The Patriots have a long list of players hitting free agency this offseason, with a handful expected to retire. However, with a healthy amount of cap space to spend and valuable members of the team set to test the market, Bill Belichick and co. should make sure these players remain in New England.
Pending free agents the Patriots need to re-sign for 2023
Jakobi Meyers
The offense was by far the most troublesome aspect of the 2022 season, but a consistent bright spot was always Jakobi Meyers.
The wide receiver has been with the Patriots since 2019 when he was signed as an undrafted free agent. Although the start of his NFL career was slow, he became an integral part of the offense under the mentorship of Cam Newton during the 2020 season, totaling 59 receptions for 729 yards. Meyers quickly earned the WR1 role the following year with Mac Jones under center, which continued throughout this past season.
In the four seasons spent in New England, Meyers has tallied 60 games with 235 receptions, 2,758 yards, and eight touchdowns. He’s also shown his former quarterback skills in that time, completing four of four passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns.
Not only has he become a reliable member of the team, but he has also earned the respect and admiration of those around him. Jones has sung his praises over the last two seasons, declaring Meyers as the best teammate he has ever had. Meanwhile, Bill Belichick, who doesn’t often speak about individual players on the team, had nothing but positive things to say about the type of man and player that Meyers is, even comparing him to Patriots’ great Julian Edelman.
Other than the obvious support from the team to remain in New England, the free agent market for receivers this offseason is not the best. Meyers will undoubtedly be the best of the bunch, making his return to the Patriots much more valuable.
Pending free agents the Patriots need to re-sign for 2023
Jabrill Peppers
An under-the-radar candidate to be re-signed, Jabrill Peppers had a productive first year in New England. His original signing was a gamble, as he was recovering from a mid-season ACL tear during the 2021 season. But that didn’t stop Belichick and co. from quickly integrating him into the defense. During his rehab at training camp, he was given a walkie-talkie to listen to defensive drills, allowing him to be ready for the first game of the season.
In the 17 games played, Peppers totaled 60 tackles, two tackles for a loss, and a fumble recovery returned for 12 yards. His versatility made him a significant piece on defense and special teams, providing some of the most hard-hitting moments of the season, most notably the block he made on Marcus Jones’ punt return against the Jets.
His impactful play continued through the end of the year, and his aggressiveness added a much-needed element to an already outstanding defense. So much so that Belichick even commented on the hit earlier this month.
"“Jabrill’s active. He’s a physical player; he’s got good quickness, good playing strength. He’s an impact hitter. He and Kyle and AP all provide a real physical presence to the second level of the defense in terms of contact. Whether it’s jamming the receivers or tackling, or the ability to play in space, he’s been a productive player for us.”"
Because the Patriots were able to sign him to a one-year, $2 million contract last April, it’s possible Belichick could offer him a similar but extended deal this year. With Devin McCourty’s status unclear, Peppers returning could become a matter of when and not if.
Jabrill Peppers woke up and chose violence.
— Chris Mason (@ByChrisMason) October 31, 2022
Watch the Patriots 45-yard line 💀. Not a coincidence this return went for 32 yards. pic.twitter.com/sFG7SLTh2z
Pending free agents the Patriots need to re-sign for 2023
Jonathan Jones
After Stephon Gilmore’s and J.C. Jackson’s departures at the end of last season, the Patriots addressed their cornerback room through the draft. Rookies Marcus Jones and Jack Jones each had shining moments in 2022, but that changed as the season continued.
Marcus was utilized in various ways due to his versatility, particularly with his punt return skills. He was also used on offense occasionally, providing a much-needed spark for an already struggling unit. Jack was predominately used in his given position but suffered an injury that landed him on injured reserve to end the year.
With all those changes, Jonathan Jones was forced to carry many secondary duties. He moved from the outside to the slot when needed, with moments looking like a real CB1. In the 16 games played, Jones totaled 69 tackles, four interceptions for 89 yards and one touchdown, 11 pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. With such big shoes to fill with Jackson gone, Jones played incredibly well in his first season as the top guy.
Although he was undoubtedly the best cornerback on the field in 2022, the Patriots need to add more depth at the position and size. That will play into whether Belichick decides to bring Jones back or not, along with the contract he is looking for. But considering they have a good amount of money to spend in free agency and two corners still on rookie contracts, re-signing Jones should be an easy yes.
Pending free agents the Patriots need to re-sign for 2023
Joe Cardona
Changes to special teams will be a highlighted aspect of the Patriots’ offseason, with coaching changes and possible retirements likely to take place. However, retaining a vital piece like Joe Cardona should be at the top of the list.
Throughout his time in New England since joining the team in 2015, Cardona has been one of if not the most consistent members of the team. Besides ending this past season with a foot injury, he has not missed a single game in his NFL career.
With so many question marks surrounding several positions (punter, kicker, special teams coach, etc.), Cardona’s veteran leadership will be a valuable asset in the seasons to come. Not only has he been one of the best long-snappers in the league, but he’s also been a part of many strong kicking units throughout the years. Additionally, as the Patriots work their way back to being a dominant special teams team, keeping Cardona adds incredible value and consistency to a current shaky unit.
Pending free agents the Patriots need to re-sign for 2023
Matthew Slater and Devin McCourty
The biggest “what if’s?” this offseason will be whether or not tenured Patriots’ veterans Matthew Slater and Devin McCourty will return or retire. Both have reportedly contemplated hanging it up for a couple of years now, with Slater just ending his 15th season and McCourty finishing his 13th.
If Slater decides he’d like to play for one more season, there’s no reason that Belichick would let him walk. Of course, it isn’t easy to imagine that he would return for another season for anyone but the Patriots, so it’s fair to assume that won’t happen.
As a key piece of an almost always efficient special teams, Slater’s presence on and off the field couldn’t be needed more as the unit goes through a massive transition. There have been some rising stars found this past year, Brenden Schooler and Marcus Jones, but Slater’s leadership and mentorship could be missing if he does indeed retire.
If McCourty decides he will return for one more year, he could continue playing some of his best football again. The 2022 season was one of his most productive, playing in all 17 games totaling 71 tackles, eight pass breakups, four interceptions returned for 66 yards, and one fumble recovery.
Both players are yet to address their football futures, but with the offseason just beginning for the Patriots, there’s still plenty of time before the official start of free agency before they reveal their plans.