New England Patriots Free Agency news: Analyzing NFL side's latest signings
The New England Patriots began the 2023 league year with over $30 million in salary cap space. However, they face the task of re-signing several key in-house free agents.
After finishing 8-9 last season, the team hopes that new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien will spark a turnaround. Here’s a look at the impact of each free agent signing by the Patriots for the upcoming season.
New England Patriots signings
Mike Gesicki (TE) signed a one-year deal worth up to $9 million, which pairs him with veteran Hunter Henry to form the new tight end combination. The team hopes that Gesicki will provide better results than last year's Henry-Jonnu Smith duo.
The short-term, short-money deal also shows that teams can still acquire potential high-impact players beyond the first few days of free agency. The signing of Gesicki is a big score for the Patriots, as head coach Bill Belichick has been an admirer for a long time, and O’Brien recruited Gesicki to Penn State.
WOW MIKE GESICKI 🤯
https://t.co/AI1GLmIs7i
New England signed Chris Board (LB) to a two-year deal with a maximum value of $6.7 million. Board was called the best special teams player the Patriots faced in 2022 by Belichick.
The Patriots aim to improve their special teams unit, especially after giving up two kickoff returns for a touchdown in their last game of the season. Board has no significant weaknesses and is a difficult player to match up against, according to Belichick.
Daniel Ekuale (DT) has agreed to a two-year deal to return to New England. He played 32.2% of the defensive snaps last season and is at his best as a disruptive penetrator in passing situations. His return adds quality depth to the team's defensive line corps.
James Robinson (RB) signed a two-year contract with a maximum value of $8 million. The 5-foot-9, 219-pound Robinson adds a hard-charging runner behind the team's number one option, Rhamondre Stevenson. Robinson was an ascending player in his first two NFL seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but struggled with the New York Jets in 2022. He will look to rebound with New England.
The Patriots now have a backfield that consists of Rhamondre Stevenson and James Robinson 👀 https://t.co/UpLajvKCJR
JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR) signed a three-year, $33 million deal with $22.5 million earned over the first two years of the contract. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound receiver joins the top of a WR depth chart that includes DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton, and Kendrick Bourne. Smith-Schuster fits best as a physical slot presence, with the ability to line up at other spots as well.
JuJu Smith-Schuster gained 141 yards after the catch over expected last season (5th among WR).
Patriots WRs gained the 6th fewest yards after catch over expected last season (+33).
https://t.co/PVvYAJt6ms
The Patriots retained Joe Cardona (LS) on a four-year deal with a $6.3 million base salary and $1 million signing bonus. He provides stability in the snap-hold-kick operation in a year when New England are seeking a new punter/holder and veteran kicker Nick Folk could potentially face competition.
Mack Wilson Sr. (LB) will return to New England on a one-year deal. He was a backup on defense last season, playing 20.9% of the snaps and playing on multiple special teams units.
Riley Reiff (OT) signed a one-year deal with a base value of $5 million, including a $2.7 million signing bonus. He will compete with Trent Brown, Calvin Anderson, Conor McDermott, Yodny Cajuste, and Andrew Stueber for a roster spot.
Jabrill Peppers (S) signed a two-year contract with a base value of $9 million.
Notable New England Patriots departures
The retirement of defensive captain Devin McCourty will be a significant blow to the New England locker room, which has already lost most of its captains since their last Super Bowl victory.
Additionally, the departures of offensive tackles Isiah Wynn and Marcus Cannon likely mean that the Patriots will need to draft at least one new tackle. Running back Damien Harris has already been replaced by James Robinson, while Jakobi Meyers has been replaced by Juju Smith-Schuster. Notable names such as Jalen Mills and Nelson Agholor are also leaving New England this offseason.