6 Patriots players and coaches who won't be back in 2024, and 2 who will

Wide Receiver Demario Douglas will return in 2024

Not every sixth-round pick is guaranteed to stick around for the long haul, but Demario Douglas looks the part. He should absolutely be part of this offense for years to come. In fact, I might go out on a limb and say that Douglas should be this team's top wide receiver.

Sure, the Patriots paid DeVante Parker and JuJu Smith-Schuster. But, it's been Douglas who has been the most consistent as of late, and it's only because his snap counts have gone up significantly in the last few weeks. Douglas has earned the right to be a staple in this offense. He just has it.

Running back Rhamondre Stevenson will return in 2024

I am not necessarily a believer that Rhamondre Stevenson has the capability to be a top back in this league, but he is a much better player than the numbers say he is this year. The Patriots offense has been a train wreck, for the most part, and Stevenson's 3.7 yards per carry cannot be completely attributed to his play.

You can put the blame on Mac Jones, Bill O'Brien, the offensive line, etc. There are plenty of names to blame, but if you watch Stevenson's tape from his first two years, you'll see a player who belongs. Once the Patriots get a new staff in place and establish a fresh offensive identity, Stevenson will bounce right back.