Patriots open up significant cap space with release of J.C. Jackson
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 26: J.C. Jackson #29 of the New England Patriots tackles Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
In a move that’s been expected since late in the regular season, the New England Patriots released cornerback J.C. Jackson on Friday afternoon. ESPN’s Field Yates was the first to report the move.
The Patriots traded for Jackson back in October, in a late-round pick-swap move with the Los Angeles Chargers. Jackson ended up playing in eight games for the Patriots but saw his playing time decrease late in the season for disciplinary reasons, before eventually being placed on the NFI list in mid-December as he dealt with mental health issues.
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With Jackson’s release expected, cornerback has been tabbed as a secondary need for the Patriots this offseason – especially a boundary corner. Their current boundary corners under contract are Jonathan Jones, Christian Gonzalez, Shaun Wade, Isaiah Bolden, and Marco Wilson. They also have Azizi Hearn on a futures deal.
Because the Chargers ate a portion of Jackson’s contract as part of the trade, the Patriots don’t have any dead money on the cap from releasing him. In fact, the team opened up $13.46 million in cap space with the move, per Patriots salary cap expert Miguel Benzan. According to Benzan, the Patriots are now set to have over $103 million in cap space when the new league year begins and free agency opens in two weeks.
Of course, the Patriots can spend some of that cap space before free agency opens, retaining their own players. Here’s a look at their pending free agents for this spring…
The Patriots' list of pending free agents heading into the 2024 NFL offseason
L-R: New England Patriots TE Hunter Henry, OL Mike Onwenu, S Kyle Dugger. All three are pending free agents for the 2024 offseason. (USA Today)
With the 2023 NFL regular season in the books, the New England Patriots are officially into offseason mode. One of the first major tasks for the personnel department (whoever that ends up being) in the offseason is addressing the team’s list of internal free agents.
This year the Patriots have 24 players on expiring contracts per Patriots salary cap expert Miguel Benzan. The group of Patriots pending free agents is made up of 16 unrestricted free agents, one restricted free agent, five exclusive rights free agents, and two players on contracts that are set to void. Before we get to the players, here’s quick look at what each free agent classification means.
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Unrestricted free agents are the most common around the league. These are players with four-plus NFL seasons accrued. The Patriots can negotiate extensions with these players exclusively up until March 11, when the NFL’s legal tampering window begins. After that the players are free to speak with and sign with any team. Players on void contracts mostly become UFAs, assuming their deal isn’t extended before the void date.
Restricted free agents are players with three years of NFL experience. This category is usually used for UDFAs, whose rookie contracts are three years rather than the standard four for draft picks. Like UFAs, the team retains exclusive negotiating rights to these players through the legal tampering window, after which they can speak with any team. The difference is teams can choose to tender RFAs a contract beforehand. A tendered contract is a preset one-year deal that comes in different tiers. If a player is tendered and accepts an offer elsewhere, the original team can either match the offer and get the player back, or choose not to and get draft compensation relative to whatever tier the player was tendered at.
Exclusive rights free agents are players with less than three years of experience. To re-sign an ERFA a team simply has to tender the player, and that player is retained on a minimum contract. ERFAs that go untendered by the start of the new league year become unrestricted free agents.
O.K., now lets get into the 24 pending Patriots free agents (players are sorted by free agency classification)…
TE Hunter Henry (UFA)
Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) runs a route during the second half at against the Philadelphia Eagles Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Age at start of 2024 season: 29
2023 cap number: $15.5 million
2023 stats: 14 games, 10 starts, 42 catches, 419 yards, 6 TDs
With all three tight ends currently on the roster pending free agents, it would make sense for the Patriots to bring back Henry to retain some continuity at the position. He had a bounce-back year prior to getting hurt, and would be a valuable veteran voice in what is likely to be a new-look offense. He could even be a franchise tag candidate, with the projected 2024 tight end franchise tag of $12.01 million actually coming as a pay cut from his previous contract.
