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What Are You Concerned About Heading Into This Season???

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Josh McDaniels' return might extend Bill Belichick's coaching window
4:35 AM PT
Mike ReissESPN Staff Writer

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- When Josh McDaniels reversed course to return to the New England Patriots on Tuesday, one of the first questions it sparked was: How much longer does Bill Belichick plan to coach?

Belichick turns 66 in April, he’s committed to be back in 2018, and it seems fair to say he’s “year-to-year” after that.

Some believe McDaniels’ return could accelerate Belichick’s eventual retirement, but here’s an alternative theory: It actually might prolong his stay on the sideline because it reduces what would have been a major strain.

This was shaping up to be one of Belichick’s most challenging years because he was going to have to replace McDaniels, his offensive coordinator; defensive coordinator Matt Patricia; and maybe even special teams coach Joe Judge, whose contract is expiring.

McDaniels’ return takes a major headache away from Belichick, as the Patriots didn't have a clear in-house candidate to replace the offensive coordinator. It probably would have meant Belichick devoting more time to that side of the ball like he did in 2005, when Charlie Weis departed and McDaniels was being eased into the playcalling role.

McDaniels coming back in 2018 and into the future simplifies things for Belichick, allowing the freedom that is ideal for him to oversee the entire team, or chip in more on defense under a new coordinator (likely Brian Flores).

Meanwhile, another trickle-down effect of McDaniels’ return is the odds of Judge’s return as special teams coach have increased. Over the past 24 hours or so, there has been positive momentum building that Judge will be back with the Patriots in 2018 (although, as we saw with McDaniels and the Colts, nothing is official until it’s signed).

If that’s the way it unfolds, the turnover that was projected for two key spots on the Patriots' staff will not have come to fruition.

That’d be a huge coup for Belichick, who has also been relishing one other aspect of things: having his sons, Stephen (safeties coach) and Brian (coaching assistant), on staff. Leading up to the Super Bowl, when asked about coaching alongside his sons, he said: “Special, unlike any other, really. It's obviously great to have Steve, but also Brian, too. It's special."

Whenever Belichick decides to retire, he’d be stepping away from that, which figures to be a notable part of his decision-making process.

So maybe it’s two to three years. Maybe it’s four to five. Or even longer.

If anything, McDaniels’ return might extend the window rather than shorten it.
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not sure i buy this. i could easily see Bill ****ing us over (again) and moving on to coach the Giants or elsewhere
 
QUARTERBACKS (2)
Tom Brady (signed through 2019): The 40-year-old won his third MVP then had the second best marks in terms of yards (1,132), touchdowns (eight) and passer rating (108.6) in his postseason career. Brady said he’ll be back next season.

Brian Hoyer (signed through 2019): With a $915,000 cap hit, Hoyer will almost certainly be on the roster next season, regardless of who the Patriots draft.


RUNNING BACKS (6)
Dion Lewis (unrestricted free agent): Lewis will want something comparable to a three-year, $18 million deal with $10 million guaranteed to avoid free agency. Don’t expect a hometown discount.

James White (signed through 2020): White’s usage dropped in the second half, perhaps to keep him fresh, but the Patriots again relied on him in clutch Super Bowl moments.

Rex Burkhead (unrestricted free agent): Burkhead has serious potential in this offense, but he suffered at least five injuries that kept him off the field dating back to last offseason. However, Burkhead and Belichick share an agent, so maybe they can work out a mutually beneficial deal.

Brandon Bolden (unrestricted free agent): Bolden signed for the league minimum last April and was briefly released in Week 1 before returning again. He’ll be easy to keep again.

Mike Gillislee (signed through 2018): Gillislee was inactive for 10 of the final 11 games, and the Pats can save $2.18 million by releasing him. But they can afford to bring him to camp to see if he can expand his role.

James Develin (signed through 2018): The Pro Bowler finally doesn’t have to worry about a new contract and can rest easy this offseason.


TIGHT ENDS (5)
Rob Gronkowski (signed through 2019): Gronk is legitimately considering retirement, but he can earn $19 million over the next two seasons and is approaching the tight end TD record. If the Pats have to bump his salary, don’t blink. Just do.

