The first day of the NFL’s negotiation window was a quiet one for the New England Patriots as the team ended up signing just two players.
With the dust settled, here’s who was impacted the most, both positively and negatively, by their moves on Monday.
Winners
WR Kyle Williams: Internally, the Patriots remain high on Kyle Williams entering the receiver’s second season. After playing just 31 percent of the team’s offensive snaps last season as part of a crowded depth chart, it’s expected that Williams will
have a chance for more opportunities moving forward. With the Patriots not adding a wide receiver on day one of free agency, the path towards that role remains clear for Williams — in addition to fellow second-year wide receiver Efton Chism III.
DL Cory Durden: The Patriots saw defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga depart and sign a three-year, $21 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Tonga made a big impact during his one season in New England and took on the largest role of his career (337 snaps). That will lead to more work for Cory Durden, who had played himself into a larger workload down the stretch last season in the first place. Leonard Taylor III (aka Lenny T.) will likely also continue factor into the defensive line rotation.
RBs Rhamondre Stevenson & RB TreVeyon Henderson: New England’s rushing attack improved down the stretch — specifically as they leaned on their six offensive line package — but still ranked as one of the league’s most inefficient units. Some of that had to do with their run blocking personnel at the tight end and fullback positions, which will now be improved with the addition of Reggie Gilliam (No. 41). The former Bills fullback was a big part in the Bills’ No. 1 ranked rushing attack last season often paving the way for James Cook — welcomed news for both Stevenson and Henderson.
Losers
FBs Jack Westover and Brock Lampe: New England tendered Westover’s contract early Monday morning, but earning a roster spot projects as an upward battle for the converted fullback next season after the addition of Gilliam. The same is true for Lampe, who seemed set to make the roster last season before suffering a season-ending foot injury in training camp.
Honorable mention
QB Drake Maye: A late night addition along the offensive line in Alijah-Vera Tucker upgrades Maye’s protection up front by filling a hole on the Patriots starting offensive line. But on the first day of free agency, the Patriots did not add any pass catchers for their 23-year old quarterback and saw potential replacements for Stefon Diggs sign elsewhere. There is plenty of time to go, but upgrading Maye’s supporting cast continues to rank as the clear-cut No. 1 thing on New England’s to-do list.
