David Andrews shares his plans after Ironman season

Following the New England Patriots' 17-3 loss in the 2023 season finale, there was a lot of talk about key figures in the organization moving on. Head coach Bill Belichick's much-debated future is a mystery for now, and long-time special teams captain Matthew Slater is expected to retire. One other key player's future hasn't been discussed as much, but it's important. Starting center David Andrews just wrapped up his eighth NFL season, will turn 32 years old this summer.

Andrews was a true ironman for the Patriots in 2023. Anchoring an offensive line that used 11 different starters of the course of the year - the most of the Bill Belichick era - Andrews didn't miss a single snap.

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Not only was Andrews the only Patriots player to play 100 percent of the snaps on either side of the ball this year, he's the first Patriot to not miss a single snap in a season since guard Joe Thuney had a 100 percent usage rate in the 2018 season (Mike Onwneu would have likely hit the number last year, but injured his ankle in the season finale). It was Andrews' fourth season without missing a game, and he's played at least 14 games in all but one of his seasons as a pro.

That kind of reliability and consistency would be a big help to a Patriots' offensive unit that will likely be younger and more inexperienced playing together next year. Will Andrews be back to help lead the unit again?

"I think I've still got some in the tank, but we'll see. I'm tired. Sore. It's been a long year," Andrews said after Sunday's game when asked about how he views his football future right now. "I'm going to go home, go back to Georgia. I'm going to sit on my tractor with my son, take him deer hunting, and then I'm going to get back to work and see where it goes from there."

Andrews is still under contract for 2024. It'll be the final year of a four-year deal he signed in 2021. He would be a candidate for a contract restructure, with a $7.4 million dollar cap hit but only $1.9 million in dead money.

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The New England Patriots' 2023 season officially came to an end with Sunday's game against the New York Jets. Now, it's on to 2024.

There's still a very busy offseason ahead for the Patriots before they can even think about playing a game. But part of the offseason process is preparing for specific opponents, and with the conclusion of Sunday's NFL Week 18 slate the Patriots' full list of 2024 opponents is now set.

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Each teams opponents are based on a predetermined formula the league uses each year. That means in addition to facing each of the other three AFC East teams twice the Patriots will face all four AFC South teams and all four NFC West teams - two each at home and on the road - as well as the last place teams (since they finished in last place in the AFC East) from the AFC West, AFC North, and NFC North.

With the NFL adding a 17th game/18th week to the schedule two years ago, the conferences alternate having nine home games each year. This year it's the NFC's turn to have an extra home game so all AFC teams - including the Patriots - will play eight games at home and nine on the road.

The order and time of the games will be decided by the league at later date and is usually released in late May. But for now, we can take a look at the 14 teams that make up the New England Patriots' 2024 opponents...

The Patriots split their 2023 set of games against the Bills, and kept Josh Allen in check both times. Do they now have the formula to slowing him down? That will be a key question heading into their 2024 matchups.

The Dolphins were the only AFC East team to sweep the Patriots in 2023. In fact, their current two-game winning streak against the Pats is the longest of any AFC East team. Miami's offense likely isn't getting any less scary in 2024, so we'll see if the Patriots get better equipped to go punch-for-punch with them.

The Patriots never got to see the Aaron Rodgers-led version of the New York Jets in 2023 (well, nobody did). Rodgers' return will certainly be one of the most talked about storylines in 2024, and will include two matchups against the Patriots.

C.J. Stroud's sophomore campaign will include a stop in New England. Any chance he'll be facing off against his former Ohio State teammate, Marvin Harrison Jr.?

The Patriots' 2023 matchup against the Colts in Germany was one of the low points of the season. They'll have a chance to get their revenge next year, when they welcome the Colts to Foxborough.

If the Patriots part ways with Bill Belichick, the Chargers have been named a logical landing spot. If Belichick ends up in LA, this becomes one of the biggest if not the biggest game on the Patriots' 2024 schedule, as Belichick's return to Foxborough. If not, it's still a revenge game after the Chargers came into Gillette this year and shut the Patriots out in a 6-0 game.

This will be just the second meeting between the Patriots and Rams since they faced off in Super Bowl LIII, and the Rams' first trip to Foxborough since 2016. The Rams are one of the youngest teams in the NFL, so there won't be much carry over from those games on either side.

The Rams aren't the only one of the Patriots' former Super Bowl opponents they'll welcome to Gillette Stadium in 2024. Pete Carroll and the Seahawks come to town as well. That could mean a chance for the Patriots to face Geno Smith, who they have some familiarity with from his time with the Jets.

After a strong start to the 2023 season the Jaguars disappeared down the stretch and ended up missing the playoffs. Next year will be a crucial 'prove-it' year for all involved in Jacksonville, who the Patriots will visit.

The Titans are a franchise that could be making some major changes this offseason. A new head coach? A new quarterback? This matchup will likely be between two teams beginning a new era, in one way or another.

2023 was a disappointing one for the Bengals, highlighted by quarterback Joe Burrow missing significant time due to injury. Burrow will be back in 2024, and the Bengals should once again be one of the top teams in the AFC. A big question the Bengals are facing this offseason is what to do with pending free agent wide receiver Tee Higgins - who has been tabbed as a logical Patriots target.

Despite being in opposite conferences, the Patriots and Cardinals have met regularly in recent years. This will be their third meeting since 2020. Last time they played, Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray tore his ACL. He should be back for this one.

The 49ers are a true Super Bowl contender heading into this year's playoffs, and have the majority of their top players under contract for next year. Between the talent level and the cross-country trip, this may be pound-for-pound the hardest game on the Patriots' 2024 schedule - whenever it is.

The Bears have the first pick in this year's NFL Draft. Will the Patriots get to face Caleb Williams, or will Chicago move the pick to build around Justin Fields?

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.