With the 2024 season over, let’s take a look at every contributor on New England’s roster.
The 2024 NFL season is officially in the rear-view mirror. For the New England Patriots it was deja vu from last year, as they finished 4-13 which resulted in head coach Jerod Mayo being fired.
With Mike Vrabel now in the building as the franchise’s next head coach, he will work with executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf on adding talent on both sides of the ball. They will have plenty of resources to do so as they are among the league leaders in cap space ($120+ million) and with the No. 4 pick in the NFL Draft,
The attention will now shift to those potential external additions New England can make this offseason to help get the team back on track. But first, let’s take a look back at those on last year’s team ahead of what could be some major roster turnover.
Quarterback
Drake Maye: After being the team’s best quarterback in the summer, Maye started his rookie season on the sideline as New England attempted to settle the situation around him. Taking over in Week 6, the rookie had plenty of intriguing flashes as he showcased the physical tools with both his arm and legs that led to him being drafted third overall. Despite winning just one game he started and finished, Maye showed the ability to elevate a poor supporting cast around him which leaves the future exciting for the young gunslinger (especially with no excuse for the team to not surround him with talent this offseason). He will need to cut down the turnovers — which often occurred late in games — after throwing an interception in seven straight games and losing six fumbles. Maye did see his turnover worthy-play rate fall to 3.5 percent (t-14th in football) and may be better in this area when he hopefully does not have to carry the entire offense. He has all the makings of a franchise quarterback, now comes the all-important year two next to Josh McDaniels.
Joe Milton III: New England’s sixth-round rookie quarterback spent most of the year as the emergency third quarterback, where he received plenty of praise for his work on the practice fields throughout the year helping mimic opposing QB’s, such as Anthony Richardson and Josh Allen, on the scout team. When Milton finally got his shot in Week 18 he impressed. Beyond showing the immense physical tools — recording the second fastest thrown in the Next Gen Stats era — the rookie seemed to take major strides with his accuracy and timing in the pass game. New England could have their backup for Maye next season or a legitimate trade asset.
Jacoby Brissett: The veteran quarterback was not lying when he went on the record this season to share how tough of a situation he dealt with as the original starting quarterback. Each of Brissett’s five starts featured a different offensive line combination which led to him taking 49 hits. But, Brissett did not always help his case as he was prone to holding the football and leaving plays on the field at times. The veteran, who had a strong relationship with Maye as a mentor this season, seems to want to continue playing next season and may look for a larger opportunity elsewhere.
Running back
Rhamondre Stevenson: Fumbles were the name of the game for Stevenson this season, as the Patriots lead back put the ball on the ground seven times — the most among any back in football. As a ball carrier, Stevenson set a career-high in broken tackles (41) but a career-worst yards per attempt (3.9) — largely due to 75 percent of his yards coming after contact. Count the back as someone who would benefit from improved offensive line play in front of him as he enters the first year of his four-year extension in 2025.
Antonio Gibson: Signed to a three-year deal this offseason, Gibson became one of New England’s best free agency additions. A more dynamic runner than Stevenson, Gibson was a better fit with the Patriots outside zone runs and nearly set a career-high in yards per attempt (4.5). The argument for Gibson playing more was easy as one of New England’s lone explosive ball carriers — especially in the passing game where he finished with a career-low 23 catches. Among all qualified backs in football, Gibson ranked first in PFF’s elusive rating (131.2), which measure success and impact of a runner with the ball independently of the blocking.
JaMycal Hasty: Primarily a three-unit special teams player, Hasty did make occasional appearances on offense logging 107 total snaps and hauling in a touchdown in London. That work primarily came due to injury, in blowouts, or in two-minute situations due to Hasty’s ability as a pass catcher. He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Terrell Jennings: Entering training camp as a UDFA, the hard-running Jennings worked his way onto the Patriots practice squad after leading the team in the preseason with 74 rushing yards on 12 carries (6.2 YPA) — that also featured four missed tackles with 54 yards after contact. Jennings was elevated just once in-season before signing onto the 53-man roster in December — extending his contract through next season — where he played just 24 snaps in the finale.
Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images
Wide receiver
DeMario Douglas: After a shaky start to the season (that was no fault of his own) New England’s top receiver from last year outperformed his rookie season by posting 66 receptions for 621 yards and finding the end zone for the first time — finishing with three touchdowns. The shifty slot receiver remains the Patriots’ best weapon vs. man coverage and is a threat with the ball in his hands. Douglas continued to have some issues settling in open voids against zone coverage but still looks like he can be part of the solution moving forward — although maybe will not be a high-volume player in the slot under McDaniels. It’d be intriguing to see him with better talent along the outside where he can’t be a focal point for opposing defenses.
Kendrick Bourne: Returning from a torn ACL in Week 5, it took Bourne nearly a month to work back into a full-time role. The veteran had his fair share of mental lapses both pre- and post-snap (missing the entire summer likely not helping) which may have led to a questionable Week 10 benching. The issues continued to pop up as Bourne eventually returned to the lineup but did show his usual ability to separate. Involved in trade rumors last offseason, it will be interesting to see where Bourne’s future lies assuming New England tinkers with their wide receiver room this spring. The hiring of McDaniels, who had Bourne post a career-year in 2021, may keep him around but a release or trade results in just a $2.8 million dead cap hit despite signing a three-year extension last offseason.
Kayshon Boutte: Entering the summer almost an afterthought — with even the coaching staff later admitting they did not view Boutte as an original starter — Boutte’s work behind the scenes resulted in him being New England’s top receiver in terms of snaps for most of the season. That correlated to him posting 43 receptions for 589 yards — highlighted by a couple of deep connections with Drake Maye. Boutte was forced to play largely out of position along the outside due to lack of bodies but had moments where he failed to finish routes down the field and struggled with drops. He proved worthy of belonging on a NFL roster and field, but his spot should still be upgraded this offseason.
Ja’Lynn Polk (IR): New England’s second-round pick looked the part of a high-floor receiver prospect in training camp, consistently being involved with the top offense and making plays in the passing game. Then it all came crashing down (quickly). Despite starting the season by getting open, the football wasn’t finding Polk. When it did, the sure-handed college receiver struggled with drops and never seemed to recover from his heel landing out of bounds negating a potential game-winning touchdown in Week 5. Polk’s playing time decreased as the season went on as his coaches shared he had to get over the mental hump. It would be historically uncharacteristic at this point for Polk to bounce back and be a productive receiver after that rookie year, but perhaps the issue primarily seeming to be mental can lead to a better year two under a new coaching staff, who will additionally not handle the off the field distractions.
Javon Baker: It was a disappointing year for New England’s other rookie wide receiver as well, although for different reasons. Inconsistent performances on the practice field — which translated to the game field in his limited action — made it difficult for the coaching staff to thrust Baker into a prominent game day role. In total, Baker played just 51 offensive snaps (eight percent) before the final game of the regular season — where he finally caught his first pass of the year. He likely will enter training camp firmly on the roster bubble.
Tight end
Hunter Henry: Forgoing free agency to return to New England on a three-year extension, Henry posted career-bests in receptions (66) and receiving yards (674) while also seeming to take a small step forward as a run blocker. The 30-year old veteran was the most consistent piece to the Patriots offense and would benefit from a weapon along the outside while McDaniels can hopefully up his red area production back to 2021 levels.
Austin Hooper: Joining Henry in the tight end room was fellow veteran Austin Hooper, who signed a one-year deal in free agency. Like Henry, Hooper became a favorite target for both quarterbacks as he was a reliable No. 2 option — with his 476 receiving yards marking his most since 2019. The 30-year old earned another deal to return unless the Patriots want to get younger or more explosive at the position next to Henry.
Jaheim Bell: New England’s seventh-round pick brought a more explosive skillset to the tight end room, but missing time due to and injury during training camp derailed the start of his rookie season. Bell saw one offensive snap over the first five weeks and eventually finished with just 84 snaps (30 in the finale) — primarily coming in 13 personal looks while sparingly being used as a fullback. Bell was praised by special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer for his growth in the kicking game as he was a member of four units.
Jack Westover: Spending most of the season on the practice squad before being signed to the active roster ahead of Week 18, the rookie tight end mostly filled in on special teams. The rookie was productive over his final two collegiate seasons at Washington and will look to make an impact in training camp next summer.
Offensive tackle
Vederian Lowe: After a rough 2023 season, it was quite the surprise to see Vederian Lowe take over as the team’s top left tackle midway through training camp. But despite missing time with injuries, Lowe held the position for the rest of the season starting 13 games. Overall, his play took a step forward (especially when he uses his length to his advantage) but the inconsistencies were still too much. Nothing highlighted that more than the 13 penalties he was called for which included four in one game vs. Miami. Lowe is a useful backup LT, but upgrading that position is one of the highest on New England’s to-do list this offseason.
