1. The Patriots have a very big decision over the next few weeks when it comes to cornerback J.C. Jackson. The 26-year-old will be a free agent for the first time in his career and obviously has earned a new contract worth big money, but will it come from New England? Jackson certainly could become one of the highest paid corners in the league, which if that’s by the Patriots it could limit the rest of their spending this offseason. This isn’t like last offseason where they have close to the most cap space in the league. They currently have roughly $10 million in cap space for 2022, which could get as high as $20 million with restructures and possible cuts. So, if the Patriots bring back Jackson via the franchise tag (approx. $17.5 million) or a contract extension, it would take up the majority of their spending money. (The franchise tag window is Feb. 22-March 8.) This means if the Patriots do commit to Jackson the only way they will be able to add a No. 1 receiver, which many are calling for, would be through the draft at No. 21 overall since they wouldn’t have the money needed to acquire a big name. And even if the Patriots do not bring back Jackson, a No. 1 cornerback would still be a huge need and either top dollar or the No. 21 overall pick would need to go towards it. It just feels like the Patriots have so many needs on defense — cornerback and linebacker — that the big-name wide receiver many are calling for to help Mac Jones will need to wait. Bottom line, if Jackson returns, don’t expect many big-name signings because the money simply won’t be there.
2. When it comes to Josh McDaniels potentially departing for Las Vegas, lots of people are discussing the impact on Jones. Appearing on Merloni & Fauria Friday, former Patriots executive Mike Lombardi doesn’t think it would be that big of an issue. “The system is not going to change,” he said. “The protections are not going to change. That’s the difference between Bill [Belichick] and most other head coaches. When a coach leaves, he takes his system and then the head coach is wondering what we should do? Whereas Bill, this the philosophy used on the way Bill sees football. … That is controlled by the head coach here. Josh is running the played based on philosophy. It isn’t Josh’s philosophy.” With that being said, having two offensive coordinators in his first two NFL seasons is certainly not a positive for his development.
3. Relating to McDaniels, keep this quote in mind when discussing his value to the Patriots. “This is kind of like [Nick] Saban when we were in Cleveland,” Belichick said back in November. “Nick knew what every player on the field was doing. He knew what the guard’s keys were, he knew what the running back was keying, he knew what the nose guard was doing, he knew what everybody on the field was doing. Josh is kind of the same way. He knows what all 11 guys are doing on offense, what their keys are, what their adjustments are and all that. And he knows defensively, how the guy is taught to play certain blocks, or routes, or reads and how to attack them. I’ve learned a lot from Josh. I really have. He really excels in every area.” If Belichick is comparing McDaniels to Saban, he’s a pretty damn good coach that would be a huge loss if he were to depart.
4. No matter what happens this offseason with members of the Patriots organization staying or departing, it’s worth asking what Matt Patricia’s role will be in 2022? Does he continue in a consulting role with all areas of the team? Does he take more of a hands-on role with the coaching staff, even potentially being the defensive coordinator? Does he get an official role in the front office? This certainly will be worth watching.
5. It will be interesting to see where Jimmy Garoppolo ends up next season with him more than likely being out of San Francisco. Keep an eye on the Steelers. They have the weapons in place in JuJu Smith-Schuster (if he returns), Dionte Johnson and Chase Claypool where a veteran quarterback would help keep them in the mix in the AFC and not go through a rebuild. And from Garoppolo’s standpoint, he’s better off going to a team with established pass-catchers in place rather than going to a team where he needs to elevate the play of those around him.
6. Hopefully this doesn’t come to fruition, but it feels like this week’s games could be a major let-down following all the excitement of the divisional round. It’s hard to ignore the Bengals allowing nine sacks against the Raiders and what the Chiefs defensive line could do to Joe Burrow. And then in the NFC, how are the 49ers still playing when they have only scored 36 points in the two playoff games and Garoppolo has yet to throw a touchdown pass? Being division rivals could keep this game close, but it just feels like after last weekend Sunday may not have much drama.
7. The Senior Bowl is this week in Mobile, Alabama and from a Patriots perspective it will be interesting to see who is there for them, if anyone at all. With all the potential changes in the front office/coaching staff, who is there could offer clues to what the 2022 staff/front office will look like. Belichick last attended in 2020 and that was where Kyle Dugger emerged as a top prospect and ultimately landed him in New England.