Dwayne Allen (signed through 2019): The Patriots will save $5 million by releasing Allen, who never jibed with Brady.

Martellus Bennett (signed through 2019): Bennett will earn a $2 million roster bonus on March 14, so the Patriots will quickly make a call on his future. They’ll save $6.2 million in cap space by releasing him.

Jacob Hollister (signed through 2019): The undrafted rookie wasn’t much of a factor but still offers intriguing potential.

Will Tye (signed future contract for 2018): Tye joined the practice squad in October and will compete for a job in camp.


WIDE RECEIVERS (11)
Julian Edelman (signed through 2019): After tearing his ACL in August, Edelman again figures to be Brady’s main man in 2018. He is expected to be ready by training camp.

Brandin Cooks (signed through 2018): Cooks wants to stay, but it’s complicated. He’ll make $8.459 million in 2018, so the Pats might offer an extension to lower that cap hit. But with a chance to earn $14 million annually next year in free agency, don’t expect Cooks to be charitable.

Chris Hogan (signed through 2018): Hogan’s shoulder finally healed up for the Super Bowl, when he again showed legitimate offensive value. Big expectations for a healthy 2018.

Danny Amendola (unrestricted free agent): Amendola has given back $10 million by restructuring over his last three offseasons. He only has eyes for the Patriots, but they have to assure him enough guaranteed money (likely at least $750,000) that it secures his job through camp.

Phillip Dorsett (signed through 2018): The Patriots seriously love Dorsett, who was a statistical non-factor but could be a surprise contributor after a full offseason in the program.

Malcolm Mitchell (signed through 2019): Mitchell’s knee is in bad shape. The Patriots hope 2016 wasn’t just a tease.

Matthew Slater (unrestricted free agent): If the seven-time Pro Bowler doesn’t re-sign, take cover because the world is ending.

Kenny Britt (signed through 2018): A healthy scratch in the playoffs, Britt was added as Hogan insurance and roster competition for 2018.

Bernard Reedy (exclusive rights free agent): Return specialist bounced between the active roster and practice squad.

Cody Hollister (signed future contract for 2018): Undrafted rookie spent the year on the practice squad.

Riley McCarron (signed future contract for 2018): An ideal practice squadder who needs time to develop.


OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (13)
Nate Solder (unrestricted free agent): The left tackle said he wants to keep playing. Would he take another team-friendly two-year, $20 million contract? He could conceivably get $12 million annually on the open market.

Joe Thuney (signed through 2019): The left guard had some rough stretches but only surrendered two quarterback hits and one pressure in the playoffs.

David Andrews (signed through 2020): An extremely well-respected captain, Andrews’ job is likely secure for as long as Brady is around.

Shaq Mason (signed through 2018): The linemen ooh and aah at his run-blocking highlights. Mason has become a much better pass blocker but got beat on the key strip sack in the Super Bowl.

Marcus Cannon (signed through 2021): The right tackle had surgery on a severe high ankle sprain and also cleaned up an ankle issue that plagued him as far back as 2016. They’re excited for a clean slate in 2018.

LaAdrian Waddle (unrestricted free agent): Didn’t allow a sack all season and showed toughness to return earlier than expected from a sprained ankle and knee. Pats should retain him as the top backup tackle if he doesn’t get a chance to start elsewhere.

Cameron Fleming (unrestricted free agent): Allowed six sacks but is well-liked in the room. Chances to return hinge on Waddle’s status and opportunities to compete elsewhere to start.

Ted Karras (signed through 2019): Versatile interior lineman has played well in three starts over two seasons.

Cole Croston (signed through 2019): A healthy scratch 15 times in 19 games, Croston can play tackle or guard.

Tony Garcia (signed through 2020): Rookie showed a ton of potential in camp before succumbing to an undisclosed illness. Still needs to regain 40 pounds. Pats are optimistic but won’t assume anything for 2018.

Jason King (signed future contract for 2018): Swing tackle bounced between the active roster and practice squad throughout the season.

James Ferentz (signed future contract for 2018): Undrafted rookie was with the practice squad all year.

Andrew Jelks (signed through 2019): Rookie tackle tore his ACL twice in college and hasn’t played a game since 2014.


DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (13)
Malcom Brown (signed through 2018): The Patriots will decide in the coming months whether or not to exercise his fifth-year option for 2019. It’s expected to be worth about $7 million, guaranteed only for injury.

Trey Flowers (signed through 2018): Flowers had 59.5 disruptions (7.5 sacks, 28 QB hits, 24 pressures) in 17 games, which was 25.5 more than anyone on the team. The Patriots will begin contract talks with him later this offseason.

Lawrence Guy (signed through 2020): Guy was solid at the start and really good down the stretch. Pencil him in as a starter next season.

Deatrich Wise (signed through 2020): Wise’s 34 disruptions (seven sacks, 14 QB hits, 13 pressures) would have led the 2016 Patriots. Teammates wondered why he only played six snaps in the Super Bowl.

Adam Butler (signed through 2019): The undrafted rookie had a nice season as a situational pass rusher.

Derek Rivers (signed through 2020): Rivers started to flash before he tore his ACL in kickoff coverage in West Virginia. He’s been working out regularly of late and will be ready by training camp, if not sooner.

Alan Branch (signed through 2018): Belichick was unhappy with Branch’s performance this season. Branch will almost certainly be released before March 14 when the Pats owe his $1 million bonus.

Ricky Jean Francois (unrestricted free agent): Played really well over the last two months despite lingering in free agency before joining the Patriots. How much did he increase his value?

Eric Lee (signed through 2018): Lee did some nice things after he was signed off the Bills practice squad Nov. 21. Mistakes were due to inexperience. Intriguing potential.

Vincent Valentine (signed through 2019): Valentine had a strong camp before suffering a season-ending knee injury in practice prior to the preseason finale.

James Harrison (unrestricted free agent): Harrison wants to keep playing, but a former player noted that he “looked old” in the Super Bowl and got blown out of his gap during LeGarrette Blount’s touchdown.

Geneo Grissom (signed through 2018): Bounced between the active roster and practice squad as a special teamer.

Keionta Davis (signed through 2019): The rookie joined the team in August but never officially practiced after he recovered from a bulging disc in his back.


LINEBACKERS (10)
Dont’a Hightower (signed through 2020): Hightower suffered a torn pec in Week 7, but he is expected to be ready for training camp.

Kyle Van Noy (signed through 2019): Versatile linebacker had a solid year before suffering a tricky calf injury. Would’ve made more plays if the linebacker depth wasn’t so strained.

Shea McClellin (signed through 2018): McClellin suffered two concussions that erased his season. McClellin would be useful if healthy, but the Pats can save $2.35 million in cap space if they cut him.

Elandon Roberts (signed through 2019): A gambler, Roberts makes the occasional big play but often misses. If he can play consistently, he’d be a good early-down linebacker.

David Harris (signed through 2018): Harris was a true pro despite not having a role. The Patriots will save $2.125 million in cap space by releasing him.

Marquis Flowers (unrestricted free agent): A popular locker-room character, Flowers was a good special teamer and offered nice depth on defense.

Brandon King (restricted free agent): Strictly a special teamer, King battled hamstring and knee injuries throughout the season.

Nicholas Grigsby (signed through 2018): Special teamer was compared to Tracy White this season. High praise.

Harvey Langi (signed through 2019): Raw but flashy, Langi’s season ended after an October car accident.

Trevor Reilly (signed future contract for 2018): Admirable physicality on special teams, but sometimes leads to injuries.


CORNERBACKS (8)
Stephon Gilmore (signed through 2021): In the playoffs, Gilmore allowed four completions on 15 targets for 55 yards, and he broke up six passes. He was one of their best players in the second half.

Malcolm Butler (unrestricted free agent): Butler will get paid this offseason, but will he prefer an AFC contender in order to stick it to Belichick?

Eric Rowe (signed through 2018): Rowe was easily the third best corner in camp then missed two months with a torn groin. After two ugly series in the Super Bowl, he allowed one catch for 14 yards on five targets. He shouldn’t draw any ire as the Pats prep for 2018.

Jon Jones (signed through 2018): Tremendous special teamer and competitive slot corner, Jones will keep improving.

