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Apr 03, 2023

2023 Patriots Free Agent Tracker

QB Trace McSorely - Signed | Press Release Analysis: "With the offseason

QB Trace McSorely - Signed | Press Release

Analysis: "With the offseason program beginning next week, the Patriots add another quarterback behind Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe. Although McSorley brings experience and mobility to the room, this is a depth signing who can give the defense some designed run looks at the position. He shouldn't be viewed as a factor at this time." - Evan Lazar

P Corliss Waitman - Signed | Press Release | Bio

Analysis: "After traveling to three different practice squad stops around the league, including the Pats in 2021 and two separate stints with the Steelers, Waitman was Denver's starter last year and fills an obvious need after Jake Bailey's release left them without a punter on the roster." - Mike Dussault

LB Chris Board - Signed | Full Analysis | Press Release | Bio

Analysis: "New England has always put a premium on special teams talent and it appears that today they signed a player that can now create some problems in the Patriots' favor." - Mike Dussault

TE Mike Gesicki - Signed | Full Analysis | Press Release | Bio

Analysis: "Gesicki is a move tight end who spends most of his time detached from the formation, either out of the slot or out wide as a mismatch playmaker. Although he's an explosive straight-line athlete and an excellent contested catch target, Gesicki is a jumbo slot receiver operating on a vertical route tree." - Evan Lazar

RB James Robinson - Signed | Full Analysis | Press Release | Bio

Analysis: "Robinson brings a hard-nosed work ethic and consistently gets the job done when given the opportunity despite a modest athletic profile entering the league. The Jaguars attempted to replace him several times with Travis Ettiene and others, but Robinson continued to be the best ball carrier on Jacksonville's roster until this past season and outperformed more hyped talent." - Evan Lazar

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster - Signed | Full Analysis | Press Release | Film Review | Bio

Analysis: "Along with offering a bit more on the outside, Smith-Schuster is an upgrade over Meyers in accumulating yards after the catch. He averaged 5.9 yards after the catch and forced nine missed tackles as a ball carrier in 2022. For comparison, Meyers accumulated 3.6 yards after the catch per reception and only forced two missed tackles, per PFF." - Evan Lazar

OT Riley Reiff - Signed | Full Analysis | Press Release | Bio

Analysis: "Reiff is an 11-year veteran who has made 149 career starts at both tackle spots. Most recently, the 34-year-old started ten games for the Bears at right tackle last season, allowing three sacks and 18 total pressures on 293 pass-blocking snaps. Reiff has been a steady starter throughout his career with the Lions, Vikings, Bengals, and last season in Chicago." - Evan Lazar

OT Calvin Anderson - Signed | Full Analysis | Film Review | Press Release | Bio

Analysis: "Anderson has been a spot starter at left tackle and swing backup during his three seasons with the Broncos but originally made his way into the league in 2019 as an undrafted rookie with the Patriots. Anderson might not be the splashy player fans clamor for, but he provides NFL experience at a position that currently lacks a starter." - Mike Dussault

DB Myles Bryant - Re-Signed | Press Release | Bio

Analysis: Coming soon!

OL Yodny Cajuste - Re-Signed | Press Release | Bio

Analysis: "Cajuste has shown promise when available throughout his NFL career, possessing enough foot speed and functional power in his upper body to continue developing as a swing tackle with upside. However, injuries have derailed his career to date, with another bump in the road last season when the opportunity was there to take on a larger role." - Evan Lazar

SpT Cody Davis - Re-Signed | Full Analysis | Press Release | Bio

Analysis: "Davis was a reliable veteran special teamer and his absence had a negative effect, as the Patriots' special teams group fell to 32nd in DVOA and capped off the season by allowing two kickoff return touchdowns in an ending loss to Buffalo." - Mike Dussault

DL Daniel Ekuale - Re-Signed | Full Analysis | Bio

Analysis: "With Christian Barmore landing on Injured Reserve during the season, Ekuale stepped up as the team's primary sub interior pass rusher." - Mike Dussault

LS Joe Cardona - Re-Signed | Full Analysis | Press Release | Bio

Analysis: "Cardona was selected in the fifth round of the 2015 draft out of Navy and had yet to miss a game in New England before 2022 when a injury cost him the final three games of the year." - Mike Dussault

LB Mack Wilson Sr. - Re-Signed | Full Analysis | Bio

Analysis: "Although he fell out of favor on defense, Wilson maintained a significant role on special teams, ranking fifth on the team with 284 snaps (62.1%) in 2022. Along with maintaining their depth at off-ball linebacker, Wilson should remain a regular in the kicking game." - Evan Lazar