S Kyle Dugger (UFA)
Nov 5, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) runs the ball out of the end zone after an interception during the first half against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Age at start of 2024 season: 28
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $3.6 million
2023 stats: 17 games, 17 starts, 108 tackles, 6 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 7 PBUs, 2 INTs, FF
Dugger saw his role change in 2023. Following the retirement of Devin McCourty Dugger took on a bigger free safety-like role to start the season, with mixed results. He did play more in the box late in the year, and is still an impactful player in that spot. But with Jabrill Peppers and Marte Mapu still under contract, there’s only so many snaps to go around. Despite a down year in 2023 Dugger will still be one of the top safeties on the market this spring. Will the Patriots pay him as such for what will likely be a rotational role?
WR Kendrick Bourne (UFA)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 15: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the New England Patriots runs after a catch during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2024 season: 29
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $6.9 million
2023 stats: 8 games, 5 starts, 37 catches, 406 yards, 4 TDs
After getting de facto benched for most of last season, Bourne was off to a strong start in 2024 before tearing his ACL in late October. Coming off of that injury will certainly impact his market. If it’s all just one-year, prove-it offers on the table, the Patriots should be in the conversation to bring him back.
OT Riley Reiff (UFA)
Foxborough, MA: New England Patriots offensive tackle Riley Reiff (74) works with a weight bag during 2023 training camp. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
Age at start of 2024 season: 36
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $5 million
2023 stats: 1 game, 0 starts, 4.53% playing time
The Patriots made Reiff their big addition at tackle last offseason, but the move didn’t pan out. He dealt with multiple injuries starting in the preseason after he moved inside to guard. In the regular season, he only appeared in one game due to injuries. Given the multiple injuries and his age retirement seems like a real possibility with him. Even if he does want to come back, the Patriots should be looking for a more solid, long-term plan at tackle.
OT Trent Brown (Void)
Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Trent Brown (77) blocks against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Age at start of 2024 season: 31
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $12.2 million
2023 stats: 11 games, 8 starts, 17 pressures allowed, 3 sacks allowed, 2 penalties against, 58.45% playing time
Brown’s contract officially voids on February 20, meaning if there is a reunion in play it would make sense for both sides to get a new deal done quickly (Brown is on the books for $2.03 million in dead cap next year). However, the way Brown’s season ended makes that seem highly unlikely. Tackle will be a major need for the Patriots and both the free agent and draft classes are thin, so we can’t entirely rule anything out. That being said, it’d be a major surprise if Brown ends up back in New England in 2024.
LB Josh Uche (UFA)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 05: Sam Howell #14 of the Washington Commanders is hit by Josh Uche #55 of the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2024 season: 25
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $1.7 million
2023 stats: 15 games, 2 starts, 15 tackles, 3 TFLs, 3 sacks
Uche wasn’t able to replicate the absolute tear he was on down the stretch last season, which saw him finish with 11.5 sacks. Without Matthew Judon playing across from him his pressure rate dipped significantly as the Patriots created most of their pressure from the interior. Given that, he may not be in for the big payday that was expected at the start of the year. Could that set him up with a return to New England on a prove-it deal?
TE Mike Gesicki (UFA)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 10: Mike Gesicki #88 of the New England Patriots runs the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2024 season: 28
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $4.5 million
2023 stats: 17 games, 10 starts, 29 catches, 244 yards, 2 TDs
Gesicki failed to make the impact expected him when the Patriots added him in free agency last spring. Part of that may have been because the team wasn’t able to capitalize on his red zone ability since they were rarely in the end zone, and/or that with the offensive line struggles they needed their tight ends to block more, and that isn’t a strong suit in his game. It would make sense for both sides if he ends up a ‘one-and-one’ Patriot.
ST Matthew Slater (UFA)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 22: Matthew Slater #18 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a missed field goal attempt by the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter of the game at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2024 season: 39
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $1.3 million
2023 stats: 16 games, 6 tackles, 82.5% special teams playing time
Retirement seems like the likely path for Slater, after 16 NFL seasons. If he does decide to come back though, it’s hard to imagine there won’t be a place for him on the roster.
