The legal tampering period began on Monday at noon, followed by the official commencement of the New League Year on March 13th at 4:00 pm. So far, there have been numerous re-signings and additions, with the team mostly retaining its core players. However, there have also been a few new additions. The Patriots currently have approximately $55,025,240 in cap space, excluding the Nick Leverett signing. I will be updating this free agency tracker and the available salary cap number as information becomes available.
Provided salary cap figures are from Miguel Benzan, also know as @patscap on X/Twitter.
Free Agency Tracker: New Faces
Jaylinn Hawkins, Safety.
Previous Team: Atlanta Falcons
Contract Terms: 1-year, TBA
Age: 26.5
Analysis: Hawkins, a fourth-round draft pick in 2020, secured a full-time starting role at safety for the Falcons in 2022 after previously seeing limited defensive snaps. Although he was a part-time starter in 2021, he quickly transitioned to a full-time role in 2022 before being phased out in 2023 and subsequently released mid-season. His brief stint with the Chargers didn't bring significant changes, but he did evolve into a full-time special teamer. It's anticipated that he'll continue as a core special teamer, potentially filling the void left by Cody Davis. If this happens, Hawkins and Brendon Schooler would likely be the team's only two dedicated special teamers.
While Hawkins has shown starting potential at safety, his performance as a full-time starter in 2022 wasn't exceptional. Nonetheless, he provides more depth on the field than a typical dedicated special teams player. That being said, this is exactly a position they needed depth in.
Grade: D
K.J Osborn, Wide Receiver.
Previous Team: Minnesota Vikings
Contract Terms: 1-year, worth up to $6 million.
Age: 26.7
Analysis: Osborn, a fifth-round draft pick in 2020, carved out a notable role for himself with the Vikings. He often stepped up in key moments, filling in for an injured Thielen or Jefferson. Throughout his short career, he has typically been the third or fourth receiving option behind Hockenson, Jefferson, Thielen, and Addison at various points. However, that hasn't prevented him from making an impact. Since the 2022 season, he has had four games with over 95 receiving yards, including a standout performance of 157 yards against the Indianapolis Colts, outproducing even Justin Jefferson, who finished with 123 yards. Osborn's 157 yards marked the most by a Patriots receiver since Jakobi Meyers' 179-yard game in 2020.
All four of Osborn's 95+ yard games have occurred in the past two seasons, suggesting there may be untapped potential with an increased role and targets. While this signing may not be the flashy move fans were hoping for, Osborn is a solid addition and likely an improvement over Juju Smith-Schuster.
You also can't mention Osborn without mention his heroic efforts. He saved a man from a burner vehicle, you can read more about that here. Osborn is reportedly a highly respected locker room presence too.
Grade: B-
Nick Leverett, Offensive Guard.
Previous Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Contract Terms: 1-year, $1.775 million.
Age: 27.1
Analysis: Leverett provides much-needed veteran depth for the interior offensive line. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and has since played 830 snaps, primarily offering relief as a guard and center during the 2022 season. Leverett's flexibility to line up anywhere along the interior in case of an emergency is valuable, and he has shown solid performance in his limited relief appearances. If left guard Cole Strange is not ready for the start of the season, Leverett is a name to watch as a potential spot starter.
Grade: B-
Austin Hooper, Tight End.
Previous Team: Cleveland Browns
Contract Terms: 1-year, $3 million worth up to $4.25 million.
Age: 29.3
Analysis: Hooper has struggled to recapture the promising early days of his career when he made two consecutive Pro Bowls in 2018 and 2019. Since then, he has mostly been a mid-tier number two option at tight end. If starting tight end Hunter Henry were to get injured, this would leave a significant drop-off at the tight end position. Hooper is comparable to Mike Gesicki, who signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, but he may be a slight upgrade as a blocker. In my opinion, the team should still consider looking to the draft to bring in a developmental prospect on day three.
Grade: C-
Antonio Gibson, Running Back.
Previous team: Washington Commanders
Contract Terms: 3-years, $11.25 million worth up to $17.25 million.
Age: 25.7
Analysis: Gibson, a former college receiver, burst onto the scene by recording 2,373 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns in his first 30 NFL games. He achieved a 1,000-yard rushing season in 2021, but his statistics have declined since then. In his defense, even as an RB2, he was part of a team that finished 32nd in the NFL in rushing attempts. Despite this, he hasn't accumulated much wear and tear, which is ideal for running backs entering their second contract. However, he has still been productive as a receiving back, finishing with the 11th most receiving yards among running backs in 2023. Additionally, he is considered one of the best pass-blocking running backs in the NFL. With increased carries and maintaining his role, he should shape up to be a solid RB2 on a cost-effective deal.
Grade: C+
Chukwuma Okorafor, Offensive Tackle.
Previous Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Contract Terms: 1-year, $4 million worth up to $8.25 million.
