What Free Agents Fit The 2022 Patriots?

As the 2022 offseason officially begins, the New England Patriots look for what free agents fit their current roster.

The chaos that is the beginning of NFL free agency has begun, and the madness we saw in the trade market over the last two years continued with some of the early signings. The Patriots, a team with plenty of holes to fill and some that seem to be appearing as free agency begins, appear to have a completely different mindset in 2022, appearing to go back to their ways of wait, see and pounce with one-year prove-it deals for veterans that slipped through the cracks. The Patriots have re-signed some of their own, but they’ve also lost two major pieces. New England needs to figure out what free agents fit the 2022 Patriots.

New England is bringing back Brian Hoyer on a two-year deal, Devin McCourty is back on a one-year deal, as is special teams star, Matthew Slater. All-Pro kicker Nick Folk will also return on a two-year deal, as will G/C Kirk Ferentz, who will likely take the newly vacated position as the inside depth man on the offensive line. Going OUT the door is G/C Ted Karras, who signed with the AFC Champion Bengals, and star cornerback J.C. Jackson, who signed a megadeal with the L.A. Chargers (5 yrs/82.5 million). Those are great deals for both of those players, and their losses will definitely be felt. The Jackson loss obviously is the one that makes a bigger impact, but New England’s offer of 3 yrs/54 million wasn’t going to get the job done, and the reason is the deal he received in Los Angeles. They had the money, an owner willing to dish out 40 million in guaranteed money, and a need. Jackson gets to go to Los Angeles and enjoy wth the weather while being rich and playing with Justin Herbert; not a bad deal for the 26-year old.

That being said, the Patriots, as stated earlier, created ANOTHER hole by not being able to retain their best defensive back. There are not a lot of free agents on the market that jump out at that position, so that should be an interesting development as the offseason wears on. Cornerback, the new gaping hole in the Patriot’s depth chart, joins wide receiver, offensive line, and the front seven. If there was ever a year to load up and take a bunch of wideouts and front seven players, this is the year, BUT, there are some free agents available, especially receivers, that are known commodities that will help Mac Jones and the Patriots offense. Let’s take a look at which of the best available free agents fit the Patriot’s potential cost parameters and system.

WIDE RECEIVER

New England has STRUGGLED to draft a consistent wide receiver since they took a 5’9 quarterback out of Kent State and put him in the slot. Since 2000, besides Edelman, David Givens, and Deion Branch, New England has only hit on one receiver, Malcolm Mitchell, who had major knee problems and played for one season. That’s it. Four wide receivers in 21 seasons, one of whom didn’t play another game after helping lead them to win a Super Bowl. There are some good receivers available, but do the Patriots want to spend to get them?

Allen Robinson, CHI, UFA– This is the guy all Patriots fans are begging for, and according to media reports, Patriots players have been recruiting him, but if he wants to get paid big bucks, New England likely isn’t the place for him. Great fit from a scheme standpoint, Robinson has been underused and would be an absolute stud as the X in the Patriots offense, but again, the cost likely prevents this move from happening. If Robinson wants to play for a good organization, something that would make sense when you’ve spent your career in Jacksonville and Chicago. New England would be considerably better on offense with Robinson, so if they could ever figure out the money, he is the dream scenario at wideout.

Jarvis Landry, CLE, UFA– Another strong fit for the Patriots offense who may be priced out due to his demand around the league. Landry was a thorn in the side of the Patriots when he was with the Dolphins, and Bill Belichick has a history of going after players that have hurt him in the past, so it is pretty much a guarantee that the Patriots have made a call and likely an offer. Landry’s market is roughly 12 million, so New England can afford him. Landry is also a slot receiver, something the Patriots desperately need right now. If Landry remains on the market and his number drops to about 10 million, this could potentially be a fit. Landry did miss four games in 2021, so his numbers were down from years prior, but he is just 29, so he should return back to his 100-reception productive self in 2022.

