Today I examine the Patriots’ offensive free agents and their chances of returning to the Patriots. I dive into the pros and cons of each player. Which offensive free agents should the Patriots re-sign?
WR Nelson Agholor (UFA):
Age: 30
2022 cap hit: $11 million
2022 stats: 16 games, seven starts, 31 catches, 362 yards, 2 TDs
One of the biggest disappointments of the 2022 season came from wide receiver Nelson Agholor, who never lived up to the $26 million contract he earned during free agency in 2021. Instead, Agholor continued his inconsistent play throughout 2022, including drops, inconsistent route-running, and communication issues. As a result, Agholor struggled to get playing time at the end of the season and saw his name far down the depth chart.
Case for:
Agholor has shown he is capable of making big plays for the Patriots. During his stint with the Raiders in 2021, he caught eight touchdowns and had 896 receiving yards. Last season, fellow receiver Kendrick Bourne was benched for most of the season, while the rookie Tyquan Thornton didn’t live up to his hype. Meanwhile, DeVante Parker and Jakobi Meyers are free agents, which could indicate bringing Agholor back for 2023 as he will cost less than his teammates.
Case against:
In the last two seasons, Agholor has combined for 835 yards and 63 receptions, with five touchdowns. That could be a better stat line, and Agholor was the fifth receiver on the depth chart most of the season. The Patriots spent a lot of money in 2021, but they definitely overpaid Agholor, who rarely produced results. During his time in New England, Agholor has failed to deliver in critical moments, and it will be a surprise if the 29-year-old re-signs in Foxboro.
Verdict: Let walk
WR Jakobi Meyers (UFA):
Age: 26
2022 cap hit: $3.99 million
2022 stats: 14 games, 13 starts, 67 receptions, 804 yards, 6 TDs
The Patriots have a big decision ahead of them as their number 1 receiver is set to be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career. Last season, the Patriots used a second-round tender to bring back Meyers, and even with getting injured, he led the team in receiving this year. The 2023 NFL wide receiver free agent class is different from last year’s, and Meyers is one of the best options on the board. So will he re-sign in New England?
Case for:
Closing out the season, Meyers caught a touchdown pass in each of the last three games. At the same time, his chemistry with Mac Jones continues to build on and off the field. The NC State product also led Patriots receivers in receptions and receiving yards in 2021. It’s a very high possibility Meyers isn’t re-signed because he will likely cost $12-15 million. As a result, Belichick will have to go out of his comfort zone and sign a big-name wideout. The current Patriots receiver group is at the bottom of the league and needs to be upgraded. First step: re-signing Meyers.
Case against:
Is Jakobi Meyers worth 12-15 million a year? It’s hard to tell. Meyers has been dealing with injuries most of the season, and he may have to opt for surgery this offseason. Furthermore, could the Patriots draft another wide receiver and develop him into a well-rounded receiver?
Verdict: Re-sign
RB Damien Harris (UFA):
Age: 26
2022 cap hit: $907,784
2022 stats: 11 games, nine starts, 106 carries, 462 yards (4.4 yards/carry), 3 TDs, 17 catches, 97 yards
Before the 2022 season, Damien Harris looked to put up big numbers and complement Oklahoma State running back Rhamondre Stevenson. The two were expected to lead one of the best running units in the NFL. However, as he was entering his contract year, he had a series of unfortunate injuries. Harris’s IR weeks caused sophomore back Rhamondre Stevenson to take on a big load.
Case for:
Although Stevenson is viewed as the more dynamic runner, when the Patriots had both running backs healthy, the 1-2 punch of Harris and Stevenson provided an added boost to the struggling offense. During the season’s final weeks, Stevenson admitted to feeling fatigued as he took on an unorthodox workload. The Patriots are better when they have an adequate run game with more than one running back. However, the Patriots also have two capable running backs on their roster, Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris. Damien Harris is also an underrated threat in the passing game. Plus, you can often spot Damien Harris at Boston sports events, and he’s close friends with Mac Jones.
Case against:
Historically the Patriots don’t give their running backs a second contract, and they usually don’t overpay their backs. The Patriots brought in veteran Ty Montgomery last year, but he got hurt in Week 1 and didn’t play the rest of the season. Montgomery could help replace Harris, along with New England’s rookie running backs, Strong and Kevin Harris. Although Damien Harris could sign a 2-year contract, the Alabama product likely played his last down with the Patriots.