Demontrey Jacobs: One of four players claimed off waivers following roster cut down day, Jacobs came to New England with zero career NFL snaps. Due to injuries, Jacobs was quickly thrusted into action in relief in Week 3 before going on to start the rest of the season primarily at right tackle. It was a tough spot to put Jacobs and he primarily struggled getting depth out of his stance which allowed quicker rushers to get around him. Jacobs is an exclusive rights free agents (ERFA) so could be back to battle for a depth spot next summer, but RT is another position that needs an upgrade.
Caedan Wallace: New England’s third-round pick drew just one start over the first month of the regular season before landing on IR after suffering two major legs injuries — a severe high-ankle sprain and broken fibula. Wallace was somehow able to work his way back to the practice field late in the year and log 33 snaps at right tackle over the final two weeks of the season where he expectedly looked shaky. In an ideal world Wallace wins the starting right tackle job this offseason, but unfortunately saw his rookie year be mostly a lot cause.
Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Interior offensive line
Michael Onwenu: Signing a lucrative three-year extension in free agency, it was not the start to the season the Patriots expected from Onwenu. But, the team was asking a lot from him as he continued to bounce between right tackle and right guard in both games and practice. Once Onwenu finally settled in at right guard (his best spot) in Week 8 his performance improved — especially over the final month of the season. He should continued to be locked into guard moving forward.
Cole Strange: A long rehab journey — that included two patellar tendon surgeries and relearning how to walk — saw Strange return to the practice field in late November where he began to focus on the center position. Drawing starts the final two games of the season, Strange looked the part at the position as his athletic ability shined with him working to the second level. There were some troubles with shotgun snaps and mental issues as he was in charge of pre-snap line calls, but that was to be expected in his first ever starts at the position. If those can be cleaned up with more experience, there is something to work with — although we will see what position the new staff prefers him at.
Layden Robinson: The fourth-round rookie drew the start out of the gate at right guard for the Patriots, but pass pro issues led to him sitting down after the first month of the season. Robinson eventually returned to the lineup briefly but suffered an ankle injury and then was questionably put back into the lineup two weeks later against Jeffrey Simmons — where he lasted just 21 plays. After spending time transitioning to left guard behind the scenes, Robinson started the final five games at that position. He plays with plenty of power and effort — especially in the run game — but never seemed to develop in pass protection from a mental or technical side of things. Perhaps his first full offseason and a new coaching staff can elevate Robinson into a more consistent starting level guard entering Year 2, but it’s tough to count on him as an immediate starter at this point.
Ben Brown (IR): Brown went from being a member of the Raiders practice squad on a Thursday to being the Patriots starting center Sunday (for Drake Maye’s first career start). Nobody knew what to expect with Brown having just eight career NFL snaps at left guard to his resume, but the 26-year old handled the position well. After some eventual rough patches in pass protection and in the run game, Brown’ game settled down to end the season until his snapping became inconsistent over his final two games. He then landed on IR with a concussion missing the final two games but should return as depth as an exclusive rights free agent this offseason.
David Andrews (IR): After suffering a shoulder injury in Week 4, Andrews elected to undergo season-ending surgery with the hopes of returning next season. That remains his hope and he is on track to be medically cleared by May, but has acknowledged multiple times that he and the organization will see how much he has left in the tank when he returns to the football field. His pass protection seemed to have already taken a slight hit in the past two seasons, but it’s noteworthy to point out the rotation of young guards he’s been surrounded with. Hopefully a healthy shoulder and Onwenu anchoring him to his right will have Andrews back on track entering 2025.
Sidy Sow: It was an odd year for Sidy Sow, who started 13 games at guard as a rookie for the Patriots last season. Spending all of training camp as the starting left guard, Sow suffered an ankle injury in the preseason finale and did not return until Week 4. After drawing back into the starting lineup, Sow allowed four pressures and reverted back to the bench — where he was then used sparingly over the rest of the season for injury replacement and as a fullback. Despite spending the summer as a starter, Sow did not seem to have the coaching staff’s trust and eventually was a healthy scratch down the stretch.