Johnson Bademosi (unrestricted free agent): Another terrific special teamer, and Bademosi stopped the bleeding when Gilmore missed three games with a concussion. Curious if he’ll get a starting look elsewhere.

Cyrus Jones (signed through 2019): A disastrous rookie season and a torn ACL last summer, Jones is running out of time to turn it around.

Ryan Lewis (signed future contract for 2018): Spent almost the entire season on the practice squad.

Jomal Wiltz (signed future contract for 2018): Spent most of the season on the practice squad.


SAFETIES (7)
Devin McCourty (signed through 2019): One of the best leaders of the Belichick era and still doesn’t get enough credit for everything he does on the field.

Patrick Chung (signed through 2018): As good as any player in the league at covering tight ends, Chung was a legitimate Pro Bowl snub.

Duron Harmon (signed through 2020): Duron-on-the-spot had five of the Patriots’ 13 interceptions this season, including the playoffs.

Nate Ebner (unrestricted free agent): Season ended with a nasty knee injury on a fake punt conversion. Still one of the league’s best special teamers.

Jordan Richards (signed through 2018): Richards is a special teamer who showed his defensive limitations in the Super Bowl by allowing two completions for 74 yards on 16 snaps.

Damarius Travis (signed future contract for 2018): Spent the season on the practice squad.

David Jones (signed future contract for 2018): Spent the season on the practice squad.


SPECIALISTS (3)
Stephen Gostkowski (signed through 2018): Had a better season than AFC Pro Bowler Chris Boswell, but Gostkowski missed a field goal (thanks to a bad snap) and extra point in the Super Bowl.

Ryan Allen (signed through 2018): Allen had the best season of his career and was a key reason why so many coverage specialists drew praise.

Joe Cardona (signed through 2018): Had one of the very few bad snaps of his career in the Super Bowl, but Cardona isn’t a concern.
Click to expand...
 
Felger keeps saying that he doesn't think Jules will be the same player he was, at least for this season coming up, because he feels like it takes a player about a year to get back to where they were coming back from an ACL.

Do y'all think that will be the case for him?
 
Knowing Bill's impulsive (also repulsive) ways? Nah. After watching his 30 for 30 he's gotta be put on a short leash. The way he finessed the Jets was such as class-A d**k move... though I don't any remorse for the Jets because they're the JETS. Unlikely that he'd pull one here but you neva know.

He should take a role like Coughlin or w/e it is whenever he'll feel it's time to move on, just as long as he doesn't move back to NY.
 
i think with modern knee surgery, Jules will be fine. he does plant and juke more than the avg receiver for sure. and i hate to be "that guy"...but when i tore my knee up and had it fixed up...i've noticed that knee to be more stable and stronger than my other knee when i play hockey. again, i know WR and pro athlete level of intensity is completely different, but i think Jules can be great. even if he loses a bit of quickness, we need him for his ability to get open and find soft spots in the defense to just sit and wait for a pass. that's a huge part of his game. i think he'll be fine.
 
DeadsetAce said:
i think with modern knee surgery, Jules will be fine. he does plant and juke more than the avg receiver for sure. and i hate to be "that guy"...but when i tore my knee up and had it fixed up...i've noticed that knee to be more stable and stronger than my other knee when i play hockey. again, i know WR and pro athlete level of intensity is completely different, but i think Jules can be great. even if he loses a bit of quickness, we need him for his ability to get open and find soft spots in the defense to just sit and wait for a pass. that's a huge part of his game. i think he'll be fine.
Click to expand...

That's what I was thinking. From what I've seen and heard with other athletes in this day and age, you can almost be better than you were before if you put in the work.
 
yeah exactly. as long as he isn't going crazy with the burgers and as long as he's putting in the work, we'll be good

gronk retiring has me nervous for sure tho :lol:
 
Bruh :sick::frown:

If Gronk retires, that's a major blow to this offense, but I don't blame him for wanting to preserve his mind and body. I realize what we did without him during 2016, but I think he's going to be an important piece for the last few years that Brady is playing. He said he was working with Guerrero and was feeling good, but I'm guessing that concussion got him and his fam thinking about the future. Some people have come out and said that it could be a leverage move to get more guaranteed money. It that's the case, I hope Bill takes care of him, but who knows what he would do right now :smh:
 
