Defensive back Myles Bryant is one of two Patriots restricted free agents this year, along with Yodny Cajuste. On Tuesday, the team placed a right of first refusal tender on Bryant, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
Bryant is a restricted free agent because his contract is up with fewer than four accrued NFL seasons. This is typically the case for undrafted free agents, who get default three-year contracts.
By signing Bryant to a tender, the Patriots guarantee they don’t lose him for nothing. He is still technically a free agent, and can continue negotiating with both the Patriots and other teams on a long term deal. However, because of the tender if he agrees to a deal with another team, the Patriots will have the right to match the deal and keep Bryant on that contract.
The Patriots used the ‘right of first refusal’ tender, meaning they wouldn’t receive any draft compensation if they lose Bryant. First and second round tenders are more expensive. If no deal is reached, Bryant would play under the tender in 2023 at a cost of $2.63 million. He’d then become an unrestricted free agent in 2024.
Last season, Bryant played in 17 games for the Patriots splitting his time between cornerback and safety. Playing 61 percent of the team’s total defensive snaps, he recorded 70 tackles and six pass breakups with one interception.
Bryant is the second member of the secondary the Patriots have brought back in the last two days. The team also extended cornerback Jonathan Jones on Monday. For a full list of NFL transactions, check out our Free Agency Tracker.
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 [email protected].
