Patriots Free Agency Tracker: Recapping the official start of 2021

Free Agency Updates

• Patriots re-signing LB Kyle Van Noy

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  Linebacker Kyle Van Noy is returning to the Patriots as a free agent after the Dolphins released him earlier in the offseason. Van Noy himself tweeted about his return before any reporters did.
  
  Analysis: Who didn't see this one coming? Van Noy returns to the team that helped make him a high-priced free agent a year ago. He should go right back to being the solid edge presence he was from 2016-19. The Patriots' linebacker group is suddenly scary again: Matthew Judon, the return of Dont'a Hightower and Van Noy, and the upside with Josh Uche and Chase Winovich should make for a much more disruptive unit than 2020. -- Matt Dolloff

• Jaguars getting calls on QB Gardner Minshew

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  The Jacksonville Jaguars have reportedly received "a few calls" on a possible trade involving third-year quarterback Gardner Minshew.
  
  Analysis: The Jaguars are set to draft blue-chip Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick in next month's draft. Minshew makes sense for the Patriots as a QB on his rookie deal who has already proven to have some ability to play at this level, with the possibility of further improvement. But if the Patriots get Minshew, would they also draft a QB? Because Minshew projects as either a low-end starter or high-end backup. -- Matt Dolloff
  
  (Source: Ian Rapoport)

• Cody Davis re-signs in New England

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  Safety and special teams ace Cody Davis is returning to the Patriots on a two-year deal. He announced the news himself with a video on Twitter featuring his son, Kane.
• Patriots place second-round tender on J.C. Jackson

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  The Patriots have officially placed a second-round tender on impending restricted free agent J.C. Jackson. He will be free to negotiate with other teams starting at 4 p.m., and the Patriots will have the right to match or decline an offer sheet.
  
  Analysis: The first-round tender would have given Jackson more negotiating power on a long-term deal, and also made him much less attractive to prospective teams. So the second-round tender makes him easier to bring back on a matched offer sheet. If Jackson is signed and the Patriots decline to match, his new team will send them a second-round pick.
  
  (Source: Ian Rapoport)

• Patriots will not re-sign C David Andrews

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  The Patriots will not be re-signing center David Andrews. He will enter free agency and sign elsewhere. The Dolphins have been rumored as a top suitor for Andrews, who will leave New England after six seasons and two Super Bowl championships as their starting center.
  
  (Source: Doug Kyed)

• Dolphins signing DT Adam Butler

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  The Miami Dolphins are bringing in a familiar face for head coach Brian Flores: they are signing DT Adam Butler to a two-year deal worth up to $9.5 million, bringing his time with the Patriots to an end.
  
  Analysis: Butler is a good player, but the way the Patriots have invested in the front-seven over the last two days makes his loss much less impactful than it otherwise would have been. They still have Lawrence Guy as a possible candidate to return. -- Alex Barth
  
  (Source: Ian Rapoport)
• Patriots re-signing C Ted Karras

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  The Patriots are bringing back OL Ted Karras on a one-year deal worth $4 million. Karras played the 2020 season with the Miami Dolphins.
  
  (Source: Jeff Howe)

• Deadline approaching for J.C. Jackson

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  The Patriots have yet to extend a qualifying offer to restricted free-agent cornerback J.C. Jackson. They have until 4 p.m. on Wednesday to do so. They can tender him at the first-round level for $4.7 million or at the second-round level for $3.3 million. Jackson can negotiate with other teams on an offer sheet after the start of free agency, and the Patriots have the right to match. If they decline to match, Jackson's new team would have to send the Patriots a draft pick corresponding to his tender level.
  
  Analysis: Coming off a nine-interception season and a Pro-Bowl nod, Jackson has emerged as a legitimate starting cornerback over his first three seasons with the Patriots. He'd be a bargain on a first-round tender of $4.7 million. That would make it harder for teams considering an offer sheet for him. But at the same time, it would inherently increase the potential value of a long-term extension for Jackson. Interesting decision coming for the Patriots. -- Matt Dolloff
  
  (Source: Karen Guregian)

• Dolphins sign veteran CB Justin Coleman

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  The Miami Dolphins are signing veteran former Patriots cornerback Justin Coleman to a one-year deal worth up to $2.75 million. Coleman reunites with Brian Flores, who was the safeties coach and linebackers coach when Coleman played in New England from 2015-16.
  
  (Source: Tom Pelissero)
• C David Andrews set to explore the market

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  According to multiple reports, Patriots center David Andrews will not reach a new deal with New England before 4 p.m. and will officially become a free agent.
  
  Analysis: This does not necessarily mean Andrews is leaving New England. Consider the most recent free agencies for LB Dont'a Hightower and S Devin McCourty. Both explored the market before returning and getting legit contracts with the Patriots. Bill Belichick tends to extend himself with players like Andrews, who is not only an integral piece on the field but a strong leadership presence. But expect the Dolphins, Ravens, and Jets to be among Andrews' suitors in what's been a good year for free-agent centers. -- Matt Dolloff

• Contract details are in for TE Hunter Henry

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  The Patriots gave Hunter Henry the second-most guaranteed money ever for a tight end at $25 million. But now that we know all the details of the contract - and as any NFL follower knows, that is where the devil always is - we know that Henry has just a $6.875 million cap hit in 2021. He will make all of his guaranteed money after two years, essentially making this a two-year deal for $25 million with the potential for more. -- Matt Dolloff
  
  (Source: Mike Reiss)

• Here’s what DT Henry Anderson’s contract looks like

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  Henry Anderson highlighted the Patriots' aggressiveness on day 1 of the legal tampering period, as he was not the kind of player so coveted that the Pats had to pounce so early. But fans will quickly learn why Belichick wanted Anderson on his defensive line. And he'll do it at a reasonable number, as only $3 million of his teo-year deal is guaranteed. He will carry a cap hit of just -- Matt Dolloff
  
  (Source: Mike Reiss)
• Bills agree to deal with WR Emmanuel Sanders

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  The Bills offense found an upgrade over the departing John Brown. They have agreed to a deal with veteran free-agent WR Emmanuel Sanders. Dan Fetes of WHAM (the local TV station, not the band from the '80s) in Buffalo was first to report that the two sides were getting close.
  
  Analysis: Sanders proved he still has something left in the tank in 2020, making 61 catches for 726 yards and five touchdowns in 14 games for the Saints. And that was for a Saints offense with a deteriorating Drew Brees and Michael Thomas/Alvin Kamara entrenched as the top weapons. He makes a fine complement for stud outside receiver Stefon Diggs, slot receiver Cole Beasley, and ascending tight end Dawson Knox. Josh Allen will again have plenty of weapons to work with in 2021. -- Matt Dolloff

Featured Stories

— Contract details in for new Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne
— Jonnu Smith contract should allow Patriots to keep spending
— Report: David Andrews expected to hit the open market
— Nelson Agholor’s contract follows trend of Patriots free agency deals
— NFL Free Agency 2021 Day 2 Recap

Patriots’ Signings In 2021 NFL Free Agency

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