guys. If McCourty returns, that’ll be two major leaders back with Slater also returning. The market for guys like Jon Jones and Jakobi Meyers will be serious and Patriots fans should expect to be outbid. Among the four predictions that I have signing elsewhere, I’d say Jon Jones would be the most likely to take a discount to return to New England. The biggest factor will be the length of contract as I don’t see the Patriots going three years.
Either way, if these players move on from New England, the Patriots will have plenty of cap space to bring in a few big names. The Patriots lack-top end talent and none of these names are that. Let’s hope Bill Belichick and the Patriots front office think big in free agency.
For more sports content, visit Belly Up Sports and follow me on Twitter, @MattCouture5
