Track all of the New England Patriots 2020 free agent signings and departures right here.
ARRIVALS
DB Cody Davis - Reported
Analysis: "The majority of Davis' work has come in the kicking game, which makes him a strong candidate to replace veteran Nate Ebner, who signed with the Giants as a free agent late last week. Like Ebner, Davis is a safety by trade who sees very little action on defense." - Paul Perillo (Full Analysis)
QB Brian Hoyer - Reported
Analysis: "Hoyer's return gives the Patriots a veteran backup to help ease the transition from Tom Brady. It is assumed Jarrett Stidham is the favorite to take over as the starter and Hoyer should give the second-year quarterback an experienced sounding board as well as a layer of injury protection. With Cody Kessler also in the mix, it would appear that the Patriots are set at the position though a draft pick could still be in play." - Mike Dussault (Full Analysis)
LB Brandon Copeland - Reported
Analysis: "Copeland isn't a splashy addition but is the kind of experienced mid-range free agent with special teams experience that is right in the Patriots wheelhouse. His 2018 numbers with the Jets were promising, with 27 pressures and at 6'3", 263 pounds he has good size to play on the edge of the Patriots defense." - Mike Dussault (Full Analysis)
FB Dan Vitale - Reported
Analysis: "The addition of Vitale should help Sony Michel rebound from a sophomore slump and gives the Patriots a versatile offensive player who can bring a needed element a new-look attack. We'll have to wait and see what Develin's status is, while second-year player Jakob Johnson is under contract to return as well to provide depth, but Vitale is a good fit and ensures the fullback position is well-stocked in New England." - Mike Dussault (Full Analysis)
DB Adrian Phillips - Reported
Analysis: "Phillips missed much of 2019 with a broken arm after a breakout season in 2018 that saw him with 94 tackles on defense and make the Pro Bowl for his special teams work. He was an emerging player for the Chargers after going undrafted and spending his first two seasons up and down from the practice squad." - Mike Dussault (Full Analysis)
WR Damiere Byrd - Reported
Analysis: "Byrd also has some experience as a punt returner, averaging 9.4 yards on 12 career returns, 11 of which came in 2018." - Paul Perillo (Full Analysis)
RETURNING
DT Adam Butler (Official Press Release)
LB Shilique Calhoun (Official Press Release)
Analysis: "With Van Noy's departure to Miami, Calhoun could be in line to fill in for him more permanently and will be given the chance to expand his role on defense. Having just turned 28 four days ago, Calhoun is still very much in his prime." - Mike Dussault (Full Analysis)
OL Jermaine Eluemunor (Official Press Release)
OL Joe Thuney - Franchise Tag (Official Press Release)
Analysis: "What's clear is that it's unlikely that Thuney plays out the season on the franchise tag and that there are other more significant moves to come. For the time being, the team has retained one of their most valuable assets and will get more than a compensatory pick for him." - Mike Dussault (Full Analysis)
DB Devin McCourty (Official Press Release)
Analysis: "McCourty's move to safety back-boned three championships. He's missed just five games in his career and tied his second-highest interception total last season (five). He's developed into a versatile chess piece that can be played all over the secondary and is one of most visible locker room leaders." - Mike Dussault (Full Analysis)
WR Matthew Slater - Reported
Analysis: "Slater is a critical piece who will help ensure some continuity of leadership and culture." - Mike Dussault (Full Analysis)
DB Jason McCourty - Reportedly picked up player option
Analysis: "The Patriots could let McCourty go and face just a $1.75 million cap hit, which would have been the case regardless, should he not fit into the 2020 plans. So, exercising the option really is a no-brainer at this point and certainly makes a lot of sense." - Mike Dussault (Full Analysis)
DEPARTURES
WR Phillip Dorsett - Reportedly signed with Seahawks
Analysis: "The former first-round pick's best performances came during the 2018 Super Bowl run when he had touchdowns in both the divisional and championship rounds, but he never emerged as a consistent target. Dorsett will now join Russell Wilson and the Seahawks, the third team of his career." - Mike Dussault (Full Analysis)
K Stephen Gostkowski - Released (Official Press Release)
DB Nate Ebner - Signed with Giants
Analysis: "Ebner was the kind of bedrock player that the Patriots dynasty has been built on. He might not have gotten a lot of headlines but he did the dirty work that help teams win. While ultimately replaceable on the field, Ebner was a special person and player who brought a lot to New England." - Mike Dussault (Full Analysis)
LB Elandon Roberts - Signed with Dolphins
Analysis: "Though Roberts wasn't a full time defender (20 percent of snaps in 2019), he packed a punch and had a run-stopping presence like few inside linebackers of recent memory before him. His departure only reinforces that linebacker will be one of the biggest needs to address in the coming days of free agency and the draft." - Mike Dussault (Full Analysis)
OL Ted Karras - Signed with Dolphins
Analysis: "This could be another positive sign for David Andrews and his potential return in 2020, while Hjalte Froholdt and Jermaine Eluemanor represent the top depth options in New England." - Mike Dussault (Full Analysis)
DB Duron Harmon - Traded to Lions (Official Press Release)
Analysis: "Joejuan Williams, a second-round pick last year, played corner as a rookie but perhaps he has the versatility to make the switch. Also, Obi Melifonwu spent time on New England's practice squad a year ago and he could be a candidate to replace Harmon as well." - Paul Perillo (Full Analysis)
DT Danny Shelton - Signed with Lions
Analysis: "Shelton leaves a significant hole in the middle of the Patriots defensive line, literally and figuratively. Lawrence Guy remains a key piece, but the team will now look to find a big two-gapper who can control multiple interior offensive linemen. Byron Cowart is one interesting depth piece, but is significantly lighter than Shelton and appeared to be more of a penetrator in limited action as a rookie." - Mike Dussault (Full Analysis)
QB Tom Brady - Signed with Buccaneers
Analysis: "For the Patriots, it will be a seismic shift and in the coming days their plans for rebuilding the offense post-Brady will continue to take shape. Second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham figures to be part of it, and with Joe Thuney back in the fold, the team will have a very solid offensive line in place for the next signal caller." - Mike Dussault (Full Analysis)
LB Jamie Collins - Signed with Lions
Analysis: "The position will be a big need in the coming days and in the draft, as the Patriots front seven could look largely different this fall." - Mike Dussault (Full Analysis)
LB Kyle Van Noy - Signed with Dolphins
Analysis: "His career ignited in New England, Van Noy leaves with two Super Bowl wins and a nice new contract. The Patriots meanwhile will wait for a compensatory pick next offseason." - Mike Dussault (Full Analysis)
TE Ben Watson - Announced Retirement
Analysis: "Watson's retirement was expected as the Patriots will look to get younger and more production from their tight end group in 2020." - Mike Dussault (Full Analysis)
UNSIGNED
T Marshall Newhouse
K Nick Folk
OL James Ferentz
* -- Restricted free agent