Lester Cotton: Claimed off waivers in November from the Dolphins, Cotton went on to serve a depth role for the Patriots interior down the stretch. He played 11 snaps at guard in garbage time in Week 17 and was used sparingly as a muscle tight end and logging two snaps at fullback the two weeks prior. The 28-year old will be a restricted free agent this offseason so could return fighting for a roster spot next summer.
Lecitus Smith: With depth concerns at the center position, New England added Smith in October off the Packers practice squad. Unique as a left snapper, Smith was never called on at the center spot — instead being part of the rotation at fullback and muscle tight end (five total snaps). Smith remains under contract for next season with no guaranteed money.
Tyrese Robinson: Another midseason addition along the interior, Robinson did not make an appearance until Week 18 where he played 61 snaps in relief of Onwenu. He held up clean in pass protection against Buffalo’s backups, and is also under contract next year with no guaranteed money remaining.
Interior defensive line
Davon Godchaux: Signing a two-year extension during training camp that kicks in this offseason, Godchaux took his usual spot along the interior of New England’s defensive line. He was his typical strong self against the run although teams quickly realized he was the strength of the unit and sent multiple bodies his way. It will be interesting to see if the defensive line room is one Vrabel completely remodels this offseason, perhaps moving off of Godchaux, who was never afraid to openly speak his mind in the locker room. Despite signing an extension it’s a contract that can be traded.
Christian Barmore (NFI): After inking a big four-year extension this offseason, Barmore spent the first two days of training camp limited before the team announced he was out indefinitely with blood clots. It was a feel good moment that he worked his way back onto the field by November but clearly (and expectedly) was not in football shape. Unfortunately, Barmore was then shut down after a month due to reoccurring symptoms.
Keion White: It was an interesting sophomore season for Keion White. After getting off to a red-hot start with four sacks in his first two games, White recorded just one the rest of the season although remained one of the best interior rushers in football in terms of pressures. White had his issues against the run on early downs and was critical of the coaching staff late in the season as he felt he regressed as a player. There may not be a player who benefits more from the coaching switch to Vrabel, who will now try to find the right role for White and elevate his game in year three.
Deatrich Wise Jr.: A veteran captain, Wise played just 41 percent of the Patriots’ defensive snaps this season — his lowest since 2019. He continued to make the occasional play as a pass rusher but had some undisciplined moments against the run and a few in the penalty department. Wise was one of just a few veterans who did not receive contract extensions this past season, making his future perhaps in jeopardy as he heads to unrestricted free agency.
Daniel Ekuale: Without Barmore, Ekuale took on a larger role along New England’s front which led to him playing a career-high 68 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. Usually known as a situational pass rusher, it was a tough spot for Ekuale in the Patriots early-down two-gapping run defense. It also limited him as a rusher where he logged just nine pressures. Ekuale will hit free agency this offseason.
Jeremiah Pharms Jr.: Similar to Ekuale, Pharms is not at his best when he is forced to two-gap along the interior. He’d be at his best in a more aggressive front similar to Vrabel’s Tennessee defenses as he also does bring some juice as a pass rusher — posting 19 pressures in a limited sample size with a few decisive wins.
Eric Johnson II: Johnson was another of the four players claimed following roster cut down day. He served a limited role in the defensive line rotation appearing in 11 games and playing a quarter of the defensive snaps. Johnson does bring some quickness as an interior rusher and will try to carve out a larger role for himself entering next season.
Jaquelin Roy (IR): Signed to New England’s practice squad in September, Roy quickly worked his way onto the 53-man roster and quietly got off to a strong start. The 24-year old logged sacks in his first two games and was among one of the top interior lineman in football in run stops since making his debut. Roy’s season was cut short due to a neck injury before he fractured his foot, but he remains under contract next season where he could serve as valuable depth along the interior.
Defensive edge
Anfernee Jennings: There’s never much to question when it comes to Anfernee Jennings, who remains one of the best run defenders along the edge in football — where his 37 run stops ranked first among the position. Jennings’ motor and effort always shows up in his role and the soon-to-be 28-year old even had a bit more success as a pass rusher posting a career-best 31 pressures.
Oshane Ximines (IR): After not receiving much interest in free agency, Ximines reunited with former linebacker coach Drew Wilkins in Foxboro. A strong summer set a transformed Ximines up to be a reliable rusher in the mix along the edge with Matthew Judon and Joshua Uche. Following the trade of Judon, New England then quickly lost Ximines as he suffered a torn ACL in Week 2.
