Patriots special teams takes hit as Gunner Olszewski signs with Steelers

Former All-Pro punt returner Gunner Olszewski is the latest former Patriots player to be on the move in free agency. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Friday afternoon that the Steelers are signing the 25-year-old wide receiver to a two-year, $4.2 million contract.

As an restricted free agent, the Patriots had a chance to retain Olszewski earlier this offseason. However, they elected not to apply a tender to him, which would have cost them $2.4 million in 2022. He became an unrestricted free agent when the new league year began on Wednesday.

Olszewski joined the Patriots in 2018 as a UDFA and converted cornerback out of Division-II Bemidji State. After missing most of his rookie season due to injury, he set a franchise record of 17.3 yards per punt return in 2020 in his All-Pro season. He contributed mainly on special teams last year, playing just six percent of the Patriots' offensive snaps.

The Patriots have now lost two key members of last year's special teams unit in Olszewski and Brandon Bolden, who signed with the Raiders earlier this week. A third, Brandon King, remains a free agent. They've retained gunner Matthew Slater and kicker Nick Folk.

Keep scrolling for the latest news and rumors from across the league in NFL free agency...

Adam Schefter reported just before midnight on Thursday that the Rams are getting trade calls on wide receiver Robert Woods, in the wake of the Allen Robinson signing. Woods tore his ACL during practice in mid-November, but Schefter reports that Woods is expected to be ready for training camp. Woods has always felt like a solid fit for the Patriots at outside receiver, and the ACL injury/recovery should drive his trade price way down.

Another star player is hitting the open market. The Eagles are releasing Fletcher Cox, according to Mike Garafolo. Cox was a four-time All-Pro in 10 seasons in Philly. The Eagles have three draft picks in the top 20, could they now be a landing spot for star Georgia DT Jordan Davis?

The New York Giants are parting ways with defensive back Logan Ryan, according to a tweet from Ryan himself. The 31-year-old was drafted by the Patriots in 2013 and played four seasons in New England. He was with Joe Judge in New York in 2020 as well. Given the Patriots' needs in the secondary, he could be a candidate to return.

The top wide receiver on the market this year is now off the board. Robinson is heading to the Rams on a three-year deal worth up to $46.5 million with $30.7M guaranteed according to Tom Pelissero.

Za'Darius Smith has become the latest free agent to change course after "agreeing" to a deal. According to Ian Rapoport, Smith is NOT signing with the Ravens. No new team yet, though. Smith is back on the open market.

The Patriots are adding a pass-catching running back to their free-agent class. According to Josina Anderson, they've agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $4 million with RB Ty Montgomery.

Montgomery, 29 entered the league as a wide receiver, the position he played at Stanford, but by year two was getting more carries than targets. He hasn't approached his career-high 121 touches in 2016 since that season, and had only 31 total touches in 14 games with the Saints in 2021.

However, Montgomery also has experience as a kick returner. He has 57 career kick returns with an average of 22.4 yards per return. The Patriots will be his fifth team, after the Packers, Jets, Ravens, and Saints.

Montgomery could be the Patriots' primary choice on kick returns and provide insurance for the recently re-signed James White. Bill Belichick certainly must love his versatility.

The Dallas Cowboys could not find a trade partner for tackle La'El Collins, and will release him on Thursday, making him a free agent. Todd Archer reported it first on Twitter. New England was rumored to be exploring a possible trade for Collins, but according to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, there's "zero" chance they will sign him off the open market.

The Atlanta Falcons have taken another good veteran cornerback off the market. They're signing former Chargers and Raiders CB Casey Hayward to a two-year deal worth $11 million, according to Ian Rapoport.

You'd think the Von Miller signing would lead to some casualties on the Buffalo Bills' roster. One of them is receiver Cole Beasley, who was released Thursday, according to Mike Garafolo. Beasley certainly seems like a fit for the Patriots as a traditional slot receiver.

The Patriots aren't done looking at cornerbacks after the signing of Terrance Mitchell. According to Mark Daniels, they're also showing interest in a former Patriot, cornerback Justin Coleman. This move would certainly make sense, since the Patriots could use a little familiarity along with veteran depth. Coleman played for the Patriots from 2015-16, and also with Matt Patricia in Detroit from 2019-20.

According to Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus, the Patriots are still looking at free agents at positions of need, and ones easy to predict: wide receivers, cornerbacks, and tackles. They've already signed journeyman CB Terrance Mitchell to a one-year deal, but Kyed reports that "their work isn’t done adding veteran players."

At tackle, they've already been reported to be exploring a trade for the Cowboys' La'El Collins. They've also been linked to Allen Robinson at receiver.

According to Ian Rapoport, the Washington Commanders are signing veteran guard Andrew Norwell. Details of the deal have yet to be reported.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and receivers coach Wes Welker are reuniting with a familiar face: former 49ers wideout Trent Sherfield is headed to Miami on a one-year deal, as reported by Tom Pelissero.

According to Ian Rapoport, the Houston Texans are retaining running back Royce Freeman on a one-year deal. Freeman played seven games for the Texans in 2021 after being claimed off waivers.

According to Ian Rapoport, the New York Jets agreed to a three-year deal worth $13.5 million with former Texans edge rusher Jacob Martin. The deal includes $6 million guaranteed.

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.