Patriots Free Agency Plan: 7 Players to Re-Sign

With an estimated $69 million in available cap space for the upcoming NFL year, Patriots Country highlights seven internal free agents who deserve a portion of the Pats’ financial windfall.

The New England Patriots face perhaps their most important offseason in over a quarter century. 

Under the watchful eye of team owner Robert Kraft, newly-minted head coach Jerod Mayo faces the unenviable task of rebuilding a team which finished 4-13 this season. New England not only missed the playoffs, but also finished last in both their division and conference. 

Despite their overwhelming struggles in 2023, there are notable and competent blocks on which the Patriots may build heading into 2024. With just north of $69 million in projected salary cap space, per Patriots salary cap expert Miguel Benzan, the Pats have decisions to make on filling several positions of need with free agents — both internally and externally. 

Both Mayo and Kraft have made it clear that they will be willing to “burn some cash” to both add and preserve talent. Accordingly, they may wish to spend at least some of that financial windfall on those poised to help bring the Pats back to respectability in short order. 

Of the 24 players on their roster set to hit free agency at the start of the NFL year in March, here is a look at seven players the Pats would be smart to retain for Mayo’s first year at the helm.

Cred: USA Today Images

 7. Myles Bryant

Amid the difficulties, cornerback Bryant emerged as a reliable contributor and occasional playmaker from both the slot and the perimeter. The 26-year-old finished the season with 77 total tackles, seven passes-defensed, two forced fumbles, one sack and an interception. While Bryant is most comfortable aligning from the slot, or as an occasional hybrid safety, he was forced into duty on the outside, with injuries having kept Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones and J.C. Jackson on the sidelines throughout the season.  

6. Ezekiel Elliott

Elliott was a key addition to the Pats backfield in 2023 — assuming the lead duties for the final five games after Rhamondre Stevenson’s season-ending ankle injury. The former All-Pro performed well, leading the team in both rushing yards (642) and receptions (51). While his contributions were expected to be most strongly felt inside the 20, the veteran back proved to be a force between the tackles, as well. Though Elliott is likely to find more lucrative offers outside of New England, his prowess as both a blocker and red zone threat make him a strong complement to Stevenson’s running style.  

5. Kendrick Bourne

Since joining the Pats, Bourne’s versatility has allowed him to wear multiple hats within the team’s offense. Throughout his three seasons in New England, the Eastern Washington product has compiled 1,640 yards on 127 catches — 10 of which have gone for touchdowns. While his technical prowess allows him to win from either alignment, he has looked most comfortable in the Z-receiver role, while occasionally assisting in the slot. However, Bourne has also been called upon to line up at the ‘X’ at times, with a respectable level of success. Lastly, Bourne has been known to carry the ball out of the backfield on occasion; both on the jet sweep and on designed runs. Fully expected to recover from a torn ACL suffered in Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins, the Pats are already — and smartly — exploring his potential return in 2024. 

4. Anfernee Jennings

In the aftermath of losing linebacker Matthew Judon to a torn biceps in Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys, Jennings answered the need for a steady presence in the middle of the Pats defense. Fully healthy for the first time in his career, the Alabama product led the team with 14 tackles for loss, At his best, Jennings is a stout run-defender who adequately sets the edge and serves as a playmaker against the run. He has also developed into a stout pass-rusher, due to his underrated mix of quickness, change-of-direction ability, power and instincts. Jennings’ most prominent strengths are, perhaps, his toughness and tenacity.

3. Hunter Henry 

Despite missing the last three games of the season due to a knee injury, Hunter Henry made the most of his first turn as a team captain. The 29-year-old led the positional group with 42 catches for 419 yards and a team-leading six touchdowns. While widely praised for his versatility, he is most productive when playing the traditional “Y” role, accentuating his route-running skills, as well as his ability to box out. He has also proven himself a strong blocker and reliable pass catcher. Henry’s services will not come cheap. However, his affection for both the region and the organization may allow the Pats to negotiate a reasonable deal for him to return.  

2. Kyle Dugger 

Abundantly praised for his versatility, Dugger has been heralded as a potential future star of the Patriots’ defensive backfield since being drafted in the second round (no. 37 overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft. The 27-year-old led all defensive backs with 109 total tackles, while also compiling seven passes-defensed, two interceptions and 1.5 sacks. The Lenoir-Rhyne product brings an excellent blend of speed, length, size to New England’s defensive backfield — both big nickel (five defensive backs) and dime (six defensive backs) defensive packages. At his best, he is able to cover a lot of ground and has the tools to match up with tight ends and backfield receivers in coverage. Dugger is also a good tackler, capable of making stops in key situations.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of his progress throughout his first three seasons was his demonstration of strong football acumen. He showed great instincts and exhibited a deep understanding of the playbook.

Free Agency: 3 Patriots Targets?

1. Mike Onwenu

In light of the abundant struggles along their offensive line, New England must prioritize keeping Onwenu in the Foxboro fold. The 26-year-old appeared in 15 games in 2023, aligning on 850 offensive snaps: 194 at guard, and 656 at tackle. Overall, Pro Football Focus graded the Michigan product at 71.5, while crediting him with allowing 23 quarterback disruptions, including three sacks.

When he is at his best, Onwenu is a massive lineman with excellent length who demonstrates a consistent and impressive ability to overwhelm defenders when blocking for the run, while anchoring well to protecting the passer. In fact, it is a rare occasion on which he is easily bypassed on a pass block. While recent reports have indicated a pessimistic outlook on their willingness to re-sign Onwenu, the Pats cannot plan on bypassing the opportunity to do so, should they hope to rebuild their offensive line in short order. 

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