S Devin McCourty (UFA)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 30: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots celebrates an interception during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2023 season: 36
2022 salary (per OverTheCap): $9 million
2022 stats: 17 games, 17 starts, 71 tackles, 4 INTs, 8 PBUs
McCourty did take a bit of a step back on the field in 2022, but it’s clear the way teammates have spoken about him in recent weeks he’s valuable voice inside the Patriots’ locker room. Bringing him back in a limited role in a young secondary wouldn’t be a bad move, but his 2023 status will mainly come down to whether or not he wants to keep playing or retire – something he’s hinted at after the last two games.
ST Matthew Slater (UFA)
Dec 24, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater (18) and Cincinnati Bengals running back Trayveon Williams (32) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Age at start of 2023 season: 38
2022 salary: $2.62 million
2022 stats: 17 games, 13 tackles
It’s tough to imagine the door wouldn’t be open for long-time team captain Matthew Slater to return this offseason if he wants to. He’s hinted that he could retire though, and was visibly emotional after Sunday’s game. This could be it for the future Hall of Famer.
CB Jonathan Jones (UFA)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 18: Jonathan Jones #31 of the New England Patriots reacts during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2023 season: 29
2022 salary: $7 million
2022 stats: 16 games, 16 starts, 69 tackles, 4 INTs, 11 PBUs
Prior to the 2019 season, the Patriots signed Jones to a three-year, $21 million contract extension that proved to be a steal for the team. Now, Jones is up again after looking like a No. 1 cornerback at times in 2022. Jones’ situation is tricky. He was the Patriots’ best cornerback this year, but the team desperately needs more size at the position. Whether or not they bring him back, it’s a position of need either way. Will they stack the depth chart, or make room for a new acquisition to play a bigger role?
WR Jakobi Meyers (UFA)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 11: Jakobi Meyers #16 of the New England Patriots rushes the football in the fourth quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2023 season: 26
2022 salary: $3.99 million
2022 stats: 14 games, 13 starts, 67 receptions, 804 yards, 6 TDs
The Patriots brought Meyers back as an RFA last year and he assumed the No. 1 wide receiver role in the offense. Despite missing three games during the season due to injuries, Meyers still led the Patriots in receiving this year. At the wide receiver position, production gets players paid, and Meyers is due for a sizable raise in 2023. Will it be the Patriots that give it to him?
DB Myles Bryant (RFA)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 24: Myles Bryant #27 of the New England Patriots looks on prior to a game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2023 season: 25
2022 salary: $837,500
2022 stats: 17 games, 6 starts, 70 tackles, 6 PBUs, 1 INT
Bryant is one of two Patriots RFAs this year. He flashed at times this season in a hybrid cornerback/safety role, but struggled in man coverage assignments. If he returns, look for him to play more safety like he did in the second half of the 2020 season.
WR Nelson Agholor (UFA)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 18: Nelson Agholor #15 of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown during the first half in the game against the New England Patriots at Acrisure Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2023 season: 30
2022 salary: $11 million
2022 stats: 16 games, 7 starts, 31 catches, 362 yards, 2 TDs
It’s easy to forget, but Agholor was the Patriots’ best receiver through the first month of the season with 14 catches for 225 yards and a score over the first four games. He quickly fell out of favor though as his hands became an issue both in terms of drops and fumbles. Unless he’s willing to take a very team-friendly, prove-it deal (which is unlikely), this probably marks the end of his time with the Patriots.
OT Isaiah Wynn (UFA)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 27: Isaiah Wynn #76 of the New England Patriots looks on after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2023 season: 27
2022 salary: $2.86 million
2022 stats: 9 games, 7 starts, 17 pressures allowed, 4 sacks allowed
Wynn played under his fifth-year option this year, and now the 2018 first-round pick is set to hit free agency for the first time. Early on in the season Wynn struggled, and he was benched multiple times. He returned to the starting lineup in Week 11, but got hurt in that game and didn’t play again. A parting of the ways seems like the best option for both sides here.
