Comings and goings for the New England Patriots as free agency heats up
The new era has officially begun for the New England Patriots.
It’s free agency week with the legal tampering period opening on Monday and the actual new year in the NFL beginning on Wednesday.
The Patriots are coming right out of the gates with some of the highest salary-cap space in the NFL. So they’ll have plenty of money to spend on some of the best players in the league looking for a new home in 2024.
Their greatest positions of need are quarterback, wide receiver and offensive tackle. Keep in mind, the Patriots have the No. 3 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft — the result of their 4-13 record in 2023 — which could be used to take one of the top-three available quarterbacks on the board.
It will be an active period of negotiations with the Patriots trying to rebuild the roster into something greater in the post-Bill Belichick era.
Here are moves made by the team this week, so far:
DeVante Parker to Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles and former New England Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker agreed on a one-year deal on Tuesday. Parker will receive $4.69 million guaranteed, with the Eagles paying the $1.21 million veteran’s minimum and the Patriots absorbing the rest of his salary. Parker, 31, had 33 catches for 394 yards last season.
Patriots, Josh Uche agree to terms
Edge rusher Josh Uche is reportedly sticking around in New England for another season. Per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport, he opted for a one-year deal to stay with the Patriots over taking a more lucrative offer elsewhere.
Patriots are planning to re-sign Jalen Reagor
The Patriots are at least keeping some speed in their offense by agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with wideout Jalen Reagor. It has been a struggle for the former first-round draft pick to stick on NFL rosters, but he might have found a home in New England after breaking out down the stretch last season.
Mack Wilson reportedly signing with the Cardinals
Former Patriots linebacker Mack Wilson reportedly plans on signing a three-year deal worth upwards of $15 million with the Arizona Cardinals. Wilson’s time in New England contributing on defense and special teams comes to an end after two seasons.
RB Antonio Gibson expected to sign with Patriots
Ex-Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson reportedly agreed to terms on a three-year, $11.25-million deal with the Patriots. Gibson is expected to fill a much-needed receiving role in the offensive backfield. Gibson had 48 catches for 389 yards and two touchdowns last season, averaging a career-best 8.1 yards per reception. He could give the Patriots a pass-catcher out of the backfield that they haven't had since James White retired before the 2022 season.
Jacoby Brisett returning to New England
The Patriots are reportedly signing veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett on a one-year, $8-million deal. Brissett will return to the team that drafted him (2016, third round, No. 91 overall) and should serve as a bridge option under center.
Patriots expected to sign Sione Takitaki on a two-year deal
Former Cleveland Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki reportedly agreed to terms on a two-year deal with the Patriots. This signing replenishes the depth lost on defense from Mack Wilson’s exit.
Mike Onwenu agrees to three-year deal to stay
Mike Onwenu was the Patriots’ top priority free agent, and they have reportedly agreed on a three-year, $57-million deal to keep him in New England. The Patriots paid to keep someone executive Eliot Wolf called a “cornerstone” player for the team.
Patriots, Kendrick Bourne agree on three-year deal
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, who led the Patriots in receiving before going down with a season-ending knee injury in 2023, is expected to return on a three-year, $19.5-million deal. The Patriots will keep one of their most productive receivers in an offense that struggled last season.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Who's coming, who's leaving the New England Patriots
