Coming off their first playoff season of the post-Tom Brady era, it’s more important than ever for the Patriots to nail free agency every year. To that end, they have three impending free agents that they’re likely to keep.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots have three players who he considers likely to stay. Special teams ace Matthew Slater, defensive back Devin McCourty and quarterback Brian Hoyer are all expected back in 2022.
Slater is one of the most prolific special teams players of all-time. He is a 10-time Pro Bowler and a five-time All-Pro selection. He’s also one of the oldest players on the team at 36.
McCourty is also getting up there in age at 34. But the two-time Pro Bowler is still making an impact at almost every defensive back position. This past year he had 60 tackles, 10 passes defended and three interceptions.
Hoyer is also 36 and considered a superb QB mentor throughout the league. Even if he doesn’t play much as Mac Jones’ backup, his knowledge of the system alone makes him invaluable.
Quick-hit thoughts/notes around the Patriots and NFL (“culture first” when projecting team’s free-agent plans; bold predictions; Nick Folk’s future; possible reunion with Trey Flowers; eyeing restricted free-agent market and under-the-radar options etc.). https://t.co/wAeqzBPvZg
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 13, 2022
The Patriots went 10-7 with rookie quarterback Mac Jones under center in 2021. But they were immediately bounced in the playoffs by the rival Buffalo Bills – embarrassingly so.
New England are clearly closer to returning to the Super Bowl than most teams, but not quite as close as they were just three years ago.
This offseason will impact just how much closer they can get in 2022.
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