The 2024 New England Patriots have dropped to 3-13 on this dismal season after a thorough drubbing 40-7 at the hands of the LA Chargers. This result should be no surprise if anyone paid attention to the offseason. Rather than who assembled and coached this mess, we'll deal here with the 2024 players, who should stay (a relatively short list), and who should go.
Not much went right for the 2024 version of the once-mighty New England Patriots, who now look in the mirror and see the New York Jets' reflection. That's how far this tumble has taken the Patriots, who've now gone from the top of the heap to the bottom of the barrel.
There's not much to build upon in this inept group of players. We'll point out the few who deserve to stay (others may have to because of truly ridiculous contracts) and suggest necessary major exits, and there will be plenty.
The Patriots offense needs a total overhaul this offseason
The 2023 Pats' offense stunk. This season was similar. The bright sorts were too late to the party; rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who hopefully will escape without major injury, Pop Douglas, the Pats' slot receiver, and Hunter Henry. Besides those three and perhaps Rhamondre Stevenson (if you'd care to dismiss his fumbles), few players have earned a spot on the 2025 roster.
The entire offensive line that started yesterday's game should be sent packing. That also includes anyone not named David Andrews on the bench. Start over; nothing much will be lost. That includes highly paid and "slightly" out-of-shape Mike Onwenu. Signed to a huge, tackle-worthy extension by Eliot Wolf, Onwenu has been a flop. If they can find a trade, send him packing.
The same goes for the wide receiver room. It's a complete disaster. The only one worthy of remaining in 2025 is Pop Douglas. All the rest, Kendrick Bourne, Ja'Lynn Polk, and Javon Baker, with the possible exception of Kayshon Boutte, can be shown the door, and little production will leave. It's probably the worst group in the NFL. The only receiver with more than 36 catches is Douglas, with 63. Go waiver-wire, and you'll do as well or better and save some cash.
The running back room is mediocre. The best of the group, who also signed a lucrative extension, is the previously mentioned Stevenson, who's again afflicted with fumble-itis. Antonio Gibson has been just OK. Other than Stevenson, they all can go.
Finally, the tight ends were relatively bright support. Hunter Henry had a good season. He stays, and if Austin Hopper can be signed for a minimum salary, he's fine as a backup. The team needs youth there. They have none of note. And finally, say goodbye, and thanks to Jacoby Brissett and his $8M contract, a near-complete waste of cap space.
The Patriots defense will need the same treatment
The defense was supposed to be the team's strength. It wasn't strong. Granted, illness and injury took the best players from two levels: Christian Barmore on the D-line and Ja'Whaun Bentley at inside linebacker. Their replacements did little.
On the D-line, Deatrich Wise Jr. is in decline and a free agent. He can leave. Highly paid defensive tackle, Davon Godchaux takes up space and does little else, but his contract won't allow an opportunity to move on from him until 2026, a shame.
Daniel Ekuale is also a free agent. He's OK as a backup. If he can be signed on the cheap, keep him. If not, don't. After Barmore, Keion White, who's expressed verbal dissatisfaction with the team, has been mis-deployed much of the season by the Patriots' underwhelming coaching staff.
White is a pocket-collapsing defensive tackle who's unblockable by one offensive lineman. Paired with Barmore, it's a destructive combination. Yet, the Patriots' "brain trust" used him largely on the edge because they have no edge players. It was the wrong move by Bill Belichick in 2023 and was replicated by Jerod Mayo and company in 2024. Play him at DT.
Linebacker/hybrid safeties after Bentley and Jahlani Tavai, who's had a decent season, are a hodgepodge of other guys. Part-ways with Anfernee Jennings and Jabrill Peppers, and trade away a poor extension-signing, Kyle Dugger, if you can, for a pick. Former third-round pick Marte Mapu has done little to justify that lofty status. He can stay or go. Christian Elliss can play a bit. He stays.
In the defensive backfield, there's budding star Christian Gonzalez and nothing else. Jon Jones is on the downside and can be let go. Besides Marcus Jones (who is now injured again and should be playing offense), no cornerback is indispensable. The position needs a house cleaning, and Travis Hunter Jr. is the way to go in the draft.
Those are suggestions on current 2024 Patriots players who can exit after the season concludes next week. It's not a pretty picture. Whether the personnel team in place is capable is another matter altogether. The Patriots have too few top players and need to get more. Sign and draft the best and scout the rest. Let the total reconstruction begin. Again. This season was a colossal failure.