Age: 26.5
Analysis: The first external offseason addition might still be the best one. It's currently the only addition addressing a significant area of need that the team has made to the roster so far. Okorafor brings experience as a right tackle, having been the Steelers' starter from 2020 until midway through 2023 when he was supplanted by Steelers' first-round pick Broderick Jones. While he may not be the top tackle prospect, he ranks as middle of the pack as a pass blocker. He does struggle in run-blocking, but at present, the Patriots need to prioritize pass protection. Ideally, Okorafor would serve as an excellent swing tackle, but with the scarcity of available tackles in the market, it's increasingly likely that he might serve as a bridge tackle.
Grade: B
Sione Takitaki, Linebacker.
Previous Team: Cleveland Browns
Contract Terms: 2-years, $6.645 million worth up to $10.245 million.
Age: 28.7
Analysis: Takitaki is poised to step in and replace Mack Wilson, whom the Patriots lost to Arizona on a three-year deal. Takitaki shares a similar hybrid, sideline-to-sideline speed mold with Wilson. He can play both on-ball and off-ball linebacker positions, contribute on special teams, and is coming off a season where he showcased himself as one of the better coverage linebackers in the NFL, despite a smaller volume of snaps. In 2023, Takitaki saw the most action of his career with 608 total defensive snaps, ranking ninth on the defense, or approximately 55% of all defensive snaps. It's worth noting that he tore his ACL in late 2022. Typically, players hit their peak recovery two seasons removed from the tear, suggesting that Takitaki may have some extra fuel in the tank coming off a career-best season.
Grade: C+
Jacoby Brissett, Quarterback.
Previous Team: Cleveland Browns
Contract Terms: 1-year, $8 million worth up to $12 million.
Age: 31.2
Analysis: Brissett began his career as a third-round draft pick for the Patriots. Following an impressive performance during his two-game relief of injured backup Jimmy Garoppolo during the infamous DeflateGate season, he was traded to the Indianapolis Colts the following year. Since then, he has evolved into one of the league's better backup quarterbacks. Hopefully, he can serve as both a bridge quarterback and mentor to the rookie quarterback they draft third overall in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft.
Grade: B
Armon Watts, Defensive Line.
Previous Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Contract Terms: 1-year, worth up to $3 million. Age: 27.6
Analysis: Watts serves as a depth piece along the defensive line, coming off one of his better years as a rotational player. He only played 24% of the total defensive snaps, marking the lowest snap share since his rookie season. Watts received a relatively small contract, indicating that he is more of a camp tryout than a roster lock.
Grade: D+
Free Agency Tracker: Returning Faces
Michael Onwenu, Guard.
Contract Terms: 3-years, $57 million with $38 million guaranteed.
Age: 26.2
Analysis: Onwenu has the versatility to play guard or tackle, and is very good at both, a rare and coveted trait. One of the better offensive lineman in the NFL returning on an uber-affordable contract is a slam-dunk.
Grade: A
Anfernee Jennings, Edge.
Contract Terms: 3-years, $12 million worth up to $24 million.
Age: 26.8
Analysis: Jennings was a significant re-signing for the team. Quietly effective, he had one of the better run-defending seasons we have ever seen from an edge rusher. He was legitimately dominant at setting the edge and stopping the run. He has capitalized on that with a reported deal that will be closer to the $24 million figure, from likely to be earned incentives (LTBE).
Grade: B+
Tyrone Wheatley Jr., Offensive Tackle.
Contract Terms: 1-year, ERFA Tender.
Age: 27.1
Analysis: One of the more intriguing stories on the team is Wheatley's journey. He was a highly recruited tight end coming out of high school who committed to play at Michigan. However, after not finding success as a tight end in college, he transitioned to The Spring League in 2021, a now-defunct developmental football league, where he converted to tackle. He quickly earned an opportunity with the Chicago Bears that offseason and has been developing as a tackle since then. It's uncommon for players to transition positions so late in their careers, but Wheatley is still relatively new to the position. Despite this, he has shown promise, consistently performing as one of the best preseason tackles over the past several seasons. However, he hasn't had the opportunity to start yet due to a combination of having players ahead of him and injuries. There may be untapped potential here worth exploring further.
Grade: C+
Alex Austin, Cornerback.
Contract Terms: 1-year, ERFA Tender. Age: 22.8
Analysis: Austin is an intriguing project corner who was thrust into a starting role due to injuries. He had a bit of a rocky start but really came into his own during the last few games of the season. Considering he was only a rookie, this signing represents a high-reward, low-risk opportunity for the team.
Grade: B
Kendrick Bourne, Wide Receiver.
Contract Terms: 3-years, $19.5 million worth up to $33 million.