RB Ezekiel Elliott (UFA)
Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) runs on his way to scoring on a touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Age at start of 2024 season: 29
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $2.9 million
2023 stats: 17 games, 5 starts, 184 carries, 642 yards, 51 catches, 313 yards, 5 total TDs
Elliott didn’t sign with the Patriots until a month into training camp, but still is in the conversation for their best offseason offensive addition. He was a factor both as a runner and as a pass catcher, showing the league he still has plenty left in the tank after getting cut by the Dallas Cowboys. Having him back to spell with Rhamondre Stevenson would be good for the Patriots’ offense in 2024, but based on his performance he may get competitive offers from contending teams. Zeke seemed to enjoy his time in New England, but is that enough to keep him from truly pursuing a title?
DB Jalen Mills (Void)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 05: Jalen Mills #2 of the New England Patriots lines up against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2024 season: 30
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $2.9 million
2023 stats: 17 games, 8 starts, 45 tackles, TFL, PBU, FF
Last offseason Mills was cut and released by the Patriots – a move that came with a position change. After playing mostly boundary corner for the Patriots in 2022, he moved back to safety in 2023. With that move Mills’ playing time dropped from 75 percent in the games he was active in last year to just over 40 percent this year. Given that drop in playing time, it seems like the Patriots may be ready to move on from him.
DE Anfernee Jennings (UFA)
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Anfernee Jennings (33) waits on the snap of the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Age at start of 2024 season: 27
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $1.4 million
2023 stats: 15 games, 14 starts, 65 tackles, 14 TFLs, 1.5 sacks
After playing sparingly his first two seasons in the NFL, Jennings saw a more regular role in 2022 before establishing himself as one of the Patriots’ best run defenders in 2023. With his scheme-specific role, it would make sense for the Patriots to try and bring him back.
LB Mack Wilson (UFA)
Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (3) prepares for a game against the Philadelphia Eagles during the warm-up period at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Age at start of 2024 season: 26
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $1.6 million
2023 stats: 17 games, 1 start, 37 tackles, 4 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 3 PBUs, 2 FFs
Wilson had a breakout year for the Patriots in 2023 as the kind of athletic, sideline-to-sideline linebacker the team had been searching for. Given his success in that role and the team’s other needs, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Patriots are aggressive in bringing him back.
ST Cody Davis (UFA)
DENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 24: Safety Cody Davis #22 of the New England Patriots recovers a loose ball for a touchdwon after linebacker Marte Mapu #30 of the New England Patriots stripped the ball from wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. #19 of the Denver Broncos during the 3rd quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on December 24, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2024 season: 35
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $1.4 million
2023 stats: 11 games, 5 tackles, fumble recovery TD, 44.1 percent special teams playing time
After suffering a significant season-ending knee injury in 2022 Davis spent the first part of the 2023 season on the PUP list before returning to play in 11 games. If the Patriots stick with their ‘core’ special teams unit he could be back as a veteran in the group, but his age and the Patriots’ overall special teams performance this year could lead to the team looking elsewhere.
OL Mike Onwenu (UFA)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 03: Mike Onwenu #71 of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2024 season: 26
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $3 million
2023 stats: 15 games, 15 starts, 22 pressures allowed, 2 sacks allowed, 4 penalties against, 80.9% playing time
Left tackle will already be a major need for the Patriots this offseason. They’d be smart to not make right tackle a need too. Re-signing Onwenu should be among their top priorities when dealing with their internal free agents.
DB Myles Bryant (UFA)
Sep 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Myles Bryant (27) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Age at start of 2024 season: 26
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $2.6 million
2023 stats: 17 games, 9 starts, 77 tackles, 7 TFLs, 1 sack, 6 PBUs, INT, 2 FFs
After re-signing as an RFA last year, Bryant is set to hit the open market for real this spring. He’s coming off of the best year of his career and handled a number of different responsibilities in the Patriots’ defense. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Patriots bring him back.
TE Pharaoh Brown (UFA)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 15: Pharaoh Brown #86 of the New England Patriots reacts after a catch during the third quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2024 season: 30
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $940,000
2023 stats: 17 game, 11 starts, 13 catches, 208 yards, TD
Brown was one of the few positive surprises for the Patriots on offense this year. Signed between the end of training camp and the start of Week 1 he made a number of big plays for the Patriots early in the season. At 6-fot-5, 246 pounds he also showed up in the run game, and brought an overall physical edge to the Patriots’ offense. Brown is a textbook third tight end and tone setter, and if the money is right it would make a lot of sense to bring him back in a similar role next year.
