The Patriots are already waist deep into a highly anticipated offseason that could set the foundation for a new era, and the coaching staff is just a minor element of the major dynamic.
Bill Belichick and director of player personnel Nick Caserio must assess the future of 78 players before mapping out their offseason path. Here’s a look:
QUARTERBACKS (2)
Tom Brady (signed through 2019): The 40-year-old won his third MVP then had the second best marks in terms of yards (1,132), touchdowns (eight) and passer rating (108.6) in his postseason career. Brady said he’ll be back next season.
Brian Hoyer (signed through 2019): With a $915,000 cap hit, Hoyer will almost certainly be on the roster next season, regardless of who the Patriots draft.
RUNNING BACKS (6)
Dion Lewis (unrestricted free agent): Lewis will want something comparable to a three-year, $18 million deal with $10 million guaranteed to avoid free agency. Don’t expect a hometown discount.
James White (signed through 2020): White’s usage dropped in the second half, perhaps to keep him fresh, but the Patriots again relied on him in clutch Super Bowl moments.
Rex Burkhead (unrestricted free agent): Burkhead has serious potential in this offense, but he suffered at least five injuries that kept him off the field dating back to last offseason. However, Burkhead and Belichick share an agent, so maybe they can work out a mutually beneficial deal.
Brandon Bolden (unrestricted free agent): Bolden signed for the league minimum last April and was briefly released in Week 1 before returning again. He’ll be easy to keep again.
Mike Gillislee (signed through 2018): Gillislee was inactive for 10 of the final 11 games, and the Pats can save $2.18 million by releasing him. But they can afford to bring him to camp to see if he can expand his role.
James Develin (signed through 2018): The Pro Bowler finally doesn’t have to worry about a new contract and can rest easy this offseason.
TIGHT ENDS (5)
Rob Gronkowski (signed through 2019): Gronk is legitimately considering retirement, but he can earn $19 million over the next two seasons and is approaching the tight end TD record. If the Pats have to bump his salary, don’t blink. Just do.
Dwayne Allen (signed through 2019): The Patriots will save $5 million by releasing Allen, who never jibed with Brady.
Martellus Bennett (signed through 2019): Bennett will earn a $2 million roster bonus on March 14, so the Patriots will quickly make a call on his future. They’ll save $6.2 million in cap space by releasing him.
Jacob Hollister (signed through 2019): The undrafted rookie wasn’t much of a factor but still offers intriguing potential.
Will Tye (signed future contract for 2018): Tye joined the practice squad in October and will compete for a job in camp.
WIDE RECEIVERS (11)
Julian Edelman (signed through 2019): After tearing his ACL in August, Edelman again figures to be Brady’s main man in 2018. He is expected to be ready by training camp.
Brandin Cooks (signed through 2018): Cooks wants to stay, but it’s complicated. He’ll make $8.459 million in 2018, so the Pats might offer an extension to lower that cap hit. But with a chance to earn $14 million annually next year in free agency, don’t expect Cooks to be charitable.
Chris Hogan (signed through 2018): Hogan’s shoulder finally healed up for the Super Bowl, when he again showed legitimate offensive value. Big expectations for a healthy 2018.
Danny Amendola (unrestricted free agent): Amendola has given back $10 million by restructuring over his last three offseasons. He only has eyes for the Patriots, but they have to assure him enough guaranteed money (likely at least $750,000) that it secures his job through camp.
Phillip Dorsett (signed through 2018): The Patriots seriously love Dorsett, who was a statistical non-factor but could be a surprise contributor after a full offseason in the program.
Malcolm Mitchell (signed through 2019): Mitchell’s knee is in bad shape. The Patriots hope 2016 wasn’t just a tease.
Matthew Slater (unrestricted free agent): If the seven-time Pro Bowler doesn’t re-sign, take cover because the world is ending.
Kenny Britt (signed through 2018): A healthy scratch in the playoffs, Britt was added as Hogan insurance and roster competition for 2018.
Bernard Reedy (exclusive rights free agent): Return specialist bounced between the active roster and practice squad.
