Patriots have key roster decisions pending, too
return. His case is probably even stronger if offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien returns because O’Brien was responsible for Brown’s arrival.
TE Mike Gesicki: Although Belichick made it clear Gesicki was viewed as the fifth wide receiver in some games, his target share and production did not suggest such. Gesicki finished with two or fewer targets in eight games and did not reach the statistical benchmarks required to trigger contract incentives — 40 receptions and 450 receiving yards were the lowest possibilities. Other tight ends expected to become free agents include Dalton Schultz, Gerald Everett, Austin Hooper, and Robert Tonyan Jr., so the Patriots will have veteran options to fill out their tight end room if they do not retain Gesicki.
TE Hunter Henry: In his first year as a Patriots captain, Henry stepped up as a leader while remaining a reliable target. Despite missing the final three games with a knee injury, Henry, 29, led the Patriots in receiving touchdowns (six) and first-down catches (29). The Patriots should want to re-sign him on a reasonable deal.
LT Trent Brown: Availability issues once again derailed Brown, as he played sparingly throughout the second half of the season. Although injuries played a role, Brown also seemed checked out and was a healthy scratch once. The Patriots are probably ready to move on not only because of the way this season ended but because of Brown’s history.
T Riley Reiff: The Patriots signed Reiff, 35, to a one-year, $5 million contract in March in hopes he could compete for the starting right tackle job. Instead, Reiff played just 45 offensive snaps and spent the bulk of the season on injured reserve. It seems doubtful he’ll return, given his age and the severity of New England’s needs at the position.
C James Ferentz: A longtime member of the practice squad, the 34-yearold Ferentz was signed to the 53-man roster late in the season. It appears he will have a spot on New England’s practice squad as long as Bill Belichick is coach. Perhaps coaching is in his future as well, following in the footsteps of his father (Kirk) and brother (Brian).
OL Michael Onwenu: Onwenu, 26, should be the top priority among the team’s free agents. The Patriots should keep him at right tackle and work to develop rookie linemen Atonio Mafi and Sidy Sow on the interior.
S Kyle Dugger: The Patriots didn’t sign Dugger to a contract extension, so the 2020 second-round pick will have a chance to test the open market. Re-signing Dugger would undoubtedly help keep their formidable defense intact for another year. But how much are they willing to spend to make it happen?
DB Myles Bryant: Bryant played 74.8 percent of the defensive snaps, behind only Dugger, Ja’Whaun Bentley, and Jabrill Peppers. He’s worth keeping around for his roles in the secondary and on special teams. The cornerback depth chart will be bolstered by the returns of Christian Gonzalez and Marcus Jones, so re-signing Bryant, 26, would round out the room well.
DB Jalen Mills: Mills, who turns 30 in April, doesn’t have a strong case to return. The Patriots have enough depth at his position. Another year in New England would be surprising.
LB Anfernee Jennings: After a slow start to his NFL career, Jennings played his way into a second contract this season. He’s an effective run stopper, often logging tackles for losses. The 2020 third-round pick is an example of homegrown talent the Patriots should look to retain.
LB Josh Uche: Given the interest in Uche ahead of the trade deadline, he likely will have a market during free agency. The Patriots had early conversations with Uche’s representation about a contract extension, but the parties did not reach an agreement. Uche, 25, maintained only a situational pass rush role in New England, so there’s probably a better fit (and more money) elsewhere.
LB Mack Wilson: Wilson, 25, was on the field for just 26.8 percent of the defensive snaps, but he made the most of his playing time. His contributions on special teams also were a plus. The Patriots signed Wilson to a one-year, $1.6 million contract last offseason, so it’s hard to argue with that value. A return would make sense.
ST Matthew Slater: Retirement is all but certainly the next step for the 38year-old Slater.
ST Cody Davis: Davis, 34, has spent the last four seasons as a core special teamer in New England, and could be even more valuable next year with Slater’s probable departure. But the Patriots need to start re-evaluating the number of roster spots they allocate to players who exclusively play special teams. Retirement could also be on the table for Davis.