If Sunday was Bill Belichick's last game as head coach of the New England Patriots, it was an odd scene. The stands were half full - there were only a few hearty souls in the 300 level - leaving an atmosphere that bordered more on curiosity than the meaningful sendoff he deserved, even amidst the worst season of his 24-year tenure in Foxborough.
And yes, I get it was snowing. So what? Some of the greatest memories of Belichick's time as a coach here were in the elements: the Snow Bowl/Tuck Rule game, that December 7th win over Miami when fans launched snowballs into the air after a late touchdown, the 2004 AFC Championship game against the Colts, the Divisional playoff game against Indy a year later. This, however, wasn't any of that. There are no playoffs or Super Bowls in the Pats' immediate future. Instead, a feeling of inevitability swirled in the air amidst the falling snow and gusting winds.
Don't get me wrong - the Patriots are in this situation primarily because of Belichick's mismanagement with Tom Brady at the end of his time here and then the lack of a plan post-Brady - or at least the assumption he could operate in the same manner without the man who, with Belichick, lifted this organization to heights not seen before and likely not seen again. But there was something - dare I say - sad about it ending like that (if indeed it is ending). For what he's done for the franchise, the region, and the fan base, I wish something could have made it memorable - in a good way. A video tribute. Something. Instead, it was just a bad loss to end a bad season. Belichick deserved more than that, and I know he'll probably eventually get it - with a statue and all that - but Sunday left me feeling empty.
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Something to consider if Josh McDaniels is brought back as offensive coordinator or in some other capacity (QB coach? Assistant head coach?): Maybe Mac Jones is here after all.
Under Josh's watchful eye, Jones had a solid rookie season - 67.6 completion percentage, 3,800 yards passing, and 22 touchdowns. The Pats won 10 games - albeit taking advantage of a soft schedule - and was arguably their best player in the 30-point playoff loss at Buffalo.
Financially, it makes sense. Jones will count for just a touch less than $5 million against the salary cap. There is no reason to pick up the fifth-year option. Just roll him back and let him compete with Bailey Zappe and whatever rookie quarterback you bring in via the draft (please don't push that off another year, and please don't sell me on another 3rd-day pick). For an organization that prides itself on fiscal responsibility, your quarterback room will be incredibly cheap, and McDaniels would essentially be working for you on someone else's (Las Vegas) dime. When have I seen this before?
(For the record, I am not advocating for Mac's return)
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The Pats have 18 unrestricted free agents heading into this offseason. The only players the team needs to make a strong bid to keep are Michael Onwenu, Anfernee Jennings, and Hunter Henry. After that? I like Mack Wilson as a situational pass rusher, sliding into the role Josh Uche held this season (both played just 9 snaps in the run-heavy finale). No, he's not the same level, but if I'm doing a cost-benefit analysis, it makes sense to pay Wilson versus Uche 10 (or whatever it will take). Either way, Uche didn't earn/wasn't allowed to eat more snaps after Matthew Judon's injury, and his work as a run defender is not good.
I would look to retain Myles Bryant (ducking, as many of you are not fans), but again, not for any real money (say north of $5 mil). Does he get exposed playing as much as he had to this year? Yep. He's still a valuable player in the proper role.
As for Kendrick Bourne, I'd take him back, but also not for real money, especially as he's coming off a torn ACL. It might be good value, but to expect him to be what he was this season or a few years ago is probably wishing for too much. Year two is when the ACL guys look like themselves.
The rest of that list is either minimum contract guys (see Pharoah Brown) or not guys I want around (hello, Mike Gesicki and Trent Brown).