NEWSLETTER
The Patriots took a step back during the 2022 NFL season. They went 8-9 and missed the playoffs. The offense struggled and there are plenty of questions entering the offseason. It all starts with free agency. Here’s what you need to know about the Patriots free agency in 2023.
New England Patriots 2023 NFL Free Agents Overview
The secondary takes a big hit with safeties Jabrill Peppers and Devin McCourty hitting the market. Also, cornerback Jonathan Jones sees his contract expire. Jones and McCourty each had four interceptions in 2022.
The team will also be looking for offensive line depth with names like Isaiah Wynn, James Ferentz, Conor McDermott, and Yodny Cajuste all becoming free agents. The group had 16 starts between them.
Running back Damien Harris battled injuries all season which will hurt his stock and wide receiver Nelson Agholor is coming off a disappointing season as he enters the market. He had six games in which he didn’t record a catch on the season.
The Patriots might have to replace their top wideout in Jakobi Meyers. He had 804 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 14 games. Meyers would like to re-sign after leading the team in receiving yards for the third straight year.
Unrestricted Patriots Free Agents
To be an unrestricted free agent, there are a couple of qualifications. An NFL player must have four or more years of experience and their contract has to have expired or been voided. They can negotiate with any team without any restrictions or draft-choice compensation. Here’s a list of impending free agents for the Patriots who are unrestricted.
Quarterbacks
None
Running Backs
Damien Harris – RB
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Nelson Agholor – WR
Jakobi Meyers – WR
Centers, Guards, and Tackles
Isaiah Wynn – T
Marcus Cannon – RT
James Ferentz – C
Yodny Cajuste – T
Defensive Tackles, Defensive Ends, and Edge Rushers
Carl Davis – DT
Linebackers
Raekwon McMillan – ILB
Mack Wilson – LB
Cornerbacks and Safeties
Devin McCourty – FS
Jonathan Jones – CB
Cody Davis – FS
Jabrill Peppers – S
Joejuan Williams – CB
Special Teams
Quinn Nordin – K
Joe Cardona – LS
Restricted Free Agents
A restricted free agent is a player who has played for three or fewer accrued seasons and has an expiring contract. The team can assign a tender to the player, which allows them to match any offer the player receives from other teams. The team receives draft compensation if the player signs elsewhere.
2023 NFL restricted free agents for the Patriots:
Myles Bryant – CB
Salary Cap and Roster
The NFL salary cap is $224.8 million for 2023 and the Patriots are in good shape. Projections show they can add valuable pieces to upgrade their roster. Matt Judon has the highest cap hit for next season at $18.1 million. Jonnu Smith is second at $17.2 million.
Questions surround the offense and QB Mac Jones after a step back from his playoff campaign in 2021. The team will definitely be active during free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft.
Patriots Free Agency 2023 FAQs
NFL free agency will commence on March 15, 2023. It begins at 4 p.m. eastern time. The date signifies the start of the new league year and the end of all player contracts. Many players are set to hit the market and gain free agency status.
An unrestricted free agent is a player whose contract has expired, and they have no ties to their former team. Starting on March 15, they are free to negotiate with any team in the league without restrictions.
A restricted free agent can be extended what is called a qualifying offer. If offered, they are still allowed to negotiate with other teams around the league. Their current team is allowed to match any offer.
There is a “legal tampering” period that begins on March 13. Teams can talk to certified agents but no signings can be made until free agency is official.