Jamison Crowder, NYJ, UFA– Crowder wouldn’t cost nearly as much as Landry or Robinson, and he is another slot receiver, the true area of need in the Patriots receiving core. Crowder had a big year in 2019, but in ’20 and ’21 his targets, games started, and total games played dropped in a significant way. Crowder is still just 28 and he may be the perfect fit based on the combination of price, need, and speed, something the Patriots so desperately need on both sides of the ball. Crowder also returned punts and kickoffs when he was with Washington, but New England would likely use him just on the offensive side of things. If the Patriots were to land a guy like Crowder, that would allow them to draft a younger slot receiver and let him develop in their system.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, PIT, UFA– JuJu has been up and down throughout his career, but that doesn’t change the fact he is extremely talented and still very young. Smith-Schuster only played in five games in 2021 due to injury, but in 2020 he finished with 97 catches for 831 and nine touchdowns. That is the type of production the Patriots could use in their offense, and due to his inconsistency, Smith-Schuster is not going to break the bank. He is likely going to be on a one-year prove-it deal, maybe two years at the most. The 25-year old out of USC can play in the slot and outside, a skill that always entices Bill Belichick.

A.J. Green, ARI, UFA– Yes, he is 33 and will be 34 in July. He’s also 6’4, runs better than half the receivers in the league, and he finished the 2021 season with 54 catches for 848 yards and three touchdowns. Considering he was sharing the ball with Deandre Hopkins (for 10 games), Christian Kirk, James Connor, Chase Edmonds, Rondale Moore, and Zach Ertz, it is even more impressive that Green was able to carve out his spot after joining a brand new team while also coming off a major injury. Green would absolutely help the Patriots, this would not be a Tory Holt/Joey Galloway/Reggie Wayne/Chad Johnson situation. Green can still play, and he would bring Mac Jones a strong veteran target that will teach him a thing or two about the passing game in the NFL.

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OFFENSIVE LINE

This area is in a different boat than the receivers simply because of the Shaq Mason trade and the uncertainty with Trent Brown. The line is not settled, but we are just getting started There have been rumors for weeks that the Patriots were trying to move Mason, so they clearly have a plan in mind to adjust their line. This is not a problem, they do it every few years because it is a necessity. Mason is still in his prime and very good, but he did struggle in pass protection during the first half of 2021, and if the Patriots think they can replace him, which they seem to do regularly with interior linemen, then they’ll do it. It will save them on the cap, allow them to get younger up front, and use that money to improve the roster in other areas. What free agents fit the Patriots up front? Let’s take a look.

Andrew Norwell, G, JAX, UFA– Norwell, 30, played his college days at Ohio State and spent his eight-year career with two teams- four years with Carolina and four years with Jacksonville. Norwell has started 111 of 112 career games and was a 2017 1st Team All-Pro, so he can clearly play. He may demand a good amount of money, but at the age of 30 and going into his third contract, this is likely the last chance he has to play for a good team. If New England could get Norwell on a short-term deal that helps both parties, it would make sense to bring him in. Again, it is strongly believed that New England will address the Mason-sized hole in the draft, but if they decide they don’t want to wait, Norwell would be a solid replacement.

Trent Brown, T, NE, UFA– There isn’t a lot to explain here. Brown never should have left New England to go to the Raiders, but he did for the bonus, which is understandable. It didn’t work out, but his return to New England did. Guys like Brown are not easy to find. He is a mountain of a man, a game-changer on the offensive line that the Patriots need to keep in front of their talented young quarterback. Give him 3 years, 34 million with 15 guaranteed, and get this done. They cannot afford to lose 40% of their starting offensive line in one offseason, not to mention Ted Karras, who started a bunch of games last year. Get. This. Done.

Nate Solder, T, NYG, UFA– Former Patriots tackle Nate Solder is back on the market again, and if the Patriots can’t work out a deal with Brown, they may place a call to Solder. Solder started every game in his three-year Giant stint after leaving New England. Solder has started 143 of a possible 146 games in his NFL career, with the three non-started games coming his rookie year when the Patriots were first using him as a swing tackle. Solder is 33 years old, but he is a terrific athlete who has only had one real injury in his entire 10-year career. The Patriots love to sign what they know, and Solder is a known commodity.

John Miller, G, CAR, UFA– Miller, 28, has played for three franchises in his career- Buffalo, Cincinnati, and Carolina, starting 84 of a possible 84 games. Miller has missed some time due to injury, most notably in 2017 when he went down after just four games. Miller was a Top 10 guard in 2021 according to PFF, so he could definitely be looking at a decent contract on the open market, but his injury history is real and that will make some teams shy away. If the number is right, due to the talent, the Patriots are NOT one of those teams that would be afraid to sign him. He fits their small investment/big return model, assuming they can sign him.

