5 players on the Patriots' roster who won't be here in 2024

2. Ezekiel Elliott, RB

Ezekiel Elliott is not a productive running back anymore, and that became evident as his career progressed. His yards per carry gradually declined starting in 2018, and now he's averaging just 3.8 yards per carry and has rushed for 31.8 yards per game this year for the Patriots. This was an odd free agent addition to begin with and I don't think we see him back next year.

The Patriots do need more juice from their RB position. Rhamondre Stevenson is averaging under three yards per carry, so this entire unit needs to be better. The Pats should consider taking a mid-round RB in the 2024 NFL Draft for whoever the QB would be.

3. Kyle Dugger, S

Kyle Dugger is a key piece of the New England Patriots' secondary, but I think he's a bit down the list in terms of potential contract extensions. Two other big-name Patriots from that solid 2020 NFL Draft class are also free agents. Both Josh Uche and Mike Onwenu are set to hit the open market in 2024, and man, the Patriots should probably pay all three players, but I think Uche and Onwenu might end up getting the first stab at a new contract with the team.

Could the Patriots pay Dugger if they really wanted to? Sure they could, but the likely new front office that'll takeover next offseason might not want to pay all three players.