Cody Hollister (signed future contract for 2018): Undrafted rookie spent the year on the practice squad.
Riley McCarron (signed future contract for 2018): An ideal practice squadder who needs time to develop.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (13)
Nate Solder (unrestricted free agent): The left tackle said he wants to keep playing. Would he take another team-friendly two-year, $20 million contract? He could conceivably get $12 million annually on the open market.
Joe Thuney (signed through 2019): The left guard had some rough stretches but only surrendered two quarterback hits and one pressure in the playoffs.
David Andrews (signed through 2020): An extremely well-respected captain, Andrews’ job is likely secure for as long as Brady is around.
Shaq Mason (signed through 2018): The linemen ooh and aah at his run-blocking highlights. Mason has become a much better pass blocker but got beat on the key strip sack in the Super Bowl.
Marcus Cannon (signed through 2021): The right tackle had surgery on a severe high ankle sprain and also cleaned up an ankle issue that plagued him as far back as 2016. They’re excited for a clean slate in 2018.
LaAdrian Waddle (unrestricted free agent): Didn’t allow a sack all season and showed toughness to return earlier than expected from a sprained ankle and knee. Pats should retain him as the top backup tackle if he doesn’t get a chance to start elsewhere.
Cameron Fleming (unrestricted free agent): Allowed six sacks but is well-liked in the room. Chances to return hinge on Waddle’s status and opportunities to compete elsewhere to start.
Ted Karras (signed through 2019): Versatile interior lineman has played well in three starts over two seasons.
Cole Croston (signed through 2019): A healthy scratch 15 times in 19 games, Croston can play tackle or guard.
Tony Garcia (signed through 2020): Rookie showed a ton of potential in camp before succumbing to an undisclosed illness. Still needs to regain 40 pounds. Pats are optimistic but won’t assume anything for 2018.
Jason King (signed future contract for 2018): Swing tackle bounced between the active roster and practice squad throughout the season.
James Ferentz (signed future contract for 2018): Undrafted rookie was with the practice squad all year.
Andrew Jelks (signed through 2019): Rookie tackle tore his ACL twice in college and hasn’t played a game since 2014.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (13)
Malcom Brown (signed through 2018): The Patriots will decide in the coming months whether or not to exercise his fifth-year option for 2019. It’s expected to be worth about $7 million, guaranteed only for injury.
Trey Flowers (signed through 2018): Flowers had 59.5 disruptions (7.5 sacks, 28 QB hits, 24 pressures) in 17 games, which was 25.5 more than anyone on the team. The Patriots will begin contract talks with him later this offseason.
Lawrence Guy (signed through 2020): Guy was solid at the start and really good down the stretch. Pencil him in as a starter next season.
Deatrich Wise (signed through 2020): Wise’s 34 disruptions (seven sacks, 14 QB hits, 13 pressures) would have led the 2016 Patriots. Teammates wondered why he only played six snaps in the Super Bowl.
Adam Butler (signed through 2019): The undrafted rookie had a nice season as a situational pass rusher.
Derek Rivers (signed through 2020): Rivers started to flash before he tore his ACL in kickoff coverage in West Virginia. He’s been working out regularly of late and will be ready by training camp, if not sooner.
Alan Branch (signed through 2018): Belichick was unhappy with Branch’s performance this season. Branch will almost certainly be released before March 14 when the Pats owe his $1 million bonus.
Ricky Jean Francois (unrestricted free agent): Played really well over the last two months despite lingering in free agency before joining the Patriots. How much did he increase his value?
Eric Lee (signed through 2018): Lee did some nice things after he was signed off the Bills practice squad Nov. 21. Mistakes were due to inexperience. Intriguing potential.
Vincent Valentine (signed through 2019): Valentine had a strong camp before suffering a season-ending knee injury in practice prior to the preseason finale.
James Harrison (unrestricted free agent): Harrison wants to keep playing, but a former player noted that he “looked old” in the Super Bowl and got blown out of his gap during LeGarrette Blount’s touchdown.
Geneo Grissom (signed through 2018): Bounced between the active roster and practice squad as a special teamer.