DeadsetAce said:
i think with modern knee surgery, Jules will be fine. he does plant and juke more than the avg receiver for sure. and i hate to be "that guy"...but when i tore my knee up and had it fixed up...i've noticed that knee to be more stable and stronger than my other knee when i play hockey. again, i know WR and pro athlete level of intensity is completely different, but i think Jules can be great. even if he loses a bit of quickness, we need him for his ability to get open and find soft spots in the defense to just sit and wait for a pass. that's a huge part of his game. i think he'll be fine.
Click to expand...

Stem cells accelerate ACL recovery time by A LOT too. I'd be willing to bet he's getting treatments.
 
There was an episode of the Tom Vs Time series when Jules, Dola, Brady and Guerrero were discussing about the importance of pliability and Brady said Jules only lifts to be featured nude in magazines, I found that funny... but it also foreshadowed what took place during a PRESEASON game against Detroit ugh :sick:

Looking forward to Mitchell making the LEAP and so as Cooks (contract year). I don't want to label Mitchell as a Chad Jackson 2.0 just yet but he needs to be healthy. Jules/Dola/Hogan need bodies when the inevitable Gronk exodus takes place.
 
I know dion was very unhappy with his role in the beginning of the year, even said to trade him if we weren't going to play him more. I don't see him taking a discount and he'll get a better offer on the open market.
Rex is more likely to return imo.


Gronk retiring would suck. But a combo of Jules, cooks, dola(must resign), hogan and hopefully a healthy mitchell would still be deadly. He would free up over 6 million in space to put towards another weapon if needed also. I think he'll eventually decide to come back once we up his contract tho.

We should have a decent amount of money to spend once we make some cuts. Really need to improve that front 7.
 
Assuming Gronk retires and Dola/Lewis don't re-up, who are good fits? Big D**k Decker? Sproles? Eifert?
 
how early would you guys want/be ok with NE drafting a qb in this draft?

if one of the top guys falls to pick 31 (pains me to write that number) would you want them to take him or you want a defensive guy at that pick?
 
amarano said:
how early would you guys want/be ok with NE drafting a qb in this draft?

if one of the top guys falls to pick 31 (pains me to write that number) would you want them to take him or you want a defensive guy at that pick?
Click to expand...

2nd round (niners pick) for QB but i have a feeling none of the "top" guys will be there. so that said, i'll say rounds 4-6
 
Eifert could possibly be an option for the Pats. Media are already talking about possible replacements for Gronk, though Eifert has durability concerns, if healthy, he could be Gronk Lite at best (matchup problems). Eifert doesn't need to replicate Gronk in any way, just as long as he's HEALTHY and productive.

Pats have always been reliant on different bodies that's why Brady has been successful because of mismatches. We win when he have depth, otherwise, opposing defenses can exploit our chances with limited players.

The Pats only lost by 8 pts, a strip-sack, Butler benching, and Cooks out. I STILL believe we would have had a fighting chance if Cooks never got hurt.

Hopefully we get a QB in this draft with the 9ers pick or whenever but IMO, defense is the priority.
 
I think lowkey Josh would have taken the Colts job with Brisett at QB and continue to mentor him, but the Colts probably insisted that he should focus on Luck instead despite the management not being transparent with Luck's condition. Josh doesn't want to be in a position where he has to work with someone with no guarantees while Brisett stunts his growth. Just my speculation :lol:

Imagine still having Brisett... BB/Josh/Brady could have engineered a Frankenstein-like QB (mobility, IQ, leadership, composure, talent).
 
y'all on point with the Eifert talk. he could def play a role. would ideally love to grab two TEs that are pass catching options. really would allow us to play fake out of two TE running sets, and create multiple mis-matches (Gronk-Chico style)
 
Chico-Gronk combo... :pimp:

BB/BradyMcDaniels salivated with the 2 TE combo. When Chico lined up as a back? ISSA WRAP!

Would have been hard to keep them two but it's hard to deny the impact of their luxury

Ugh, Hernandez :smh: #lifechoices
IMG_9921.GIF
 
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