FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts. — After a dizzying break in negotiations during the NFL free agency period, the New England Patriots roster has undergone some significant changes. More changes are expected.
For now, here’s the new post by post:
Quarterback: Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham, Jake Dolegala…
The Patriots could add another signal caller, but with more salary cap space for other positions, chances are it will be a rookie or a cheap option.
Walk backwards: Damien Harris, Sony Michelle, Brandon Bolden, J.J. Taylor…
All eyes are on the passing game and three-time captain James White, who is still a free agent. The Patriots need to be supplemented at this point through free agency or the draft.
Back to the full story: Jacob Johnson, Danny Vitale, Dalton Keane…
Now that the Patriots have added two top tight ends in free agency, they may consider Keene, a third-round pick out of Virginia Tech in 2020, more at the fullback/backfield position as a versatile checker.
End of the journey: Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry, Devin Asiasi, Matt Lacosse.
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The Patriots’ two-tight end group is called Detroit, a reference to coach Bill Belichick’s early years in the NFL as an assistant with the Lions, when the two-tight end group of Charlie Sanders and David Hill was an important part of the offense. Detroit comes to New England in a big way in 2021.
Wide Receiver : Julian Edelman, Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, N’Keel Harry, Jacoby Meyers, Gunner Olszewski, Matthew Slater, Devin Smith, Christian Wilkerson, Isaiah Zuber.
Last season (11.1), Agholor led the NFL in yards per target and scored six touchdowns on vertical routes, ranking third in the NFL behind Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill. His presence adds an explosive element that was missing from this group in 2020, where he ranked 22nd in yards per reception (12.3).
Offensive line: Isaiah Wynn (LT), Trent Brown (RT/LT), David Andrews (C), Shaq Mason (RG), Mike Onwenu (G/RT), Ted Karras (C/G), Justin Herron (OT), Corey Cunningham (OT), Marcus Martin (C/G), Naji Toran (C), Yodney Cajuste (OT), Ross Reynolds (G).
After Joe Tooney lost his faithful defender, this group was without a key player. The most likely combination right now: Wynn at left tackle, Onwenu at left guard, Andrews at center, Mason at right guard and Brown at right guard.
Line of defense: Devon Godchaux, Dietrich Wise Jr, Henry Anderson, Byron Cowart, Montravius Adams, Carl Davis, Rashod Berry, Nick Thurman, Bill Murray, Akeem Spence.
Big changes are afoot, as veteran Lawrence Gee is still on the market and undercover Adam Butler is on his way to Miami. Godchaux and Anderson should help in the run game, an area where the front seven struggled at times in 2020.
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Linebacker: Dont’a Hightower, Matthew Judon, Kyle Van Noy, Ja’Waun Bentley, Chase Winovich, Josh Uche, Anfernee Jennings, Teresa Hall, Tashawn Bauer, Cash Maluya, Michael Pinckney, Brandon King.
If Jadon fits into the Patriots’ system, he provides a solid boundary presence and a threat on running backs – along with Hightower – who can turn the front seven into one of the strongest, meanest units in the NFL.
Corner: Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson (RFA), Jonathan Jones, Jojuan Williams, Miles Bryant, Dee Virgin, Michael Jackson, D’Angelo Ross, Justin Bethel.
Gilmore’s $7 million salary still seems worth considering, as it’s hard to imagine him playing on board for that amount below market. With the Patriots’ free agency spending, they might also consider a trade for Gilmore.
Security: Devin McCourty, Adrian Phillips, Patrick Chung, Kyle Dugger, Jaylen Mills, Cody Davis…
Mills is the only NFL player to play more than 50 times at all seven positions last season: OLB left and right; CB left and right; CB wide left and right and free safety. He’s kind of a versatile chess piece that can fit into the Patriots’ various schemes.
Special orders: Nick Faulk (kicker), Roberto Aguayo (kicker), Justin Rohrwasser (kicker), Jake Bailey (punter), Joe Cardona (long snapper).
Faulk, who was one of the team’s best players last season, is back.
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