After two disappointing seasons, the New England Patriots were expected to make a comeback in 2024. They had the second most cap space in pro football, nearly $100 million, and a top-3 draft pick for the first time in 30 years. The new head coach seemed to have enough resources to turn the team around. Expectations were high as free agency began, especially since the new head coach had assembled his coaching staff, and was designated as the de facto general manager. New England Patriots appeared poised for a resurgence during the 2024 offseason with the second most available cap space in pro football.
With nearly $100 million in cap space and a top-3 draft pick for the first time in three decades, new head coach Jerod Mayo seemed to have ample resources to facilitate the team’s turnaround. Expectations were high as the free agency period commenced, mainly since Mayo had already assembled his coaching staff, and Eliot Wolf was designated the de facto general manager.
Mayo set the tone by saying the Patriots had some “cash to burn” but ultimately clarified what those statements meant in a bit of a backpedal. Still, it felt like the big free-agent splash never came. Patriots nation always felt like they were waiting on more big news. But despite the lack of a blockbuster signing, Pro Football Focus has granted the Patriots a Free Agency Grade of B+.
PFF’s Surprising B+ Free Agency Grade for New England
Despite the underwhelming fan reaction, Pro Football Focus (PFF) surprised many by awarding the Patriots a commendable grade of B+ for their free agency maneuvers, one of the highest grades among all 32 teams. Here is a list of the moves the Patriots have made so far during the free agency period:
- Released: DI Lawrence Guy
- Released: CB J.C. Jackson
- Released: S Adrian Phillips
- Franchise-tagged: S Kyle Dugger
- Signed: T Chukwuma Okorafor (one year, $4M)
- Re-signed: TE Hunter Henry (three years, $27M)
- Re-signed: WR Kendrick Bourne (three years, $19.5M)
- Signed: RB Antonio Gibson (three years, $11.25M)
- Released: WR DeVante Parker
- Re-signed: T Mike Onwenu (three years, $57M)
- Signed: QB Jacoby Brissett (one year, $8M)
- Signed: LB Sione Takitaki (two years, $6.5M)
- Re-signed: WR Jalen Reagor (one year, $1.29M)
- Re-signed: EDGE Josh Uche (one year, $3M)
- Signed: TE Austin Hooper (one year, TBD)
- Signed: WR K.J. Osborn (one year, $4M)
- Re-signed: EDGE Anfernee Jennings (three years, $12M)
- Signed: G Nick Leverett (TBD)
- Signed: DI Armon Watts (TBD)
PFF’s Brad Spielberger justified his assessment by highlighting the significance of retaining critical players like Mike Onwenu and Hunter Henry. He considered them key building blocks for the team’s future success, largely due to their talent and leadership.
The Patriots have constantly moved Onwenu around the offensive line, appeared to have drafted a few potential replacements in recent years and waited until the guard market exploded over the past week before seemingly giving in on all of Onwenu’s wishes. Onwenu gets nearly $20 million annually but also gives up only three years of his services. The Michigan graduate negotiated his own deal after firing his agents a week before free agency, and he did remarkably well for himself in the end. – Brad Spielberger, PFF
However, Spielberger also underscored the need for the Patriots to utilize their remaining cap space more aggressively to surround their presumed rookie quarterback, whom they are expected to select in the upcoming draft, with a stronger supporting cast. It makes one wonder if the B+ grade is also due in large part to the remaining cap space available.
The Patriots have a ton of cash to burn and need a better situation around their next franchise quarterback, and Henry has been characterized as a leader on this offense. That said, this is a strong deal for a tight end who will turn 30 years old in 2024. Bourne is recovering from a torn ACL and is reportedly on track to suit up in Week 1. He was in the midst of his best season when he went down. New England at least has a few reliable pass catchers in the fold, but they still need to go big-game hunting. – Brad Spielberger, PFF
The Patriots External Additions and Misses
While the re-signings were undoubtedly crucial, the apparent reluctance to invest in external talent, despite ample financial resources, raises concerns about the team’s commitment to addressing pressing needs, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.
The most significant external addition was former Commanders’ RB Antonio Gibson. Gibson is an excellent pass-catching RB who played WR at the University of Memphis. However, many lists, including PFF, didn’t rank Gibson among the top 10 RBs available at the start of free agency. For Gibson to be the most notable offensive addition to date is a bit underwhelming despite how crucial of a role he may play.
With Rhamondre Stevenson still keeping the RB1 position, the Patriots didn't need to go after a top RB, but they really needed to go after a top WR in free agency. That seems like a big mistake at the moment. They did bring back Kendrick Bourne, but he's not a WR1. Despite aggressively pursuing former Jaguars WR Calvin Ridley and making a serious offer, the Patriots missed out on the star WR when he signed with Tennessee. The Patriots were also connected to Buccaneers star WR Mike Evans, but he's staying in Tampa Bay.
The Patriots did sign ex-Vikings WR K.J. Osborn, who has shown potential. However, he's still just a depth player at the WR position and is not a game-changer on offense. The Patriots may need to look to the draft or a trade to add a dynamic pass catcher to the WR group.
As noted by PFF, it was crucial for the Patriots to re-sign Mike Onwneu this offseason. Many thought they would also pursue the Bengals’ Jonah Williams or the Cowboys’ Tyron Smith, two experienced offensive line players who would immediately improve the Patriots’ underwhelming offensive line. Unfortunately, nothing has happened in terms of external additions to the offensive line. It might just be another position that has to be addressed through the draft, but those positions are piling up.
More of the Same From the Patriots Front Office?
Fans expected a lot of action in free agency, hoping to see the Patriots go after and get top talent to strengthen the team’s roster for the upcoming season. And despite the decent PFF grade of B+, it still depends on more moves to boost the offense.
It's undeniable that the early part of free agency didn't unfold as many had hoped. Instead, it followed a familiar pattern, reflecting Belichick’s traditional approach of passing on top players and opting for small signings on short-term contracts.
While the Patriots successfully kept key impending free agents without spending too much, their reluctance to pursue outside talent left some fans disappointed, wanting to see a change from the previous conservative approach.
As the offseason continues, Patriots fans remain hopeful that the team will take advantage of the remaining opportunities to strengthen the roster and set themselves up for significant improvement from the 2023 season.