S Jabrill Peppers - Re-Signed | Full Analysis | Bio

Analysis: "While Peppers appears more in the safety hybrid mold he could also factor in as the team looks to replace primary free safety Devin McCourty on the field." - Mike Dussault

DT Carl Davis - Re-Signed | Bio

Analysis:"The Patriots continue taking care of in-house free agents by re-signing the role-playing nose tackle. Davis played 219 defensive snaps and nearly 30 percent of the snaps on special teams as an early-down and short-yardage run stuffer. Although he won't play a major role, his presence on the roster allows the Pats to flex defensive tackle Davon Godchaux to defensive end when the team wants to load up against the run by putting several big bodies on the interior D-Line." - Evan Lazar

CB Jonathan Jones - Re-Signed | Full Analysis | Bio

Analysis: "The Patriots keep a key veteran leader on defense in the build following Devin McCourty's retirement by retaining Jones, who proved he can play outside cornerback at a high level last season. It's also possible that Jones could return to his natural position in the slot, or contribute in the backend at free safety as the team moves forward without McCourty. Jones's versatility, ability to cover top speed receiver such as Tyreek Hill, and experience in the system make this a huge win for the Patriots." - Evan Lazar

LB Raekwon McMillan - Re-Signed | Full Analysis | Bio

Analysis: "McMillan provides quality depth and experience along with Ja'Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai, who was also signed to an extension this season. McMillan brings some added athleticism to the spot and should continue to see his role evolve on defense while maintaining a solid presence on special teams." - Mike Dussault

OL James Ferentz - Re-Signed | Full Analysis | Bio

Analysis: "Ferentz has spent the last five seasons in New England, serving as a valuable interior backup while playing nearly 800 snaps while filling in at various times. In 2022, he had three starts at center in replacement of an injured David Andrews. But during his time with the Pats, Ferentz has played all three interior spots and offers solid backup insurance." - Mike Dussault

OL Conor McDermott - Re-Signed | Full Analysis

Analysis: "The right tackle position was a significant weakness in the Patriots offensive line throughout the 2022 season. McDermott came in when the team was searching for bodies and proved worthy of a roster spot." - Evan Lazar

SpT Matthew Slater - Re-Signed | Full Analysis | Press Release | Bio

Analysis: "Slater mentioned earlier that he felt there were things left unfinished, and although his return was based mostly on non-football reasons it wasn't entirely based on culture and leadership. The Patriots final game of 2022 did not sit well with the proud man who's been leading the special teams for a decade and a half." - Paul Perillo

WR Nelson Agholor - Signed with Ravens

Analysis: "Although there were isolated flashes from Agholor, he never carved out a high-volume role in the Patriots offense after signing a two-year deal during free agency in 2021. Agholor had his moments, and could stretch the field on the outside, but the Pats hope 2022 second-round pick Tyquan Thornton will be a more dynamic deep threat moving forward." - Evan Lazar

RB Damien Harris - Signed with Bills

Analysis: "New England loses a starting-caliber running back and one of its emotional leaders to a division rival. Although Harris is a talented back who brought energy to the locker room, the Patriots are going with vet James Robinson likely because he brings more versatility in the passing game. Harris's nagging injuries throughout his career also probably didn't help him get a second contract in New England. It'll be interesting to see how the Robinson-for-Harris swap works out in the long run." - Evan Lazar

QB Brian Hoyer - Released and Signed with the Raiders | Press Release

WR Jakobi Meyers - Signed with Raiders | Full Analysis

Analysis: "For the Patriots, it leaves a major hole in their receiver room but his departure isn't entirely shocking. Meyers was a security blanket for Mac Jones and had a knack for coming up with tough catches in critical moments, they'll need to find a way to replace that important production. " - Mike Dussault

TE Jonnu Smith - Traded to Falcons | Full Analysis

Analysis: "Smith produced just 55 catches and a single touchdown after signing a four-year deal during the 2021 offseason. With the trade, the move is expected to open up approximately $4 million in additional cap space as the Patriots get some extra room to operate with once free agency officially opens on Wednesday." - Mike Dussault

S Devin McCourty - Retired | Press Release

Analysis: "The Patriots find themselves in familiar territory again, where they have to replace a franchise legend from the dynasty era after a tremendous 13-year career for safety Devin McCourty." - Evan Lazar

P Jake Bailey - Released | Press Release

Analysis: "After signing an extension last summer, Bailey had an inconsistent 2022 campaign and hasn't been able to replicate his All-Pro season in 2020 over the last two years. The Patriots will now likely target a punter in the draft in hopes of finding a long-term solution." - Evan Lazar

DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer