The New England Patriots are about to make some major decisions on their future.
Mainly, those decisions are expected to come on the coaching staff and/or front office, as Bill Belichick’s job status remains by far the No. 1 story to watch in Foxboro. But it’s important to remember that the Patriots aren’t also going to fire all the players. There will be plenty of holdovers from 2023 to 2024.
The question is, who? Of course, you can expect most of the 2023 draft class to remain in New England for their second seasons and beyond. But what about some of the team’s key unrestricted free agents? Better yet, what about guys who are heading into their contract years and deserve extensions?
Sep 25, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (90) reacts during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
It may be time for the Patriots to re-shape their coaching hierarchy, but it’s always time for them to identify pieces that they can build around for the future. Or, at least, players that fit well here and should stick around beyond 2023 or 2024. So, at some point, whoever’s running personnel will have to look at who he wants to keep for not just one more year but multiple years.
Players on this list are either under contract with the Patriots for 2024 or on track for unrestricted free agency. They’ve been earmarked as players that the team should continue to work with and see what happens, if not make them cornerstones for the foreseeable future.
Here are seven Patriots players pinpointed as potential building blocks for the next era…
DT Christian Barmore
Jan 1, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (90) reacts after a sack against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
It’s a no-brainer. Christian Barmore needs a contract extension. Not next year. Right now.
The Patriots have landed a premium player with a high draft pick, which is typically a situation where said player sees a second contract. And considering the Patriots’ recent draft struggles – and that Mac Jones appears to have totally flamed out – they really can’t afford to just let Barmore walk after hitting a home run on that pick.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 07: Christian Barmore #90 of the New England Patriots tackles Breece Hall #20 of the New York Jets in the second half during a game at Gillette Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Barmore finally emerged as a consistent every-down force in his third season, after inconsistency and injuries slowed his progress over his first two. He improved significantly against the run, which was a big factor in him landing eighth among all interior defenders in the Pro Football Focus grades. But he also had his best year so far as a pass-rusher, as he racked up a career-high eight sacks and totaled 49 pressures, which was 14th overall among defensive tackles and second among those who played 100 percent of pass-rush snaps for their teams.
No more bullshit. No more letting guys walk because they’re too expensive or – gasp – might make more than the head coach or quarterback! Barmore deserves an extension with an AAV in the neighborhood of $20 million. That needs to happen here. Period.
TE Hunter Henry
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 07: Tight end Hunter Henry (85) of the New England Patriots celebrates after a touchdown reception in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on December 07, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Henry is headed for unrestricted free agency after playing out his entire three-year, $37.5 million contract with the Patriots. Believe it or not, Henry’s six touchdown catches were tied for second among tight ends in the regular season. So, whether it’s in New England or elsewhere, the 29-year-old Henry should be in line for another long-term deal with an eight-figure AAV.
It’s quite possible that Henry would be among the free agents who want a fresh start, as tackle Trent Brown seems to be. But at the same time, he became a Patriots team captain for the first time in 2023, and has set an impeccable example in terms of professionalism.
The Patriots should be looking to keep Henry in the fold as a cornerstone player and captain going forward. If the interest is mutual, then a deal should be worked out this off-season.
WR Jalen Reagor
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
Reagor shouldn’t be relied upon to be a top-2 receiving option just yet, but he showed enough down the stretch to be a player of intrigue heading into 2024. Reagor went on a three-game streak with at least one catch, which in the context of the 2023 offense is a veritable explosion. And they were loud catches, as Reagor hauled in passes of 28, 39, and 33 yards. He also scored a 98-yard touchdown on the opening kickoff against the Buffalo Bills in Week 17.
Since Reagor will be a free agent, the Patriots can once again sign him on their terms. He surely won’t be too expensive. But as a former first-round pick, Reagor may still have some untapped potential to become a legitimate weapon. And the Patriots need those.
OL Mike Onwenu
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)
Onwenu may actually be the Patriots’ No. 1 priority as far as free agents go. He may play the decidedly un-sexy position of offensive lineman, but he stabilized the right side of the Patriots’ O-line after shifting to right tackle, and he’s also proven as a guard.
A homegrown talent who plays a premium position, and a fine example for the rest of the team, Onwenu deserves to get paid, and to get paid by the team that developed him. He’d be a major loss. He shouldn’t be. He should be a Patriot for life.
S Jabrill Peppers
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 26: Jabrill Peppers #5 of the New England Patriots celebrates after recovering a fumble during the first quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Peppers is coming off arguably the best season of his career, looking rejuvenated and locked in throughout his second year in New England. He set a new career-high with two interceptions and 34 INT return yards. It was also just the second time in his career that he logged at least one pick, forced fumble, fumble recovery, and sack.
As one of the more vocal, passionate players on the team, Peppers also appeared to establish himself as a leadership presence. His exemplary efforts on and off the field should make him a prime candidate to re-sign with the Patriots, especially since he seems like he wants to stay.
LB Anfernee Jennings
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 24: Anfernee Jennings #33 of the New England Patriots celebrates a stop in the first quarter of a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 24, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Patriots needed Jennings more than ever after Matthew Judon went down with a torn bicep. The fourth-year pro responded with easily a career-best season, which included 14 starts. Jennings set a new career high with 65 total tackles, logged 1.5 sacks and four QB hits, and recovered a fumble for the first time as a Patriot.
Jennings is a clear fit for the Patriots, and shouldn’t cost too much on an extension. He should be kept in the fold.
CB Alex Austin
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)
After signing with the Patriots in November, Austin had a shaky debut before playing shockingly well down the stretch. Shockingly well by the standard of a guy who signed in November, for sure. Austin looked far better than J.C. Jackson ever did in 2023 and he seems more reliable than Jack Jones ever was. He’s earned a shot to at least stay with the Patriots for 2024 camp.