Age: 28.6
Analysis: Bourne, a fan favorite, had a good first season with the Patriots in 2021, catching 55 passes for 800 yards and five touchdowns. However, since then, he has struggled to replicate that level of production. In 2023, before tearing his ACL in week eight, he was actually on pace to surpass his impressive inaugural season with the Patriots, having caught 37 passes for 406 yards and four touchdowns. He was on pace to reach 867 yards and eight touchdowns for the season. Ideally, Bourne would serve as a complementary piece to a more explosive offense led by a dynamic receiver. Nonetheless, his valuable skill set justifies his presence on the team.
Grade: B
Hunter Henry, Tight End.
Contract Terms: 3-years, $27 million worth up to $30 million.
Age: 29.2
Analysis: Similar to Bourne, Henry was also part of the 2021 free agency class and started off strong. He recorded 51 catches for 633 yards and nine touchdowns, but has since struggled to recapture that level of production. It's fair to attribute their struggles to the limitations of their respective offenses, although it's also accurate to say that neither Bourne nor Henry are considered premier players at their position.
Henry's primary strength lies in being a reliable option for the quarterback, particularly in crucial situations like third-and-shorts. While he may not consistently rack up 120-yard games, he remains a steady and above-average player at his position, serving as a reliable security blanket for the team.
Grade: B
Jalen Reagor, Wide Receiver.
Contract Terms: 1-year, worth up to $1.3 million.
Age: 25.1
Analysis: Reagor, a 2020 first round pick that has been labeled a "bust", carved out a role for himself as a special teamer late last season. He found a spark as a kick returner, returning one for a 98 yard touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in week 17. He also have at least one reception of 25+ yards in each of his final three games, where he received more receiver reps. It remains to be scene if he can carve out a full-time role somewhere, but his contract is reflective of another guy that will be brought into camp with a chance to compete.
Grade: C
Josh Uche, Edge.
Contract Terms: 1-year, $3 million worth up to $8 million.
Age: 25.4
Analysis: Uche's return came as a surprise to many. After struggling to become a full-time three-down player in New England, it was expected that he might seek opportunities elsewhere. However, he chose to stay, reportedly accepting a significantly lower salary because of his belief in Mayo and the coaching staff. Even if it turns out he is best suited as strictly a third-down pass rusher, Uche has shown enough high-end pass rush reps to earn a deal. His contract is remarkably cheap considering the talent he has shown as a pass rusher.
In 2022, Uche recorded an impressive 11.5 sacks, but his production dropped to just 2.5 sacks in 2023. However, he's betting on himself to bounce back. It remains to be seen if he can recapture the form he showed in 2022 and earn a larger, more lucrative contract in the next free agency cycle.
Grade: B+
Kyle Dugger, Safety.
Contract Terms: Transition Tagged: 1-year, $13.8 million.
Age: 27.9
Analysis: Dugger is an intriguing player. He has excelled when playing near the line of scrimmage but has struggled in coverage. He presents a unique case as he was drafted at a relatively older age, 24, and emerged from a DII school. This background elongated his development path, but it also presents a challenge for the team as he is older than 28 entering his second contract.
Dugger's weakness lies in coverage, where he has been a liability, allowing a 71.1% completion percentage and conceding 446 yards. Among 38 qualifying safeties with a minimum of 900 snaps, he ranked 10th in yards allowed and 6th in completion percentage. Clearly, there is room for improvement in coverage, which might be why the team transition tagged him, hoping to see him take the next step before committing to a long-term deal.
However, Dugger remains valuable against the run and as a tackler. Properly utilized, he enhances the defense when on the field. The grade also reflects the crowded safety market and their premature tagging. Over a dozen safeties become available with similar skill sets, some better, some equal.
Grade: B-
Bottom-of-Roster Returns:
Nathan Rourke, Quarterback.
Christian Elliss, Linebacker.
Free Agency Tracker: Departures
Mac Jones, Quarterback.
Destination: Traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars Compensation: Sixth round pick(no.193)
DeVante Parker, Wide Receiver.
Destination: Philadelphia Eagles
Compensation: 1-year, $4.69 million - fully guaranteed.
Mack Wilson, Linebacker.
Destination: Arizona Cardinals
Compensation: 3-years, $12.75 million worth up to $15 million.
Mike Gesicki, Tight End.
Destination: Cincinnati Bengals
Compensation: 1-year, worth up to $3.25 million.
Jalen Mills, Cornerback/Safety.
Destination: New York Giants
Compensation: One year - TBA
Pharoah Brown, Tight End.
Destination: Seattle Seahawks
Compensation: 1-year, worth up to $3.2 million.
Still Available
J.C. Jackson, Cornerback.
Trent Brown, Offensive Tackle.
Adrian Phillips, Safety/Linebacker. Lawrence Guy, Interior Defensive Line.
Myles Bryant, Cornerback. Ezekiel Elliott, Runningback.
Tre Nixon, Wide Receiver.
Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle.
Terez Hall, Linebacker.
Cody Davis, Special Teams.
Should the Patriots draft a QB at third overall?
Yes
No
Featured images courtesy of Patriots.com.
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