Patriots Daily: Six More Extension Options in New England

Two months ago, the New England Patriots had 28 players scheduled to hit 2025 NFL free agency. That number has since been reduced to 24. New England released Conor McDermott. Kyle Dugger’s transition tag got turned into a multi-year contract. The Patriots signed two additional players, Christian Barmore and David Andrews, to extensions.

With the 90-man offseason roster full, Eliot Wolf can focus on getting a few more key players locked up before the 2024 season begins. Here’s a look at a few of the most likely candidates to be extended this offseason.

Jahlani Tavai

Last season’s Patriots MVP signed a two-year deal worth $4.4 million before last season. He easily surpassed that total value in 2023 alone. Tavai was not present for the start of OTAs. Locking up a valuable member of the defense and special teams units would be wise, depending on the type of contract the 27-year-old is seeking.

Matthew Judon

Judon missed most of last season with a biceps injury. He is the only Pro Bowl selection for New England since 2021, As a pass-rushing specialist, Judon will attract plenty of attention on the open market. If the Patriots are not serious about retaining his services beyond 2024, they may need to consider a deadline deal.

Davon Godchaux

Critics once said Bill Belichick had overpaid for Godchaux’s services, though he has lived up to his contract. Like Tavai and Judon, Godchux was absent at the start of OTAs. He is one of three defensive tackles to record 55 or more tackles in each of the past three seasons (his tenure in New England).

Only 3 NFL defensive tackles have 55+ tackles in each of the past 3 seasons (2021-2023):

DeForest Buckner
Davon Godchaux
Christian Wilkins pic.twitter.com/PpPyzPpzG6

— Dan Kelley (@DanKelley66) April 9, 2024

Jabrill Peppers

Pro Football Focus ranked Peppers as the fifth-best safety in the NFL last season. His final grade for 2023 was an 87.3. This was significantly higher than Kyle Dugger (61.7) who just inked a massive extension to stay in New England. Peppers seems to love being in New England and quickly became a fan favorite. Keeping their safety duo together would bring a sense of stability to the Patriots’ last line of defense.

Rhamondre Stevenson

New England will rely heavily on Stevenson in 2024. He finished last season on IR. He’s been productive during his three NFL seasons with the Patriots. Stevenson amassed 3,047 yards from scrimmage and scored 15 touchdowns. The free agent market for running backs is unpredictable. There was significant movement all around the league this offseason. If Eliot Wolf considers Stevenson a potential “core player” getting him signed early must be a consideration.

Jonathan Jones

Although Jones has crossed the threshold of 30, he is coming off a very solid season. He is a team leader and projects to start at cornerback in 2024. An extension for Jonathan Jones would not need to break the bank. New England can extend Jones one year, as they did with David Andrews. That way they ensure whenever Jones is ready to retire, he does so as a member of the Patriots.

Which contract will get addressed next? Stay tuned.

Also in today’s Patriots Daily:

Football Fun Fact of the Day

The NFL player with the most career games against the Patriots is former New York Jets kicker Pat Leahy (34).

Former Dolphins offensive lineman Bob Kuechenberg beat the Patriots the most times (18).

Former Bills teammates Brian Mormon and Kyle Williams lost to the Patriots the most times (21).

Post of the Day

Drake Maye continued his introduction to the Boston sports scene by watching the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals last night at TD Garden. Here he is meeting Jayson Tatum pregame:

New England Patriots News

Atonio Mafi enters the Center Conversation

New England Sophomore Keion White has Old-School Attitude

Patriots 90-Man Roster Spotlight: Jonathan Jones

Report: Cole Strange to Miss the Start of New England’s Season

NFL News

CBS Sports – Giants owner pushes back on 18-game regular season

ESPN – Patrick Mahomes weighs in on Rashee Rice, Harrison Butker

NBC Sports – Colts HC: Anthony Richardson has been pretty smooth

NFL.com – Dak Prescott: “I don’t play for money”

Yahoo! Sports – Greg Olsen wins best NFL analyst before being replaced by Tom Brady

Yardbarker – Predictions for future of 49ers WRs Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel

Boston Bruins

Go to our sibling site Boston Hockey Now to check out the great Boston Bruins coverage from Jimmy Murphy and the BHN team.

Today’s feature – Sweeney deflects back to DeBrusk in contract talks

PFN+q

Subscribe here or on Boston Hockey Now to get a subscription to both sites. Subscribers get bonus coverage such as NFL Draft scouting reports and weekly NFL Power Rankings. It also provides a completely ad-free experience on the sites.

Use code KELLEY10 and get $10 off a yearly subscription. New England Patriots and Boston Bruins coverage with no ads and bonus content for less than $2.50/month!