Patriots: Lawrence Guy’s contract adjustment indicates team might re-sign him after 2020

The Patriots adjusted the contract of defensive lineman Lawrence Guy.

The New England Patriots are fresh off leading the NFL in seemingly every major statistical category on defense, including points and yards per game allowed. Though all levels of the defense were stout, a large portion of their success can be traced back to the efficiency of their pass rush.

As we know, however, the Patriots’ tumultuous offseason featured a staggering number of departures along the front seven. This included star edge rushers Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy, who combined to post 137 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 25 QB hits, 10 passes defensed, and six forced fumbles last season.

The loss in that production only amplifies the importance of Lawrence Guy, who started all 16 games while playing over 50% of the defensive snaps (and also 38% of the snaps on special teams). The 30-year-old defensive tackle is entering the final year of his contract, but the latest adjustment made to his deal indicates the franchise will consider re-signing him.

Per ESPN insider Field Yates, the Patriots increased Guy’s salary and per-game roster bonus, which makes it easier for him to earn $5 million.

Don’t read too much into New England removing two of his playing-time incentives, either. The main takeaway here is that the organization went out of its way to make Guy as satisfied as possible entering a contract year. If that doesn’t hint at the Patriots’ interest in re-signing him at the onset of next offseason, we’re not sure what will.

This is simply a deserved raise for Guy, who is easily the most important player on the Patriots defensive line this year following the aforementioned roster turnover. In 2019, the former seventh-round pick registered 61 tackles, three sacks, five QB hits, and two fumble recoveries.

Those numbers are nothing to write home about, but interior linemen shouldn’t be judged on statistics. As evidenced by his 71.7 player grade from Pro Football Focus (anything above 70 is considered elite), Guy was essential to the Patriots success last season. And again, he only played 52% of the snaps!

If the Arizona State product puts together another impressive campaign, expect New England to jump at the opportunity to retain him before he hits the open market next March. This generous raise suggests the franchise is considering doing so.