The New England Patriots made their first major moves of the 2024 off-season and cut two defensive players.
According to Tom Pelissero, the Patriots released starting lineman Lawrence Guy and safety Adrian Phillips.
Both players have spent several years in New England. Guy, 33, joined the Patriots as a free agent in 2017. He has since appeared in 118 games and won a Super Bowl with the Patriots. Guy has been around the league for a long time, first getting drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL draft. Then, he spent time with the Colts, Chargers, and Ravens before signing with the Patriots.
Guy was the Patriots’ longest-tenured defensive player, and it’ll be hard to replace his leadership on defense. Last year, Guy played 45% of the team’s defensive snaps, and now the defensive line depth will take a hit. The Patriots currently have eight players at the position, including Davon Godchaux, Christian Barmore, Deatrich Wise JR, Keion White, Daniel Ekuale, Sam Roberts, Jeremiah Pharms JR, and Trysten Hill.
Guy was entering the final year of his four-year, $11.5M contract, and the veteran now has the option to sign with a contender before free agency starts.
After the announcement was made he posted a “Thank you letter” to Patriots fans.
Meanwhile, Phillps, 31, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2014, signing with the Chargers and playing in Los Angels for several seasons. Eventually, the Patriots inked a two-year contract with the Phillies in 2020, and two years ago, the Patriots announced a two-year extension. Since arriving in New England, the safety has played 68 games, recording six interceptions, a sack, and a forced fumble.
With the Patriots relassing Phillps, only one safety is under contract for next season: Brendon Schooler. On the flip side, it can be viewed as a sign that the Patriots feel good about their chances of retaining safety Kyle Dugger is currently a free agent.
Last season, Phillips saw his snaps decrease and was demoted to the fourth safety. However, his playing time didn’t decrease on special teams, where he played 70% of the total snaps.
NFL Free agency will start on March 13th at 4:00 p.m.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