WR Jalen Reagor (UFA)
Jan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Jalen Reagor (83) reacts after his catch against the New York Jets in the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Age at start of 2024 season: 25
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $617,222
2023 stats: 11 games, 1 start, 7 catches, 138 yards, 7 kick returns, 221 yards, 31.6 yards/return, TD
Reagor made a strong case late in the season to be back in camp competing for a roster spot in 2024. He had the kick return touchdown against the Bills, and also had a couple of skilled deep catches in the final two games.
OL James Ferentz (UFA)
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots guard James Ferentz (65) warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Age at start of 2024 season: 35
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $156,667
2023 stats: 1 game, 1 start, 0.40% usage rate
The late-season behind-the-scenes report from The Boston Herald indicated Ferentz has started operating as a coach late in the year. At 35 years old, maybe that role becomes official in 2024. At the same time the Patriots kept him on the practice squad for most of this year, and may be open to doing that again to keep his veteran presence in the building.
LB Terez Hall (RFA)
Jul 26, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Terez Hall (59) makes his way to the practice fields for training camp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Age at start of 2024 season: 27
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $500,000
2023 stats: None
The Patriots’ lone RFA this year, Hall spent the full season on IR. He joined the Patriots as a UDFA in 2019 and played 8 games in 2020, but hasn’t been back on the field in the regular season since while spending multiple stints on the practice squad. Signs point to him not getting a tender, but could still be back on a minimum deal.
LB Christian Elliss (ERFA)
Dec 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss (53) warms up before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Age at start of 2024 season: 25
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $193,333
2023 stats: 16 games, 1 start, 32 tackles, 2 TFL (with Patriots: 4 games, 2 tackles, 19% special teams playing time)
Elliss was one of the Patriots many waiver claims this season, and ended up filling a special teams role. If tendered, he’ll likely be back in camp next year competing for a similar role.
CB Alex Austin (ERFA)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 31: Alex Austin #28 of the New England Patriots intercepts a pass intended for Dalton Kincaid #86 of the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at Highmark Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2024 season: 23
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $416,667
2023 stats: 8 games, 1 start, 9 tackles, 2 PBUs, INT (with Patriots: 5 games, 1 start, 2 PBUs, INT)
After signing with the Patriots in November, Austin showed some real flashes down the stretch of his rookie year. The Patriots will need a third boundary cornerback next year to rotate with Christian Gonzalez and Jonathan Jones, and Austin should head into camp with serious momentum to win that role, assuming he’s re-signed.
OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr. (ERFA)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 17: Tyrone Wheatley Jr. #72 of the New England Patriots looks on after the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2024 season: 27
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $533,333
2023 stats: 2 games, 1.09% special teams playing time
Acquired in the Pierre Strong trade prior to roster cuts, Wheatley played a brief special teams role through the first two games of the season before spending the majority of the year on IR. Given the Patriots’ need for tackle depth (not just starters) it wouldn’t be surprising to see him back for camp.
QB Nathan Rourke (ERFA)
DENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Nathan Rourke #13 of the New England Patriots warms up as quarterback quarterback Mac Jones #10 watches prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on December 24, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2024 season: 26
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $125,000
2023 stats: None
Rourke signed with the Patriots in late December after spending most of the year between the Jaguars’ practice squad and active roster. He didn’t see any playing time with either team, but did show the Patriots’ coaches enough for them to make him active for the season finale.
WR Tre Nixon (ERFA)
Tre Nixon started his third preseason coming off two years on the Patriots practice squad, but didn’t get to finish it. (Photo by Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
Age at start of 2024 season: 25
2023 cap number (per OverTheCap.com): $450,000
2023 stats: None
Nixon got off to a strong start in camp before suffering a shoulder injury that landed him on season-ending IR. Still, the coaching staff has spoken highly of him since drafting him in the seventh round in 2021, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him back competing in camp again next summer.