Truman Jones: The former Harvard grad joined New England’s practice squad in December before signing to the active roster ahead of the season finale. Jones has good size along the edge which he showcased against Buffalo with a few plays in the run game to pair with a pressure. He remains under contract entering the offseason.
Titus Leo: Signed to the 53-man roster in November, Leo went on to be a core special team player for New England over the final month of the season. He did receive a handful of defensive snaps in the season finale where he also logged a pressure and run stop. Similar to Jones, Leo also enters the offseason under contract.
Off-the-ball linebacker
Ja’Whaun Bentley (IR): Bentley suffering a season-ending torn pec in Week 2 was a major turning point for the Patriots defense. They struggled to stop the run in nickel without him which led to the unit playing more base defense — where they then still couldn’t stop the run and were consistently giving up explosives in the passing game. Bentley’s return was progressing well and New England needs him back in the middle of their defense next season.
Jahlani Tavai: Without Bentley beside him, it was a tough season for Tavai. Moving more inside, Tavai struggled in the run game while opposing offenses picked on him in coverage. He then ended the year by questionably taking a shot at the fanbase. He signed a three-year extension prior to the season and may be one of the more interesting players to see what Vrabel has in store for this offseason.
Christian Elliss: One of the few bright spots on the defensive side of the football. Claimed off waivers as a pure special teamer last year, Elliss played nearly 50 percent of the Patriots’ defensive snaps (previous high was 15 percent) this season. His size will always restrict him in the run game, but Elliss’ athletic skillset is useful in coverage (five pass breakups) and as a second-level blitzer (10 pressures). There’s a role there as a sub linebacker.
Sione Takitaki: A knee injury costed Takitaki the entire offseason and lingered throughout the season as he did not make his regular season debut until Week 6. Taking on a part-time role along the second-level upon his return, Takitaki failed to make much of an impact and had serious gap issues in the run game. Signing a two-year deal in free agency, New England could move off the linebacker for just $1 million in the upcoming months. If not, he’ll be back in the fold where an offseason of recovery would hopefully lead to more of an impact.
Monty Rice: Signed to the practice squad in November, Rice saw two elevations late in the year for a special team role before becoming another member of the group signed to the active roster during Week 18. Drafted by the Titans when Vrabel was the head coach, Rice will be under contract entering the offseason.
Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
Cornerback
Christian Gonzalez: It was an interesting training camp from the 2023 first-round pick, who was on the wrong side of more pass plays than you would expect after the strong start to his rookie season. If there were any concerns entering the season, Gonzalez shut them down (quickly). The 22-year old was the Patriots best player this season as he consistently locked down opposing wide receivers — often traveling in man-to-man coverage against the other side’s best. He deservedly earned second-team All-Pro honors.
Jonathan Jones: The veteran Jones battled injuries earlier in the season which saw his play time take a small step back and perhaps leading to him losing a step — highlighted by the issues in Week 17 against Ladd McConkey and his 4.39 speed. He remains a leader in the locker room but was another one of the veterans to not receive an extension last offseason. Entering free agency, Jones wants to continue to play in Foxboro but may be best as a nickel corner with safety versatility — where he was used at times this season.
Marcus Jones (IR): Missing most of last season with a shoulder injury, Jones reestablished himself as one of the most dangerous punt returners in football as his 14.9 yards per return led the AFC (2nd in football). Jones also played a career-high 64 percent of the defensive snaps bouncing in between the slot and the field side. The 26-year old was overall strong in coverage but his 5-foot-8 frame did plague him at times — although that never hindered him from showing the physical side of his game. Jones also returned to the offensive side of things for a handful of snaps as a gadget threat before ending the year on injured reserve (missing the final three games) for the second straight year.
Alex Austin: A slow start to his sophomore season — that included time on injured reserve due to an ankle injury — ended positively for Austin. Working back in along the outside over the last five weeks of the season, Austin was again competitive in coverage logging five pass breakups in that span. He ended the year strong for the second straight season, this time with perhaps his best performance as gave up just one catch for -1 yards on four targets in the finale — primarily working against the Bills top draft pick Keon Coleman. Austin will have a chance to crack the starting rotation next summer.
Isaiah Bolden: Starting the season on the practice squad, Bolden worked his way onto the active roster in a depth corner role. Bolden mainly saw defensive action over the final two games of the season with Gonzalez sidelined where he continued to show some developmental upside with the versatility to play inside and out. It was frustrating Bolden did not get a shot as a kick returner due to his past success at the position at the collegiate level.