Quinton Spain, G, CIN, UFA– Spain is another guy that bounced around to three different franchises but has been and consistently started everywhere he has been, Between Buffalo, Tennessee, and Cincinnati, Spain has started 90 of 95 possible games, and his good health and flexibility will attract a team like the Patriots. Spain did struggle at times this past season with the Bengals, but the Patriots typically get the most out of offensive linemen, and if they see some upside, even at the age of 30, the Patriots will be interested.

FRONT SEVEN

Bobby Wagner, LB, SEA, UFA– The Seahawks released maybe the best linebacker in the NFL, and although he will likely cost 14-16 million per year, he would be a HUGE addition to the Patriots defense, a defense that needs an influx of speed and talent. Wagner is likely looking for a three or four-year deal, which really shouldn’t be an issue for New England. Wagner will turn 32 in June, but he still had 170 total tackles last year. If they can make this work, it buys them time to draft and develop more linebackers.

Jadeveon Clowney, DE, CLE, UFA– Clowney had one of the best seasons of his career in ’21, finishing with 37 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, nine sacks, 19 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and two passes defended. He played in 14 games, starting them all. Clowney has been inconsistent throughout his career, but he is clearly very talented and would bring quite a presence opposite Matthew Judon. Clowney has always had the reputation as a great pass rusher, and he is good, but his true strength is stuffing the run. He tosses linemen like ragdolls and sets the edge well, something Bill Belichick loves. Clowney and Belichick seem like a match made in football heaven. At just 29 years old, Clowney definitely isn’t done.

Akiem Hicks, DE, CHI, UFA– Former Bear and also former Patriots Akiem Hicks is available and having had the experience of playing for the Patriots, winning a Super Bowl, and earning a huge deal of it, it would make sense that New England would reach out to see if there was interest. Hicks isn’t getting younger, but he is still a very good player and would help the Patriots in a big way. With the secondary looking like they are moving to zone, they need to add more front seven guys that can make plays. Hicks is a known commodity in the Patriots defense; if the price is right, go get him. Hicks has played in a total of 29 over the last three seasons, missing 17 games due to injury over that time. That is something that will come into consideration when it comes to the amount of money he demands.

Jordan Phillips, DE, ARI, UFA– Phillips is obviously a dropoff from the three aforementioned stars, but he has been a steady player in his career that plays multiple positions. That is the blueprint for Patriots free agency every year except for last, so Phillips is definitely a guy to keep an eye on. Phillips has started 54 out of a possible 94 games. Phillips played in nine games in ’21, starting eight of them. He finished the season with 22 total tackles, three sacks, three tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, and two passes defended. Phillips, 29, attended Oklahoma and was a 2015 2nd Round pick of the Dolphins. In his seven years in the league, Phillips has played for the Dolphins, Bills, and Cardinals.

Eddie Goldman, NT, CHI, UFA– Before you say “what about Christian Barmore”, let me stop you. Goldman is a pure nose tackle, so if he comes to New England, Barmore would play the four technique in the 3-4, which is a position he would excel at. Goldman has started 73 of a possible 81 games. At 6-3, 325 pounds, he would give the Patriots more of an interior presence to add to Barmore, something that was clearly an issue in 2021. The one thing about Goldman is that he IS just a nose tackle. If New England was to pick him up, that would signal a return to more 3-4 fronts. Belichick had a lot of success with the 3-4, so it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see them kick the tires on the 28-year-old out of Florida State.

Yes, there are holes in the secondary too, but that seems like an area that is going to need to be addressed in the NFL Draft. With the addition of Terrance Mitchell today, the Patriots have at least added a depth guy that has started 29 out of a possible 30 games the last two seasons. Mack Wilson joins the linebacking core by trade, so that helps slightly, but there is still a lot of work to be done in that area too.

Free agency officially began today, and although Patriots fans are ready to lose their minds, it is important to remember that the most expensive free agents go quick, and then there is always a strong middle class that gets more team-friendly (Patriots-type) deals. Be patient, things are going to pick up, and hopefully, a few of the aforementioned players will be wearing a Patriots uniform in 2022.

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