The first day of NFL Free Agency came and went, and the Patriots hardly made a ripple. They began the day by trading tight Jonnu Smith to the Falcons and re-signing cornerback Jonathan Jones – but other than that, their impact was minimal.
The new league year continues on on Tuesday, and it’s time for them to get in on the action if they want to make a push in the AFC. Here are some names to keep an eye on from a Patriots lens:
- S CJ Gardner-Johnson
- S Jordan Poyer
- CB James Bradberry
- CB Byron Murphy
- T Orlando Brown
- WR Odell Beckham Jr.
As moves and news about New England comes in throughout the day, it’ll be updated here. Here’s a look:
Jakobi Meyers Signs with the Las Vegas Raiders
In an offseason where the wide receiver position is arguably their most important hole to fill, the Patriots lost one of their own on Tuesday.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, pass catcher Jakobi Meyers signed a 3-year, $33 million deal with the Raiders, $21 million of which is guaranteed.
This signing by Las Vegas reunites Meyers with his former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, and gives newly acquired quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo a high-quality option in the slot to work with.
Here’s what Meyers had to say on leaving New England for Vegas (via Josina Anderson):
It’s hard to turn down Las Vegas. When you look at their offense, when you look at their coaches. They wanted me, I wanted them.
Unfortunately it didn’t work out with the Patriots. I put a lot effort in my time there. I appreciate them, but God works in mysterious ways. I’m blessed.”
As for New England, I’m surprised they couldn’t outbid this price for Meyers. He was projected to sign for anywhere from $12 million – $20 million, and Vegas got him for less than that.
This should, in theory, mean that a bigger move is coming for the Patriots, as their receiving corps now only consists of DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thornton, Lynn Bowden Jr., and Tre Nixon.
DB Myles Bryant Tendered
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, defensive back Myles Bryant was tendered at the “right-of-first-refusal” level. He’ll come back to the Patriots on a one-year, $2.6 million deal.
A Signing! Patriots Add Tackle Depth
In their first “out-of-home” signing of the 2023 offseason, the Patriots signed former Broncos offensive tackle Calvin Anderson to a two-year contract, per NFLN’s Mike Garofolo.
Anderson started seven games for Denver in 2022, allowing 22 pressures and two sacks in 289 pass-blocking snaps (h/t Alex Barth). While Anderson shouldn’t project as a starter for New England this season, he adds more tackle depth to a room that could have used it last season.
New England Brings Back One of Their Own in Jabrill Peppers
New England made another re-signing during our live Patriots Beat podcast on Tuesday night, bringing back safety Jabrill Peppers on a two-year contract extension according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Peppers is a thumper who played 35.3% of the team’s defensive snaps last season, tallying 52 tackles. With Devin McCourty retiring last week, this adds another potential piece to New England’s safety rotation – along with Jalen Mills and Jonathan Jones.
Though more moves are still needed to shore up their secondary, this is a quality housekeeping move for the Patriots.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @PatriotsCLNS for the latest up-to-date Patriots news!
Visit FanDuel.com/Boston for $200 in BONUS Bets – Win or Lose!
21+ and present in MA. First online real money wager only. $10 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable Bonus Bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Hope is here. Gamblinghelplinema.org or call (800)-327-5050 for 24/7 support.
