Patriots hope depth covers losses
As starters go to new teams, others will have to fill voids
The defending champion New England Patriots were looking to a salary cap-friendly veteran addition and their existing depth to address the loss of two starters as the free agency period opened on Wednesday.
For the second straight season the Patriots will have a new starting left tackle to protect quarterback Tom Brady’s blind side. Last season’s starter, Trent Brown, was lured away from New England by the Raiders, agreeing to a new deal that a person familiar with it said is worth $66 million over the next four years.
New England also lost defensive end Trey Flowers to Detroit after multiple outlets reported he agreed to a fiveyear contract that could be worth as much as $90 million. With the Lions he’ll be reunited with coach Matt Patricia, who was Flowers’ defensive coordinator in New England.
Brown’s new deal is the richest NFL contract ever for an offensive lineman. Nate Solder, Brown’s predecessor in New England, penned a four-year, $62 million contract to join the Giants last offseason.
New England will hope to fill Flowers’ production with veteran Michael Bennett. New England was finalizing a trade with the Eagles to acquire the 33-year old on Wednesday.
Bennett is set to make about $7.2 million in 2019, the second season of the three-year, $30 million extension he signed with the Seahawks. His younger brother, tight end Martellus Bennett, won a Super Bowl ring with the Patriots during the 2016 season.
Jason Mccourty agreed to a twoyear deal to stay in New England, according to a person familiar with that deal. It will allow him to continue playing alongside his twin brother and safety Devin Mccourty. Defensive back Eric Rowe agreed to a one-year contract with the Dolphins. A person familiar with that deal says it is worth $4.5 million.
The Patriots extended qualifying offers to receiver Josh Gordon and defensive back Jonathan Jones. The team placed second-round tenders on both, meaning any team that signed them would have to send back second-round picks as compensation.
Bears: Another starter leaves the Patriots as Chicago has agreed to a two-year contract with two-time Pro Bowl kickoff returner Cordarrelle Patterson.
Chargers: Will sign quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Chiefs: Released safety Eric Berry, who missed nearly all of last season with a mysterious heel injury that cropped up early in training camp.
Colts: Cornerback Pierre Desir has agreed to a three-year, $25 million deal to stay. Cowboys: Are keeping offensive tackle Cameron Fleming and fullback Jamize Olawale. Dolphins: Are in negotiations with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater; four-time Pro Bowl guard Josh Sitton has been released.
49ers: Agreed to a trade to acquire Chiefs franchise pass rusher Dee Ford and are signing free agent running back Tevin Coleman. Jaguars: Released quarterback Blake Bortles four hours after officially agreeing to terms with Nick Foles.
Ravens: Have signed running back Mark Ingram and safety Earl Thomas.
Redskins: Reportedly have agreed to terms on an $8 million, two-year deal to bring back running back Adrian Peterson.
Saints: Agreed to terms with free-agent running back Latavius Murray on a four-year contract.
Seahawks: Agreed to sign Pro Bowl kicker Jason Myers (Jets) to a four-year deal.