Patriots Free Agency Rumors: Gabe Davis, Ezekiel Elliott, Calvin Ridley and Josh Uche

The official opening of the legal tampering period kicked off Monday morning, and as soon as noon struck the clock, the day was filled with absolute chaos. Signings were happening left and right, with many players leaving teams they had been with for several years, and the Patriots remained one of the quieter participants throughout it all.

Even though that would be an accurate way to describe their actions, it wasn't uneventful or a wasted day. Jerod Mayo and Co. retained some of their most valuable free agents, including Kendrick Bourne, Hunter Henry, and Mike Onwenu.

But they also made a splash with a few new players added to the team, like Antonio Gibson and Sione Takitaki.

And then there are all the rumors and news tidbits that got lost in the shuffle that are very relevant as day two of unofficial free agency begins.

Patriots were reportedly in on Gabe Davis before signing with the Jaguars

The top position many fans hoped the team would address early was wide receiver, even after the announcement of Kendrick Bourne being re-signed. The desire was to see Calvin Ridley become a Patriot by the end of the day, but instead, the only receiver news was Jalen Reagor remaining in New England for another year.

There are still some possibilities for the offense to improve, though, with Ridley still available and Tee Higgins reportedly wanting a trade. It would be good to hear the Patriots make a move for one of them, especially after the report that they were in on a receiver who signed elsewhere.

According to Fox Sports' Henry McKenna, Gabe Davis was on their radar before signing with the Jaguars. It was the latest disappointing update surrounding an almost-signed receiver, but given it was Davis, perhaps this is a time that can be forgiven.

Contract talks have not been had with Ezekiel Elliott

Improving the backfield hasn't been a discussion most have had when debating what the Patriots need to address this offseason, mainly because Rhamondre Stevenson is still under contract. However, he will need help on game day, and the other backs rostered aren't projected to be that type of player for this offense.

There was a long list of talented names set to hit free agency this week, yet New England wasn't inquiring about any of them. Instead, they signed Antonio Gibson to a three-year contract, leaving many wondering about the talks with Ezekiel Elliott.

The door had been left open for the former Cowboy to return in 2024, but according to the latest rumors, those conversations have not been had with Elliott. So, it's fair to assume he will continue playing with a different team next year.

Three teams other than the Patriots are also pursuing Calvin Ridley

After a frenzy-filled day with many players finding new teams for the 2024 season, the free-agent class of receivers remained nearly intact. That's good news for the Patriots, who have reportedly been actively pursuing Calvin Ridley, as he remains unsigned heading into day two.

However, the current chatter suggests that at least three other teams also hope to sign the receiver on top of the Patriots: Jaguars, Panthers, and Titans.

At first glance, it feels safe to eliminate Jacksonville, given they signed Gabe Davis and still roster Zay Jones and Christian Kirk. If Ridley wants to stay in Florida, that may keep him there. But if he's trying to be treated as more of a WR1 or close to it, signing with another team might be his best option.

So that leaves the Patriots to have to outbid the Panthers and Titans. They certainly have the means to do it, but will they?

No offer has been extended to Josh Uche

Aside from re-signing Kyle Dugger and maybe bringing in another cornerback, the defense wasn't expected to be a priority in free agency this year. Unfortunately, that included the likelihood of Josh Uche playing elsewhere next season, and according to the latest rumors, that's looking to be accurate.

Mark Daniels of MassLive reported the Patriots have not extended an offer to keep the linebacker on the team, and it's unclear if that will change.

He was nearly traded to the Lions last year before the deadline, which is noteworthy. However, that was with Bill Belichick in charge and not Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf.

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