RT Conor McDermott (UFA)
Dec 12, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Conor McDermott (75) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Age at start of 2023 season: 30
2022 salary: $1.04 million
2022 stats: 5 games, 5 starts, 8 pressures allowed, 0 sacks allowed
Late in the season and dealing with a pile of injury at the tackle position, the Patriots signed McDermott off the Jets’ practice squad. It was a shaky start, but he found his stride over the final three games. At 31-years-old he’s no a long-term fix at the position, but if he’d re-sign on a team-friendly deal, he’s be a good backup option.
DB Jabrill Peppers (UFA)
Nov 6, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers (3) reacts with safety Devin McCourty (32) during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Age at start of 2023 season: 27
2022 salary: $2 million
2022 stats: 16 games, 5 starts, 60 tackles, 2 TFL
Peppers impact early in the season was minimal, but he starting making an impact in the second half of the season both on defense and special teams. The energy he brought to both units was easy to see, highlighted by his big hits. Later in the year, the team started taking advantage of his versatility on defense as he lined up as a pass rusher and boundary cornerback in addition to box safety. He’s a player to watch to return in 2023, especially if McCourty chooses to retire.
DL Daniel Ekuale (UFA)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 12: Daniel Ekuale #95 of the New England Patriots celebrates after sacking Colt McCoy #12 of the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on December 12, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2023 season: 29
2022 salary: $1.16 million
2022 stats: 15 games, 14 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 sacks, PBU
The Patriots clearly like what Ekuale brings to the table as a rotational pass-rushing interior defensive lineman. They elevated him off the practice squad eight times in 2021, then gave him a full roster spot for 2022. He played the fourth-most snaps of any defensive lineman on the team. He seems like a player that could be back on a team-friendly deal.
LS Joe Cardona (UFA)
Joe Cardona begins his eighth season as the Patriots’ long snapper. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2023 season: 31
2022 salary: $1.08 million
2022 stats: 14 games
Cardona, who ended the season on IR with a foot injury, has been once of the best long-snappers in the NFL since being drafted by the Patriots in 2015. While special teams changes are needed, keeping a core player around from when the kicking game was a strength should be a priority.
C James Ferentz (UFA)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 11: James Ferentz #65 of the New England Patriots during the preseason game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2023 season: 34
2022 salary: $1.04 million
2022 stats: 12 games, 3 starts, 4 pressures allowed, 2 sacks allowed
Ferentz is now one of the longest-tenured Patriots, having just wrapped up his seventh season in New England. Given the veteran depth he provides on the offensive line and projected cost, he could be looking at another one-year, team-friendly deal.
ST Cody Davis (UFA)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 29: Cody Davis #22 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to facing the Arizona Cardinals at Gillette Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2023 season: 34
2022 salary: $2.15 million
2022 stats: 6 games, 6 tackles
When Davis suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 6, Bill Belichick spoke at length about the value he brings to special teams and how tough he’d be to replace. Assuming he’s healthy enough to return to play he seems like a guy the Patriots would bring back – especially if Slater retires.
LB Raekwon McMillan (UFA)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 12: Raekwon McMillan #50 of the New England Patriots recovers a fumble to score a 23 yard touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on December 12, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2023 season: 27
2022 salary: $1.09 million
2022 stats: 16 games, 1 start, 35 tackles, 5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 TD
After missing all of last season with a torn ACL, McMillan was expected to add a jolt of athleticism to the second level of the Patriots’ defense. He did so at times, but wasn’t consistent and ended up being a rotational player by the end of the season. They say players don’t truly get back to form until two years after ACL surgery, so will the Patriots give him another year? If they can get him on a similar contract they did in 2020, it wouldn’t be a bad move.
LB Mack Wilson (UFA)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 20: Mack Wilson Sr. #30 of the New England Patriots reacts after a sack against the New York Jets during the second half at Gillette Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2023 season: 25
2022 salary: $707,201
2022 stats: 17 games, 3 starts, 36 tackles, 2 TFL, 1.5 sacks, forced fumble, PBU
In the spring the Patriots traded Chase Winovich to acquire Wilson in the final year of his rookie contract. Like McMillan, the feeling was that he’d be able to add speed and athleticism to the second level. While Wilson flashed early, he struggled in coverage and by the end of the season was only playing on special teams.
