Tracking all of the Patriots transactions during the free agent signing period.
ARRIVALS
CB Malcolm Butler - Sgned as a free agent | Full Analysis | Press Release | Bio
Analysis: "After the departure of J.C. Jackson, the Patriots certainly have a need at cornerback, especially if Butler can still play at a high level in his usual style. The 32-year-old's return is a surprise given how his first Patriots tenure ended, but it's a return that is worth taking a shot on for New England as they look to match up with all the weapons in the AFC." - Mike Dussault
WR Ty Montgomery - Signed as a free agent | Full Analysis | Press Release | Bio
Analysis: "As a running back, receiver and returner, Montgomery has the kind of versatility that has long intrigued the Patriots. On paper, he looks like a suitable replacement for much of what Brandon Bolden did, while also providing some insurance at kickoff returner with Gunner Olszewski still a free agent." - Mike Dussault
WR DeVante Parker - Acquired in a Trade with Dolphins | Full Analysis | Press Release | Bio
Analysis: "Parker would represent the most talented member of the receiving group, allowing Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne and Jakobi Meyers to slide down a peg. That's good news for Mac Jones, who could use another talented weapon at his disposal as he tries to improve on a solid rookie campaign." - Paul Perillo
S Jabrill Peppers - Signed as a free agent | Full Analysis | Press Release | Bio
Analysis: "Peppers' versatility has long been an intriguing fit in New England, and though his position might say safety, he's well-versed in linebacker and slot roles within the defense, along with special teams. A first-round pick (25th overall) of the Browns in 2017, he played in Cleveland for two seasons, recording two interceptions, seven forced fumbles (four recovered) and 97 solo tackles." - Mike Dussault
LB Mack Wilson - Acquired in a Trade with Browns | Full Analysis | Press Release | Bio
Analysis: "Wilson is entering his fourth season out of Alabama with 28 starts under his belt after being selected in the fifth round of the 2019 entry draft. With a bevy of unproven edge players on their roster, swapping Winovich for the inside, off-the-ball linebacker Wilson makes sense, especially when viewed through the lens of free agents Dont'a Hightower and Ja'Whaun Bentley, who were New England's main inside starters in 2021." - Mike Dussault
CB Terrance Mitchell - Signed as a free agent | Full Analysis | Press Release | Bio
Analysis: "The move comes on the heels of the Patriots losing J.C. Jackson to the Chargers as the signing helps pad their depth at a major position of need with a proven NFL vet." - Mike Dussault
RETURNING
ILB Ja'Whaun Bentley - Re-Signed | Full Analysis | Press Release | Bio
Analysis: "Bentley was the first three-time captain at Purdue and was named a Patriots captain in 2020, as he is one of the emerging leaders on the defense. His experience and leadership should be valuable as the team moves forward with some significant turnover this offseason on defense." - Mike Dussault
T Trent Brown - Re-Signed | Full Analysis | Press Release | Bio
Analysis: "Brown will turn just 29 in April as he remains in the prime of his career and helps secure a significant position of need after the team lost Ted Karras to the Bengals in free agency and traded Shaq Mason to the Bucs. With Brown's return both starting tackles and center David Andrews will all be back up front in 2022, with Michael Onwenu waiting in the wings to take over one of the guard spots." - Mike Dussault
OL James Ferentz - Re-Signed | Full Analysis | Press Release | Bio
Analysis: "Ferentz has provided valuable insurance along the offensive line over the last four seasons, with two spot starts in each of the last three years when he was thrust into duty. His return adds a layer of insurance along the interior where Ferentz can fill in at center or guard." - Mike Dussault
Carl Davis Jr. - Re-Signed | Press Release | Bio
K Nick Folk - Re-Signed | Full Analysis | Press Release | Bio
Analysis: "At 37 years old, Folk has shown no sign of slowing down and has maintained reliable consistency, earning the trust of the coaching staff. The team also has second-year kicker Quinn Nordin under contract for camp competition and development." - Mike Dussault
QB Brian Hoyer - Re-Signed | Full Analysis | Bio
Analysis: "Hoyer will provide valuable experience and leadership for the quarterback room, especially after the departure of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Some had speculated Hoyer could transition to a coaching role but he'll be back as a player in 2022 after spending most of the last four-of-five seasons in New England. He attempted just 11 passes in 2021, serving as the primary backup to Mac Jones, but will ensure vital continuity behind the scenes." - Mike Dussault
FS Devin McCourty - Re-Signed | Full Analysis | Bio
Analysis: "The safety group continues to be a strength for the defense and McCourty's return ensures that a high level of experience and communication will continue to be the standard on the back end." - Mike Dussault
SpT Matthew Slater - Re-Signed | Full Analysis | Bio
Analysis: "Slater continues to provide stellar special teams play as well as off-field leadership where he's often seen breaking down the post-game huddle with a personal message. One of the core leaders of the team for a decade-and-a-half, Slater is a tone-setting piece who will ensure some important continuity." - Mike Dussault
RB James White - Re-Signed | Full Analysis | Press Release | Bio
Analysis: "White was limited to just three games in 2021, but showed good chemistry with quarterback Mac Jones, grabbing 12 catches for 84 yards, providing just a small glimpse of the connections that they also shared during training camp. His return will help round out an excellent running back room that also features Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson." - Mike Dussault
DEPARTURES
RB Brandon Bolden - Signed with the Raiders | Full Analysis
Analysis: "During his career, he filled a variety of roles and was one of the unsung heroes of the locker room, where teammates and coaches alike praised him for his positive attitude. It's no surprise that McDaniels plucked him from New England where he'll help bring some Patriots playing experience to Vegas." - Mike Dussault
CB J.C. Jackson - Signed with the Chargers
FB Jakob Johnson - Signed with the Raiders | Full Analysis
Analysis: "Johnson's hard-nosed blocking was a key feature of the Patriots ground attack and now the team will look toward 2020 draft pick Dalton Keene as a potential replacement, if not targeting another veteran on the open market. Keene missed all of 2021 but was viewed as a move tight end and fullback in his rookie season, though he saw limited action and never seemed to settle into a potential role." - Mike Dussault
C Ted Karras - Signed with Bengals | Full Report
Analysis: "The Patriots will now have a need to replace the versatile interior lineman. Michael Onwenu could again be projected to take over at left guard as he was last year before juggling landed with Karras as the starter, but Karras' backup ability was one of his most reassuring strengths and something that is not easily replaced." - Mike Dussault
LB Brandon King - Signed with Colts
G Shaq Mason - Traded to the Buccaneers | Full Report
Analysis: "Mason was their best and most consistent offensive lineman and his departure will be a tough hole to fill, especially as Mac Jones looks to develop in year two. He'll need consistent protection, especially up the middle. David Andrews' presence should ease the transition and Onwenu would seem to solve at least one of the starting spots but it's tough to say goodbye to another proven vet." - Mike Dussault
WR Gunner Olszewski - Reportedly Signed with Steelers | Full Report
Analysis: "New England chose not to use an RFA tag on Olszewski, allowing the fourth-year pro to hit the open free agency market, which opened the door for the Steelers to move in. Earlier this week New England added veteran returner Ty Montgomery, but should still be in the market for depth at the spot, especially in the draft." - Mike Dussault
LB Chase Winovich - Traded to the Browns | Full Analysis
UNSIGNED PATRIOTS FREE AGENTS
- OLB Jamie Collins (unrestricted)
- TE Troy Fumagalli (restricted - not tendered)
- LB Terez Hall (exclusive rights)
- ILB Dont'a Hightower (unrestricted)
- FS Brandon King (unrestricted)