Marcellas Dial Jr.: New England’s lone defensive draft pick, Dial primarily took on a special teams role this season playing gunner opposite of Brenden Schooler. The open field tackling ability was seen in his lone extensive work at cornerback in the season finale, which could open the door for a switch to the safety position — especially with his ball skills being a strength of his game from his college days.
Miles Battle: The 24-year old Battle got his first NFL action in Week 18 after originally signing to the practice squad in October. He took his opportunity and ran with it as he allowed just one catch on five targets to pair with three pass breakups in the season finale. At 6-foot-3, Battle has some intriguing size along the outside and will look to continue that success into next summer.
Safety
Kyle Dugger: It was a rough year for the 28-year old safety along the Patriots backend. Dugger’s eyes never seemed to be in the right place in coverage while a lingering severe ankle injury (that cost him four games) and a later illness slowed him down physically — helping lead to a career-worse 13 missed tackles. The four-year extension Dugger signed last offseason is not easy to move off of until next offseason, so New England better hope the decline in play was primarily due to the ankle injury which required offseason surgery.
Jabrill Peppers (IR): After the first month of the season, the Patriots team captain was arrested and later was charged with assault and battery on an intimate partner, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and possession of cocaine. Peppers was surprisingly reinstated in November and quickly returned to the field for New England’s next two games. Injuries then costed the safety the last three weeks of the season. Peppers was back in court following the season and was acquitted of the domestic violence charges.
Marte Mapu: A calf injury resulted in Mapu missing all of training camp (outside of the first practice) and starting the season on IR. He then returned to action in Week 5 where he wore the green dot and played 93 total snaps in impressive fashion. Continuing to be used both in the box and at safety, Mapu held a role for next five weeks until some breakdowns in coverage and issues in the run game took him out of the lineup. He was active for just one of the team’s next five games but seemed to start to turn a corner working back into the rotation in Weeks 16 and 17. With question marks at safety entering the offseason, the hope is Mapu cuts down on the inconsistencies and can build off the late progress.
Jaylinn Hawkins: Hawkins appeared in all 17 games for the Patriots this season playing 55 percent of the defensive snaps and as a core special teamer. In the safety mix, Hawkins was steady in his role in the deep part of the field while also seeing some matchups against tight ends closer to the line of scrimmage. He’ll hit free agency again this year after signing a one-year deal last offseason.
Dell Pettus: The lone UDFA on the roster, the physical Pettus ended the year as one of the Patriots more impressive rookies. Playing a major role on special teams as a personnel protector — where he succeeded on a fake punt in Buffalo — Pettus also played 31 percent of the defensive snaps. He showed some potential guarding tight ends in man coverage (which he credited to working with Peppers) but had some expected rookie moments on the mental side of things. Still, the 23-year old will be interesting to watch in year two.
Special teams
Joey Slye: After winning the kicking competition vs. Chad Ryland in training camp, it was an up-and-down season for Slye. His 78.8 percent field goal percentage was the lowest since his rookie season and ranked 27th in the league as he missed seven field goals — five coming in eventual one-score losses. Slye will be a free agent this offseason and the Patriots did add kicker John Parker Romo to the practice squad (before signing him to a future contract at season end).
Bryce Baringer: It was not as busy of a year for Bryce Baringer as he logged 70 punts this season after nearly leading the league last year with 98. Despite the smaller workload, Baringer improved both his yards per attempt and net average while his 36 i20s nearly reached last year’s total (39) that set a franchise record. There were still some inconsistencies as the season went on, but Baringer finished the year as a top-10 punter in football.
Joe Cardona: The long-time long snapper was his usual reliable self for New England’s kicking game. A change in New England’s coverage scheme also allowed Cardona to be more involved where he recorded a career-high four tackles — tied for the most among any long snapper in the league — and force a fumble in the season opener.
Brenden Schooler: It was quite the bounce-back season from Schooler, who became the Patriots’ lone Pro Bowl selection and earned first-team All Pro honors due to his work on special teams. Dealing with penalty (4) and missed tackle (8) issues last season, Schooler was not flagged once and missed just three tackles while again ranking near the top of the league in special teams tackles. Despite seeing more attention without Matthew Slater, he was back to his dominant self at the gunner spot. He even recorded his first career two sacks as he mixed in on defense in New England’s Longhorn package.