At the end of the 2020 season, Lawrence Guy told reporters he wanted to be back in New England in 2021. Fast forward three months, and it doesn’t look like he’ll get his wish, at least not immediately.
As first reported by CLNS Media’s Evan Lazar, Guy “is expected to test the open market” when free agency begins on Wednesday. Lazar added that “there’s no deal imminent” between Guy and the Patriots.
Of course, that doesn’t completely rule out a return to New England for Guy. In the past, the Patriots have awarded some players the luxury of hitting the open market to see their value, with the possibility the team will match it. As a team captain and noted leader on the defense, he certainly seems to fit the bill for that strategy.
This will be Guy’s second time negotiation with the Patriots. He originally came to New England as a free agent in 2017, when he signed a four-year, $20 million contract. He started 60 of a possible 64 games during the tenure of that deal, anchoring the Patriots’ defensive line as a versatile, three-down defender.
If the Patriots do move on from Guy, it could be a signal that Bill Belichick is retooling the Patriots’ defensive front all together. Defensive tackle Adam Butler is also expected to hit the open market, with defensive ends John Simon and Deatrich Wise pending free agents as well. Simon was the Patriots most-used defensive lineman last year in terms of downs played, while only Chase Winovich played more than Wise, Guy, and Butler.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
