The Patriots went wild last offseason and spent a boatload of money to revamp the roster and doubled down on their aggressiveness at the draft by targeting quarterback Mac Jones in the first round. Those moves helped propel New England back into the playoffs after a one-year absence, but their stay in the postseason didn’t last long as they were blown out by the Buffalo Bills in the opening round. As they step into the 2022 offseason, it remains to be seen if they’ll be going gangbusters once again, but they will look to take steps towards building a Super Bowl contender in some form or fashion.
As the offseason action unfolds, let this be your one-stop guide for everything Patriots-related. Over the next few months, we’ll be updating this post with all the latest news and rumors surrounding New England as they build for 2022. Below, we’ve also identified the positions Bill Belichick will need to put the most emphasis on along with some important dates to keep an eye on.
Team needs
On the defensive side of the ball, J.C. Jackson signing with the Chargers creates a massive hole in New England’s secondary that they’ll need to fill with a plug-and-play corner either via free agency, the trade market, or in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, the Patriots also need to get much faster at the linebacker position. That unit could look entirely different in 2022 with the statuses of Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins uncertain. The club also recently released fellow linebacker Kyle Van Noy. Being able to find someone who can not only add speed but starting-caliber talent will likely be a route the team goes down at the draft.
Offensively, the Patriots still need a true No. 1 wide receiver. Even after acquiring Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor last offseason, Mac Jones needs a pass-catcher that opposing defenses will need to scheme against. So far, New England has not jumped into the fray to land one of the elite free agent wide receivers, but they could look in the trade market with to fill that need along with the draft. On top of someone to add to the top of the receiver depth chart, New England could use a slot receiver as well. That position has been a staple in the Patriots offense for years and finding someone who can get open off the line of scrimmage and in short, windows would add a new dimension to the offense.
Key upcoming dates
2022 NFL Draft picks
- Round 1: 21st overall
- Round 2: 54th overall
- Round 3: 85th overall
- Round 4: 127th overall
- Round 5: 170th overall (from Tampa Bay – Shaq Mason trade)
- Round 6: 200th overall
- Round 6: 210th overall (from Los Angeles — Sony Michel trade)
In-house free agents
Returning free agents
- Devin McCourty, safety (one-year, $9 million)
- Ja’Whaun Bentley, linebacker (two-years, $9 million)
- Trent Brown, offensive tackle (two-years)
- Matthew Slater, special teams (one-year, $2.62 million)
- James White, running back (two-years, $7 million)
- Brian Hoyer, quarterback (two-years, $4 million)
- Nick Folk, kicker (two years, $5.6 million)
- James Ferentz, offensive lineman (terms not disclosed)
New arrivals
- Terrance Mitchell, cornerback (one-year, $3 million)
- Ty Montgomery, running back/receiver (two-years, $4 million)
- Mack Wilson, linebacker (Trade with Browns)
- Malcolm Butler, cornerback (two-years, $9 million)
- Jabrill Peppers, safety (one year)
Departures
- Chase Winovich, defensive lineman (traded to Browns)
- J.C. Jackson, cornerback (signed with Chargers)
- Ted Karras, offensive lineman (signed with Bengals)
- Gunner Olszewski, wide receiver (signed with Steelers)
- Kyle Van Noy, linebacker (released)
- Jakob Johnson, fullback (signed with Raiders)
- Brandon Bolden, running back (signed with Raiders)
- Shaq Mason, offensive guard (traded to Buccaneers)
Reports, rumors, and updates
- March 29: Robert Kraft bothered by lack of recent playoff success, critical of team’s recent drafts
- March 29: Patriots signing former first-round safety Jabril Peppers, per report
- March 28: Bill Belichick won’t name an OC or DC for 2022: ‘I’m not big on titles’
- March 23: Patriots sign cornerback Malcolm Butler to two-year deal, per report
- March 22: Matthew Judon recruiting Odell Beckham Jr. to sign with Patriots
- March 22: Leonard Fournette re-signs with Bucs after visiting with Patriots
- March 21: Patriots re-sign OT Trent Brown to two-year deal, per report
- March 18: Steelers sign former Patriots All-Pro returner Gunner Olszewski, per report
- March 16: Terrance Mitchell signs one-year deal with Patriots, per report
- March 16: Patriots interested in trading for Cowboys OT La’el Collins
- March 15: Patriots trade Shaq Mason to Buccaneers for fifth-round pick
- March 15: Patriots re-signing James White to two-year deal
- March 15: Patriots trade Chase Winovich to Browns in exchange for Mack Wilson, per report
- March 14: J.C. Jackson to sign five-year, $82.5 million deal with Chargers, per report
- March 14: Devin McCourty announces return to Patriots for 13th season
- March 13: Patriots use second-round tender on Jakobi Meyers, per report
- March 9: Patriots doing ‘excessive’ work on wide receivers, including Allen Robinson, per report
- March 7: Patriots release linebacker Kyle Van Noy to clear cap space, per report
- March 5: J.C. Jackson is looking for Jalen Ramsey-type money in free agency, per report
- March 5: Patriots have shown interest in trading for Panthers’ Robby Anderson, per report
- March 4: Patriots will not place franchise tag on J.C. Jackson, per report
- March 4: Devin McCourty training with intent to play next season, per report
- March 1: Patriots to meet with a trio of top wide receiver prospects at NFL Combine, per report
- Feb. 22: J.C. Jackson says the Patriots ‘not showing’ interest ahead of free agency, would welcome franchise tag
- Feb. 15: Patriots promote Matt Groh to director of player personnel to replace Dave Ziegler
- Feb. 4: Adam Gase a potential replacement for Josh McDaniels as Patriots offensive coordinator, per report
- Jan. 30: Raiders hire Josh McDaniels as Las Vegas’ next head coach
- Jan. 30: Raiders hire Patriots executive Dave Ziegler as new GM
