We took a look at where the Patriots' defensive depth chart stands for 2021, after the news that Devin McCourty intends to return for another season.
Might as well take a look at the offense.
And, boy, there's a lot of work to do.
Here we go:
• Obviously the biggest issue is quarterback — they only have one, Jarrett Stidham, under contract (they'll likely have Jacob Dolegala once practice squad players are signed to futures contracts after the season, but he is not to be considered at all). We all know the deal here. I still don't think it's out of the realm of possibility that Stidham could be the starter for this team, even next year, but it would have to come after a competition with someone. That being said, his entire 2020 campaign — especially the training camp episode — made the odds much longer in the eyes of the organization. Still, anything is possible and the play is the only thing that matters.
Unless Bill Belichick wants another losing record in Week 14, he's going to make a major move for a starter either via a trade for an NFL veteran, or up in the draft.
We all know the names and we'll talk about them all winter. If I had to bet my house on who the next QB of the Patriots would be, it would be Jimmy Garoppolo. I can't see Kyle Shanahan riding with the oft-injured former Patriot for another season when he was lukewarm on him this offseason. Belichick doesn't really consider injuries all that much, and might view Garoppolo's problems as possibly being over (like Aaron Rodgers early in his career) and could use them as a way to drive down his price. Garoppolo is set to make about $25 million the next two seasons. Extend him a few years to drive down the cap number, and you're in business. Plus, Shanahan owes Belichick one.
• Next on the to-do list, a bonafide receiver or two. I have a hard time seeing the Patriots in the bidding for the top free agents. I think going for a top restricted free agent like a Tim Patrick (Broncos) or Zach Pascal (Colts) and writing up a contract that would be tough to match might make the smarter way to go. Otherwise, the Patriots could be looking at the second-tier guys as far as prices, like an AJ Green, Marvin Jones, TY Hilton (all over 30) or a Curtis Samuel and/or a return trip for Damiere Byrd.
• You can't count on Julian Edelman anymore with his health.
• Move N'Keal Harry to big slot/move TE while we're at it. He's not going to make a living on the boundary in this offense. Move him inside full-time.
• I would rather spend more of my cap dollars on a No. TE, on like a Hunter Henry or Jonnu Smith. The Packers' Robert Tonyan would make an ideal RFA target, especially if he's tagged as a second-rounder. The Packers are $27 million over the '21 cap right now and the right offer could land you an instant starter — but other well-capped teams are thinking of using this maneuver on multiple players as well.
• If Matt LaCosse returns, he's a fine No. 2. Then Ryan Izzo, Devin Asiasi (if he's not traded) and Jordan Thomas can duke it out for No. 3, with Dalton Keene in more of a hybrid FB role. Tonyan, LaCosse and Asiasi/Thomas would be a good room.
• Then the Patriots need to figure out center. David Andrews basically has them over a barrel. He's going to get the Devin McCourty/Dont'a Hightower overpayment once he threatens to leave with another offer. The Patriots simply can't lose Andrews.
• Even if Marcus Cannon doesn't return and Joe Thuney gets paid elsewhere, the Patriots have good starters (not much depth) on the line: Isaiah Wynn, Mike Onwenu, Shaq Mason, Justin Herron.
• At running back, there's no reason to spend any real case at the position with Damien Harris, Sony Michel, Brandon Bolden and JJ Taylor. James White would need to play ball on a deal, or 'It's been real but ...' Maybe Rex Burkhead comes back on a minimum deal after the rehab. Actually, Belichick will probably give him an extension worth $5 million AAV.
• Overall, take advantage of the QB reset by going for talent over whatever the heck the Patriots have been looking for at the skills positions the last few years. The scheme is going to have to be simple and learned slowly, so go take a few risks on some guys who aren't joining Mensa anytime soon. The Patriots need more athletes and difference-makers. Those guys often aren't in study hall all the time.
• And use that cap space wisely and smartly. Don't be afraid of a few RFA maneuvers.