New England Patriots: internal free agent preview
By Hal Bent
Ryan Allen
Position: Punter
Overview: Allen–another left-footed punter–made the Patriots after beating out Zoltan Mesko six years ago. Having signed a three-year extension back in 2015 that kept him in New England, he now has a chance to explore what kind of market might be available out there for his services. The former rookie free agent from Louisiana State has held down the job in Foxborough for six years now, and has been a consistent special teams performer even if he’s not necessarily known around the league.
Allen saved one of his best performances for the Super Bowl, pinning the Rams with their backs to the end zone multiple times last February. The Patriots do not usually overpay for punters, but it will be interesting to see if they make an exception for Allen.
Expected Cost: Three years at $3 million annually, $6 million guaranteed
Keep or Cut Loose: CUT LOOSE