Patriots: 4 players New England needs to extend before 2020 concludes

The Patriots stand to have a ton of cap space after the 2020 season, but they should get ahead of it now.

Even with the 2021 salary cap expected to drop to $175 million due to the global pandemic, the New England Patriots and Bill Belichick have found a way to come out on top.

Remember over a month ago when they had under $1 million to work with? Well, since then, they’ve signed Cam Newton and freed up nearly $25 million in additional space due to opt outs and settlements. While that’s good for this year, the news for next year is even better.

As things stand right now, the Patriots are expected to have over $65 million in cap space in 2021, according to OverTheCap.com.

When was the last time it felt like the Patriots had this much money to screw around with in free agency? Feels good, doesn’t it?

However, while it sounds like a ton, remember that there’s a lot of work to be done. As of now, the team does not have a legitimate quarterback for 2021 and a number of key players will once again hit the open market. But Belichick should take advantage now while there’s still uncertainty, because at this point, some players might want the security.

Here’s who the team should approach regarding a contract extension before the 2020 season officially comes to a close.

4. DL Deatrich Wise Jr.

The Patriots could keep Deatrich Wise Jr. on a reasonable contract.

Belichick loves continuity along the defensive front seven, so why not keep one of the key figures over the last three years? Wise doesn’t blow you away on the stat sheet, but he’s only missed two games since debuting in 2017 and has played in five postseason contests, including the 2018 Super Bowl against the Rams.

If anything, the Pats love to take advantage of keeping their mid-round draft picks, which Wise was in 2017 (he was taken in the fourth round). He was their best selection that year (though they only had four picks and didn’t begin drafting until the third round) and he’s been a regular starter on one of the best defenses in the league since.

Over three seasons he’s logged 82 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 45 QB hits and 13 tackles for loss. We’re not entirely sure what an extension might look like, but he’s making under $800,000 in 2020 and shouldn’t cost a whole lot. Plus, he’s found success in New England, so if he’s approached with an extension offer, why wouldn’t he consider signing?

3. OL David Andrews

The Patriots should keep continuity along the OL and try to keep David Andrews.

This one’s a toughie. Andrews missed all of 2019 after being diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs, which were initially believed to potentially be career-threatening. But the good news is that the starting center has been cleared and plans to play in 2020, which will be a contract year for him.

Ted Karras filled in nicely during Andrews’ absence, but he signed with the Miami Dolphins in the offseason, so the Pats don’t necessarily have anyone that can immediately take over in the event Andrews isn’t back in 2020. Rookie Tyler Gauthier is the only option on the depth chart, and in a year in which rookies will be significantly disadvantaged, this should be avoided.

Andrews signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2015 and immediately jumped into the starting role, logging 14 games (11 starts) at center that year. Since then, aside from being ruled out last year, he’s only missed two games over that span. He played 100% of the offensive snaps in 2016 and 99% in 2018 — both Super Bowl-winning campaigns.

If he’s able to get back to speed quickly and the medical issue remains at bay, he needs to be an extension candidate before the season ends. He’s a key member of the offensive line and, at 28 years old, has plenty of good football ahead of him.

2. CB JC Jackson

The Patriots could keep grooming JC Jackson to be a top cornerback.

With Stephon Gilmore making all the headlines after winning Defensive Player of the Year, many forget about the contributions JC Jackson has made to the Patriots’ staunch defense. And now that he’s entering a contract year, the team needs to pounce if they want to keep him in town, because he’ll be a hot commodity in free agency.

As a rookie, Jackson helped the Patriots stymie the Rams in Super Bowl LIII. In two years with the team, he’s recorded 60 tackles and eight interceptions across 29 games (11 starts). Fellow cornerback Jason McCourty, who’s had a very long NFL career, said earlier this offseason that the “sky’s the limit” for the 24-year-old out of Maryland.

He’s in a little bit of a different situation since he’ll be hitting restricted free agency, but it’d be smart to get him under contract as soon as possible. Despite character concerns after being dismissed from the University of Florida, Jackson has already bought into the Patriot Way, proving he can succeed on the best defense in the NFL. And he plays a valuable position.

Gilmore won’t be around forever, and we can’t say the Patriots have a glut of cornerbacks waiting in the wings. Sure, Belichick has made it his business to turn guys like Jackson into everyday contributors, but when that finally pans out and you can keep him for a decent price, you have to do it. Jackson doesn’t figure to break the bank and might want to stay in NE given how he’s gotten his career back on track.

Did we mention he’s only allowed one touchdown since his debut? Yeah, keep the guy.

1. RB James White

It wouldn’t be the sexiest signing, but James White needs to remain a Patriot.

If anybody in New England disagrees with this, then we have to say you’re not a real Patriots fan. James White, the former fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin, has been a constant in the offense ever since getting regular playing time in 2015, and his skill set is essential in making this unit dynamic.

A pass-catching back of his caliber is pretty rare, especially when you consider how well he runs the ball (4.1 yards per attempt). But his rushing skills aren’t what the team needs him for. Hopefully Damien Harris can provide another boost in that department, but White is the undisputed third-down back and he simply cannot be stopped.

He’s had career years in 2018 and 2019, and has recorded 2,809 receiving yards on 320 receptions (good for an average of 8.8 yards per catch) with 24 touchdowns (12 of which have come the past two years). Those numbers might not blow the average fan away, but how many times has White been there to bail the Pats out of a slump on offense?

Screen passes, checkdowns, outside routes to beat the linebackers … whatever you need, White can deliver. He’s got 159 receptions over the last two years, which are pretty much wide receiver numbers, and when you factor in the likely departure of Rex Burkhead and the question marks surrounding Sony Michel, White is the constant the Patriots need.

The man also lives for the postseason. He’s helped the team to two Super Bowl wins, and in 12 career postseason games, he has 59 receptions for 506 yards and three touchdowns, one of which capped off the epic comeback against the Falcons.

The 28-year-old is only getting better and still has plenty left in the tank.

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