RB Damien Harris (UFA)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 09: Damien Harris #37 of the New England Patriots runs past DeShon Elliott #5 of the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2023 season: 26
2022 salary: $907,784
2022 stats: 11 games, 9 starts, 106 carries, 462 yards (4.4 yards/carry), 3 TDs, 17 catches, 97 yards
With the emergence of Rhamondre Stevenson, Harris saw his role decrease in 2022. His playing time was then cut further by a nagging thigh injury late in the season. Still, when Harris was on the field he was productive. The Patriots don’t typically give running backs second contracts, but Harris is a good complement to Stevenson and also a valuable voice inside the Patriots’ locker room. Don’t rule out him returning if the money is right.
RT Marcus Cannon
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 08: Marcus Cannon #61 of the New England Patriots looks on during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2023 season: 35
2022 salary: $1.71 million
2022 stats: 5 games, 4 starts, 11 pressures allowed, 1 sack allowed
Needing a quick-fix at tackle early in the year, the Patriots signed Cannon despite the fact he’d spent training camp not on an NFL roster. He ended up starting four games for them, succeeding as a run blocker but not as much in pass protection. A concussion ended his season just before the bye. Given the need for a long-term answer at the position, it seems unlikely the team would bring him back, and he could end up choosing to retire.
OT Yodny Cajuste (RFA)
Aug 19, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste (72) lines up during the first half of a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Age at start of 2023 season: 27
2022 salary: $870,545
2022 stats: 10 games, 3 starts, 12 pressures allowed, 3 sack allowed
A rookie-year injury tolled his contract, so despite being drafted four years ago Cajuste isn’t eligible for unrestricted free agent status just yet. Given the Patriots need offensive line depth and they can get him back on an affordable deal, it makes sense to think he’ll at least start the 2023 season with the team.
DL Carl Davis (UFA)
Oct 16, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Carl Davis Jr. (98) celebrates his fumble recovery with linebacker Matthew Judon (9) against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Age at start of 2023 season: 31
2022 salary: $1.19 million
2022 stats: 16 games, 2 starts, 11 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, fumble recovery
Davis has been a good early-down, run-stopping rotational defensive tackle for the Patriots for the last three years. He offers key depth behind Davon Godchaux. Is that enough to get him a new contract? He may get some attention around the league, but a return to New England doesn’t seem unrealistic.
P Michael Palardy (UFA)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – DECEMBER 01: Michael Palardy #17 of the New England Patriots punts the ball during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 01, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
Age at start of 2023 season: 31
2022 salary: $1.12 million
2022 stats: 8 games, 42 punts, 37.1 net yards/punt, 11.9% touchbacks, 23.8% I-20
The Patriots may or may not choose to move on from Jake Bailey this offseason depending on what happens with his suspension and grievance. If they do though, Palardy – who took over the job when Bailey was placed on IR in the middle of the season – isn’t the answer. His 37.1 net yards per punt ranked last in the league among qualified punters, and the team ended up having to hand the kickoff duties to Nick Folk. Bringing in another punter to compete with Bailey shouldn’t be out of the question, but Palardy isn’t the guy for that roster spot.
CB Joejuan Williams (UFA)
Aug 12, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Joejuan Williams (33) runs the ball after intercepting a pass against the Washington Football Team during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Age at start of 2023 season: 25
2022 salary: $1.66 million
2022 stats: DNP
The 45th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Williams failed to catch on with the Patriots over his first three years in New England, then spent all of this season on IR. He’ll probably be looking elsewhere in free agency.
WR Kristian Wilkerson (ERFA)
Jan 2, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson (17) reacts after his touchdown during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Age at start of 2023 season: 26
2022 salary: $835,000
2022 stats: DNP
Wilkerson pushed for a roster spot at the end of training camp, but suffered a concussion and was placed on IR prior to roster cuts, ending his season. Given he can offer both wide receiver depth and special teams ability (he’s worked closely with Matthew Slater during the last two training camps), he seems like a strong candidate to return.
K Quinn Nordin (ERFA)
Patriots kicker Quinn Nordin kicks a field goal during warmups before a preseason game against the Washington Football Team at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. (Syndication: The Providence Journal)
Age at start of 2023 season: 25
2022 salary: $705,000
2022 stats: DNP
Yup, Nordin is still on the Patriots. He was placed on the NFI list in June, and hasn’t been on the field since. If the Patriots want to keep him around as a plan B behind Nick Folk, they should be able to do so for cheap.
