The 2022 season has just ended, and as of March 13, the 2023 campaign will open its doors. DNA of Sports therefore takes the opportunity to offer you an overview of the different franchises during the off-season. Which players to keep and cut? Which free agent to extend? Which rookies to watch? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. In the spotlight today, the New England Patriots.
Last year, the Patriots narrowly missed the playoffs. With Bill Belichick and a robust defense, New England has a solid foundation and can always believe in it. From now on, it is absolutely necessary to take care of the attack. And here, on the other hand, there is almost everything to (re)do.
The good news is that the quarterback seems to be found: Mac Jones. The caster must now progress and have help around him. Lots of help. This will be the challenge for this franchise during this offseason whether during free agency, the draft and even during training camp with the arrival of Bill O’Brien, the new offensive coordinator.
The owners
1. Matthew Judon (Edge)
2. Kyle Dugger/Adrian Phillips (S)
3. Ja’Whaun Bentley (LB)
4. Rhamond Stevenson (RB)
As every year now, the real captains are to be found on the defense side in New England. The first came two seasons ago and continues to prove why the executives offered him a big contract to leave Baltimore. With 12.5 sacks in 2021, then 15.5 in 2022, he is one of the most productive pass-rushers in the league. His presence also helps players like Josh Uche (11.5 sacks) and Christian Barmore develop and form a solid defensive line.
Behind them, Ja’Whaun Bentley does not look like much, but he is a real leader of men in the center of this defense. A tackle linebacker (125, the team’s highest total in 2022) who ensures balance. Finally, within the back lines which could evolve with a few departures, Kyle Dugger and Adrian Phillips are the pillars.
Finally, on the other side of the field, difficult to have many certainties. The ground game, however, is regularly a weapon of Belichick’s teams and even if the runners seem interchangeable, Rhamondre Stevenson gleaned the position of number 1 with more than 1000 yards this season (210 attempts, 1040 yards or 5 yards / race, 5 TDs). It should remain so except for a huge surprise in 2023.
Undesirables
1. Hunter Henry (TE)
2. Trent Brown (OT)
3.Lawrence Guy (DT)
This spring, the Patriots will have a comfortable salary cap margin. With over $37 million available, New England is there 5th franchise with the most space. However, that won’t stop Bill Belichick from saving a few million to invest elsewhere. The first victim could be Hunter Henry. Arrived two seasons ago with a big contract, the tight end has never really convinced. Cut him before his final season to free up ten million in available payroll. A significant sum.
For Trent Brown it’s a little different since he has already proven his worth on the side of Boston. Except that last season was disappointing for the offensive lineman and could spell the end of his second stint in New England by releasing more than $6 million in the process. Finally, the hatching of Christian Barmore could give BB ideas like cutting Lawrence Guy for example.
The summer man
Bill O’Brien (Offensive Coordinator)
For once, this section honors a staff member. It must be said that the position of offensive coordinator caused a lot of talk in Massachusetts last year. Since the departure of Josh McDaniels for Vegas, New England has never been able to replace him. The Patriots tried well with technicians like Joe Judge or Matt Patricia who both returned to the fold after failed experiments.
Except that neither of them officially had the post of offensive coordinator and especially neither of them really succeeded in advancing this attack and making Mac Jones perform. The return of Bill O’Brien is therefore seen as real hope for the pitcher, even if he will know his third offensive coordinator in three years. Is the former head coach of the Texans still capable of performing an attack or is he overwhelmed? Perhaps the key to New England’s success this season lies in that response.
The main free agents
1. Jonathan Jones (CB)
2. Jakobi Meyers (WR)
3. Isaiah Wynn (OT)
4. Damien Harris (RB)
5. Devin McCourty (S)
Others : Marcus Cannon (OT), Nelson Agholor (WR), Myles Bryant (CB), Jabrill Peppers (S), Mack Wilson (LB)…
During this offseason, two big names in the aerial game could leave the franchise. In defense first, where the best Patriots cornerback is about to become a free agent: Jonathan Jones. The defensive back once again delivered a very good season, taking over from JC Jackson as the number 1 cornerback. Jones could ask for a big contract, but recent history has proven to us that New England are not afraid to lose his talented corners (Gilmore, Jackson…) and above all was able to replace them.
In attack, however, the Patriots would be well advised to take out the checkbook to retain Jakobi Meyers. The receiver has a good connection with Mac Jones and is one of the few successful players at that position in Massachusetts. For the rest, some names in the franchise could become free agents, but none would be a dramatic loss for the team. We will note all the same the potential retirement of the triple champion, Devin McCourty, true leaders of locker room.
Finally, note that the leaders have already re-signed Matthew Slater and Conor McDermott.
Top 5 Needs
1. Receiver
2. Offensive line
3.Cornerback
4.Safety
5. Running back
As we said, the Patriots’ priority in the future is to help Mac Jones. For this, he needs material around him. Starting with receivers. And good ones, because New England is sorely lacking. In any case, it is necessary to completely rethink the group of receiver between Jakobi Meyers and Nelson Agholor free agents or an often injured DeVante Parker, there is work. Then, it will be necessary to strengthen this offensive line which was disappointing in 2022.
Finally, it will be necessary to manage day-to-day business by replacing starting players and adding depth to certain positions. The back lines (cornerbacks and safety) will be targeted in particular, as will the riders for example.
Target
DeAndre Hopkins (WR, Cardinals)
Even if Jakobi Meyers were to stay at New England, this offense absolutely needs a number 1 receiver. And who better than DeAndre Hopkins to take on this role. The receiver is certainly still under contract with the Cardinals, but he could very quickly be available via a trade. And when we know the difficulties of Bill Belichick and the Patriots to draft good receivers (see N’Keal Harry), the solution might come from there.
Hopkins is looking for a big contract and New England would have room on the payroll to extend it. Despite his 30 springs, he would above all bring a real safety valve to Mac Jones and would instantly raise the level of this attack. Only question mark, he would find in Massachusetts Bill O’Brien, his former coach in Houston with whom everything did not end very well.
The new blood
Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia)
This year, the Patriots will be able to choose in 14th position. The last time they were this high, they took a quarterback (Mac Jones with the 15th pick in 2021). This time, not sure if this is the priority. As we said, the position of receiver could be an option, but “draft”, “receiver” and “Patriots” are rarely words that go (well) together.
Then remains the offensive line, where Bill Belichick could find his happiness. The tackle position in particular will be observed with the potential departures of Marcus Cannon and Isaiah Wynn, even the cut of Trent Brown. For this, Broderick Jones could be the ideal candidate. Reassuring and versatile, the former Georgia may be a holder from the first week.
Other choices: Paris Johnson Jr. (OT, Ohio State), Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee), Kelee Ringo (CB, Georgia), Quentin Johnston (WR, TCU)…
