The New England Patriots are expected to get some of their key opt-outs from the 2020 season back for 2021, according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport tweeted that linebacker Dont’a Hightower, safety Patrick Chung, and right tackle Marcus Cannon “are planning to be back for 2021,” and that “Physically, all are in a good place.”

In case you’re curious, the returns of Hightower, Chung, and Cannon would not affect the Patriots’ projected salary cap space of $63.5 million. Pats cap expert Miguel Benzan was quick to clarify that.

Compared to the 2020 Patriots roster, the return of the opt-outs could represent a trio of impactful free-agent additions (emphasis on “free”). Losing Hightower gutted the Patriots’ linebacker depth in 2020, as third-year pro Ja’Whaun Bentley often struggled after being suddenly thrust into the lead role. Getting Hightower back, even as a lesser version of himself, goes a long way toward solidifying that position. Chung brings back the versatility that the Patriots missed without him at safety.

Cannon, meanwhile, has a chance to slot right back in at right tackle and restore stability to that spot. It would also free up Michael Onwenu to take over at left guard, should Joe Thuney depart in free agency.

The big question with all three of them is whether they’ll be the same players they were in 2019 after taking a year off. Also, technically the Patriots should aim to improve upon what they had in 2019 as well. One more thing: Cannon is due for $7 million cash in 2021, which the Patriots could save both in real dollars and cap dollars by cutting him.

But even if just one of them returns and is the same kind of difference-maker they were before, then the Patriots’ 2021 roster won’t feel so barren – especially at linebacker.

MORE: Patriots’ Key Internal Free Agents

• G Joe Thuney

  Share

  Of all the Patriots' internal free agents, Thuney is the one who stands to make the most money. He played on a $14.7 million franchise tag and could make around that much on average with his next contract. The bright side is the Patriots have an emerging talent in Michael Onwenu, who played guard at Michigan, as a logical replacement for Thuney's departure. Belichick has a big decision here: lock up one of the best, most dependable left guards in football for big money, or go to the kid and take the compensatory pick next year.

• C David Andrews

  Share

  One of the most consistent and dependable performers on the team during his career, Andrews rebounded nicely from missing the entire 2019 season to recover from blood clots. The Patriots have no logical internal replacement for everything that Andrews brings to his position and to the locker room. He may be in line for a raise on his next contract, but expect the Patriots to make a real push to retain him.

• DT Lawrence Guy

  Share

  Bringing Guy back for 2021 is a no-brainer. He's been as consistent and dependable as anyone on the Patriots defense and won't come at a high cost. They could find a similar player to replace at least some of what he brings in free agency or the draft, but it may not be worth the risk when you know what you have with Guy.
• DT Adam Butler

  Share

  Playing on an RFA tender in 2021, Butler logged four sacks, seven QB hits, and 38 total tackles in 15 games. He had a career-high six sacks and nine QB hits the year before. Butler has proven to be a solid interior pass-rusher for the Patriots and would make sense to retain on a low-cost extension.

• QB Cam Newton

  Share

  Newton has to be on this list, because of the position he plays. The problem isn't so much how to replace Cam Newton, but whether or not he returns. There are whispers that it's possible he does. If not, the Patriots need a new quarterback, and preferably a significant upgrade over what Newton gave them on the field.

• Nick Folk

  Share

  Bill Belichick isn’t afraid to use the franchise tag on a kicker. In fact, he tagged Adam Vinatieri twice - once in 2002 and the other in 2005. In an offseason with weak kicker classes in both free agency and the draft, bringing back the 36-year-old Folk may be the Patriots’ best option. The only potential downside is the contract is fully guaranteed, so if Justin Rohrwasser turns things around in camp, it would lead to the difficult decision of eating the whole contract, moving on from the young kicker, or keeping two kickers on the roster. (Projected K franchise tag: $4.7 million)
• RB James White

  Share

  Is it possible White doesn't sign with the Bucs? Perhaps he feels settled in New England and doesn't want to uproot that situation. But if Damien Harris is ready to take on a bigger role in the passing game? It's possible that White's days as the go-to guy in those situations are winding down.

• WR Damiere Byrd

  Share

  Byrd likely can't get much more than he did last season from the Patriots. But if he can find a nice long-term deal after leading all Pats receivers in snaps and posting career-highs in catches and yards, more power to him. If Byrd has more of a complementary role in the passing game instead of playing every snap, he'd be a welcome return. He works well for what he is.

• DE Deatrich Wise

  Share

  It's not Wise's fault that the Patriots have tried to shoehorn him into roles that don't play to his strengths. He was better suited when the Patriots played more of a 4-3 defense up front and would still be better off in that kind of system. But he's also been a good solider throughout his time with the Patriots and can make plays as a pass-rusher. It's simply a question of where he fits at this point.
• CB J.C. Jackson

  Share

  Jackson is a restricted free agent, so it's not the same situation as most free agents on the team. But after making a career-high nine interceptions in 2020, he'll be in line for a real contract at some point. Do the Patriots want to give him an extension now, or sign him to the tender and see how it goes for the next year.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.

Sign me up for the 98.5 The Sports Hub email newsletter!

Get the latest Boston sports news and analysis, plus exclusive on-demand content and special giveaways from Boston's Home for Sports, 98.5 The Sports Hub.

First Name *

Last Name

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.