Every Patriots free agent this offseason

The Patriots enter this year's free agency with plenty of players set to test the market, and fortunately for Jerod Mayo, they have a healthy amount of cap space to spend to retain some if they so choose. It will inevitably be a critical offseason that defines how the franchise will fare over the next several years, and signing the right players to the right deal will play a significant part in that.

Although having an estimated $70 million to spend, several names on the list of pending free agents feel like they can't leave Foxboro under any circumstances since they have become instrumental in the team's success.

That will make Mayo's life as a new head coach a bit more complicated, but hopefully, he will make the right decisions.

Who are the Patriots free agents this offseason?

Compared to recent seasons, this is one of the bigger classes of free agents the Patriots have seen, with 26 players looking for new contracts. The offense has the most of all three parts of the team, but the defense isn't too far behind.

There are a lot of guys who should be back, even some more under-the-radar players who showed great progress last year.

Defense:

• Alex Austin - CB
• Joshuah Bledsoe - S
• Myles Bryant - CB
• Kyle Dugger - S/DB
• Christian Elliss - LB
• Terez Hall - LB
• Anfernee Jennings - LB
• Jalen Mills - CB/S
• Josh Uche - LB
• Mack Wilson - LB

The presumed prioritized player on this list is Kyle Dugger, with even Patriots teammates telling reporters Mayo needs to ensure his return. Other names like Jalen Mills and Josh Uche are considered top candidates to return, mainly due to the new head coach, but it's difficult to predict how they're viewed with Bill Belichick not in the building anymore.

Two names to watch for are Anfernee Jennings and Mack Wilson. Both had breakout years in 2023 and could likely be re-signed to cheaper deals.

Offense:

• Kendrick Bourne - WR
• Pharaoh Brown - TE
• Trent Brown - OL
• Ezekiel Elliott - RB
• James Ferentz - OL
• Mike Gesicki - TE
• Garrett Gilbert - QB
• Hunter Henry - TE
• Tre Nixon - WR
• Mike Onwenu - OL
• Jalen Reagor - WR
• Nathan Rourke - QB
• Tyrone Wheatley Jr. - T

With 13 offensive players hitting free agency, New England will have to take a long, hard look at who they must bring back because the offense is already depleted as it is. Kendrick Bourne should be at the top of the list, even coming off an ACL injury, and Hunter Henry should also be seriously considered.

No tight ends are under contract for the 2024 season, and Henry has been a proven and productive player in the three years he's been with the team.

On top of that, Mike Onwenu needs to stay, too, as he has been the best offensive lineman on the team over the last two seasons. They will have many other teams hoping to steal him away, and it would be devastating if they let that happen.

Special teams:

• Cody Davis - FS
• Nick Folk - K
• Matthew Slater - WR

Special teams will be undergoing a big makeover, with a new coordinator and possibly the retirement of Matthew Slater.

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