5 New England Patriots players and coaches who should not return in 2024

No. 2 - Running back Ezekiel Elliott

Ezekiel Elliott is one of the best receivers the Patriots have. The problem is that he is not a receiver but, instead, a running back who has lost the explosiveness needed to push for three or four yards when those yards are not there at the onset of a play. Elliott leads New England in catches this year (45) and has scored two touchdowns receiving. But he also has just two touchdowns rushing and averages just 3.5 yards per carry.

Rhamondre Stevenson will likely be RB1 in 2024, and Elliott will just be an overpriced free agent wherever he signs. After being released by the Dallas Cowboys this past offseason, Elliott likely hoped to prove to the rest of the league that he could still play by having a productive season in New England. He has only proven that the Cowboys were correct to release him.

No. 3 - Tight end Mike Gesicki

Gesicki is still only 28 years old, and he might have several more seasons of being semi-productive in his career. He was decent for the Miami Dolphins between 2019 and 2021 before having a down year in 2022. He left in free agency to sign for one year in New England and has gotten worse. Gesicki is currently stealing money from New England and is making $4,450,000 for the Patriots that would have been better spent on a left guard.

Gesicki is currently on pace for his lowest number of receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns since his rookie year in 2018. His 8.5 yards per reception are also a career low. The tight end also has a run-block grade of just 31.5, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), and that is fourth-worst among all tight ends. Basically, Gesicki isn't helping the Patriots by catching passes but also hurts the team when they run the ball as well.