Verdict: Let walk
OT Yodny Cajuste (RFA):
Age: 27
2022 cap hit: $870,545
2022 stats: 10 games, three starts, 12 pressures allowed, three sacks allowed
Cajuste played in ten games this season, as he started to contribute to the Patriots’ offensive line. Unfortunately, the tackle couldn’t play during his first two seasons due to injury and only played in seven games during his 2021 campaign. The Patriots drafted Cajuste in the third round, as his strength, body, and size boded well for a Patriots tackle. After a strong summer, Cajuste was bound for a great season. Belichick traded tackle Justin Herron to Las Vegas in September, which bumped Cajuste on the depth chart. However, time is running out for the tackle, and although he’s still young, is it worth keeping him around?
Case for:
Who knows why the Patriot’s offense struggled last season, but one major flaw was Matt Patricia’s role in the offense. He was the play caller AND the offensive line coach. Did he have enough time to coach the OL? Bill O’Brien’s return to New England could help the offense as a whole. The 6-foot-5, 311-pound tackle is an ideal build for New England, which should intrigue some coaches. Could you bring back Cajuste on a small contract and let him show his worth in training camp?
Case against:
The Patriots were hit with injuries on the offensive line all season, which gave opportunities to other back-ups. Cajuste couldn’t compete, and when the Patriots signed Connor McDermott off the Jets practice squad, he immediately became the starter. Cajuste has only played 17 games in four seasons, and time is running out for the tackle. New England should also sign a tackle in the draft, which could boot Cajuste off the roster.
Verdict: Let walk
OT Marcus Cannon (UFA):
Age: 35
2022 cap hit: $1.71 million
2022 stats: 5 games, four starts, 11 pressures allowed, one sack allowed
Patriots Super Bowl champion Marcus Cannon will turn 35 in May but still plays at a high level. Cannon joined the Patriots in the middle of the year and contributed instantly; however, the veteran suffered a concussion and spent the last two months of the season on the injured reserve. He immediately spent the last two months of the season on the injured reserve because of a concussion.
Case for
The Patriot’s offensive line sometimes struggled with their performance, mainly due to battling injuries all season long. However, Cannon provided depth to the Patriots before he got injured. Cannon could sign back with New England on a one-year contract and become a vital backup in 2023.
Case against
Cannon is 35 and one of the oldest linemen in the game. The Patriots could be all over tackles in the draft, which could cause the Patriots to boot Cannon or have the Super Bowl champ retire.
Verdict: Re-sign
OT Isaiah Wynn (UFA):
Age: 27
2022 cap hit: $2.86 million
2022 stats: 9 games, seven starts, 17 pressures allowed, four sacks allowed
The former first-round pick has struggled to find his footing in New England, as he is lining up to be one of the more disappointing draft selections in the Bill Belichick era. Wynn didn’t suit up his rookie year due to an Achilles injury, and then got injured again in 2020 and missed several games. The season then went downhill for the tackle, as he opted out of OTAs. The Georgia product changed positions on the line as Belichick moved him to the right tackle, and Trent Brown moved to the left. Wynn’s season was filled with trade rumors. Wynn was called for numerous penalties and led the league during the first half of the season in false starts. Wynn didn’t finish the season as he suffered a hamstring injury. Is there a case for re-signing Wynn?
Case For
None!
Case against
As I mentioned above, Isaiah Wynn’s work ethic could be questioned as Wynn didn’t show up to OTAs for two years in a row. Wynn has also dealt with injuries on and off. After five rough years with the Patriots, it’s best for both parties to go their own way.
Verdict: Let Walk
OL James Ferentz (UFA):
Age: 34
2022 cap hit: $1.04 million
2022 stats: 12 games, three starts, four pressures allowed, two sacks allowed
A Patriot since 2017, Ferentz is the ultimate teammate and football player. Although Ferentz often finds himself on the practice squad, he was signed to the 53-man roster this season.
Case for
The veteran provides adequate veteran depth to the offensive line at a small cost. Ferentz is one of the longest-tenured Patriots players, and many don’t see him playing anywhere else, as he’s already 34 years old. He only gave up four pressures on 270 snaps, and one could see him back with the Patriots next season.
Case against
Fernetz is already 34 and has lost a step. The Patriots only have so much cap space, and to use some of it on a practice squad player? Not ideal.
Verdict: Re-sign
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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.