Keionta Davis (signed through 2019): The rookie joined the team in August but never officially practiced after he recovered from a bulging disc in his back.
LINEBACKERS (10)
Dont’a Hightower (signed through 2020): Hightower suffered a torn pec in Week 7, but he is expected to be ready for training camp.
Kyle Van Noy (signed through 2019): Versatile linebacker had a solid year before suffering a tricky calf injury. Would’ve made more plays if the linebacker depth wasn’t so strained.
Shea McClellin (signed through 2018): McClellin suffered two concussions that erased his season. McClellin would be useful if healthy, but the Pats can save $2.35 million in cap space if they cut him.
Elandon Roberts (signed through 2019): A gambler, Roberts makes the occasional big play but often misses. If he can play consistently, he’d be a good early-down linebacker.
David Harris (signed through 2018): Harris was a true pro despite not having a role. The Patriots will save $2.125 million in cap space by releasing him.
Marquis Flowers (unrestricted free agent): A popular locker-room character, Flowers was a good special teamer and offered nice depth on defense.
Brandon King (restricted free agent): Strictly a special teamer, King battled hamstring and knee injuries throughout the season.
Nicholas Grigsby (signed through 2018): Special teamer was compared to Tracy White this season. High praise.
Harvey Langi (signed through 2019): Raw but flashy, Langi’s season ended after an October car accident.
Trevor Reilly (signed future contract for 2018): Admirable physicality on special teams, but sometimes leads to injuries.
CORNERBACKS (8)
Stephon Gilmore (signed through 2021): In the playoffs, Gilmore allowed four completions on 15 targets for 55 yards, and he broke up six passes. He was one of their best players in the second half.
Malcolm Butler (unrestricted free agent): Butler will get paid this offseason, but will he prefer an AFC contender in order to stick it to Belichick?
Eric Rowe (signed through 2018): Rowe was easily the third best corner in camp then missed two months with a torn groin. After two ugly series in the Super Bowl, he allowed one catch for 14 yards on five targets. He shouldn’t draw any ire as the Pats prep for 2018.
Jon Jones (signed through 2018): Tremendous special teamer and competitive slot corner, Jones will keep improving.
Johnson Bademosi (unrestricted free agent): Another terrific special teamer, and Bademosi stopped the bleeding when Gilmore missed three games with a concussion. Curious if he’ll get a starting look elsewhere.
Cyrus Jones (signed through 2019): A disastrous rookie season and a torn ACL last summer, Jones is running out of time to turn it around.
Ryan Lewis (signed future contract for 2018): Spent almost the entire season on the practice squad.
Jomal Wiltz (signed future contract for 2018): Spent most of the season on the practice squad.
SAFETIES (7)
Devin McCourty (signed through 2019): One of the best leaders of the Belichick era and still doesn’t get enough credit for everything he does on the field.
Patrick Chung (signed through 2018): As good as any player in the league at covering tight ends, Chung was a legitimate Pro Bowl snub.
Duron Harmon (signed through 2020): Duron-on-the-spot had five of the Patriots’ 13 interceptions this season, including the playoffs.
Nate Ebner (unrestricted free agent): Season ended with a nasty knee injury on a fake punt conversion. Still one of the league’s best special teamers.
Jordan Richards (signed through 2018): Richards is a special teamer who showed his defensive limitations in the Super Bowl by allowing two completions for 74 yards on 16 snaps.
Damarius Travis (signed future contract for 2018): Spent the season on the practice squad.
David Jones (signed future contract for 2018): Spent the season on the practice squad.
SPECIALISTS (3)
Stephen Gostkowski (signed through 2018): Had a better season than AFC Pro Bowler Chris Boswell, but Gostkowski missed a field goal (thanks to a bad snap) and extra point in the Super Bowl.
Ryan Allen (signed through 2018): Allen had the best season of his career and was a key reason why so many coverage specialists drew praise.
Joe Cardona (signed through 2018): Had one of the very few bad snaps of his career in the Super Bowl, but Cardona isn’t a concern.
