No playoffs, but much still on line
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — With four weeks remaining in the regular season, the 3-10 Patriots are one of only two teams to have already been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. But there’s still plenty on the line.
New contracts for free agents: The Patriots have several key contributors set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason.
Among them are tight ends Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki, left tackle Trent Brown, guard Mike Onwenu, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, running back Ezekiel Elliott, safety Kyle Dugger, and linebackers Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings. Bourne is out for the season with a torn ACL, but the rest are auditioning for their next contract.
The Patriots are projected to have more than $75 million in salary-cap space, behind only the Commanders ($86.4 million) and Titans ($85.6 million). That should give them enough flexibility to retain necessary pieces, as well as offer potential targets.
Quarterback, tackle, wide receiver, running back, tight end — essentially every offensive position is an area of need. So who might stay?
The 29-year-old Henry, who is in his first season as a captain, is a logical candidate, as is the 26-year-old Onwenu, who has proved to be even more valuable this year at right tackle. The 30-year-old Brown, despite his injury concerns, could also make sense.
Elliott, who stepped up in a bigger role last week with Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) sidelined, presents as a good fit too. Asked Wednesday if he’d be interested in re-signing, the 28-year-old said he’d be “open” to it. Given New England’s losing record and offensive woes, though, the contract will have to be competitive enough to outweigh the situation.
The 28-year-old Bourne, on the other hand, seems destined for a new team, as the Patriots elected to extend Devante Parker last offseason.
Culture for the future: Even though the postseason is off the table, several players have expressed value in remaining invested. Doing so can set the tone for subsequent seasons.
As the Patriots navigate their drain of player leadership — most recently losing Devin Mccourty to retirement and now, potentially, Matthew Slater — center David Andrews and safety Jabrill Peppers have played significant roles in maintaining the organization’s culture.
Registering the AFC’S worst record in a year that featured preseason playoff expectations could have had the potential to combust the locker room, but the Patriots have largely managed to stay engaged. Just look at Elliott’s game-saving tackle after Steelers linebacker Mykal Walker intercepted Bailey Zappe last week.
Positioning of first-round draft pick: The Patriots are in position for the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The 1-12 Panthers, whose pick belongs to the Bears, have a strong hold on the first overall pick, while the 3-10 Cardinals are in position for the third pick.
According to ESPN’S Football Power Index, the Patriots have just a 3% chance of landing the top overall pick but a 92.7% chance of earning a top-five pick. Most projections have them finishing with the third pick.
New England’s final four opponents are Kansas City, Denver, Buffalo and the New York Jets, while Arizona’s are San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia and Seattle.
The 4-9 Commanders, who are in position for the fourth overall pick, close the season against the Rams, Jets, 49ers and Cowboys. The 5-8 Bears, who are in position for the fifth pick, end with the Browns, Cardinals, Falcons and Packers.
Belichick’s job status: Arguably the biggest question hanging over the conclusion over the season is: What’s going to happen to coach Bill Belichick?
As speculation about his job status has started to pick up, Belichick has continued to dodge any questions pertaining to his future. On Wednesday he responded to every query with the same answer: that he’s focused on Kansas City.