New England Patriots: 5 players with everything to prove Week 17

Deatrich Wise playing for his next contract, will it be with the New England Patriots?

There will be many players possibly playing their last game in a New England Patriots uniform and one of them is 2017 fourth-round pick Deatrich Wise.

Slated to become a free agent in March, Wise has morphed into a situational pass rusher who has shown flashes of turning into the type of player Trey Flowers became during his time in New England.

The Arkansas product won’t demand a lot of money on the open market, which could land him back with the Patriots as a depth pass rusher, but he will be playing the Week 17 finale like it’s his final game.

"“I’ve grown a rapport with these guys,” Wise told reporters Wednesday, via USA Today Sports.  “We’ve built relationships from my first year to the fourth year.  The longer we’ve been together, that’s just the stronger our bond has been.  So, it’s gonna suck saying bye to these guys if that’s what’s in the cards for me.  So, kind of like that.  But as of right now, I’m just trying to focus on the Jets and keep everything focused on that.  Then I’ll think more about that after the season.”"

In playing 55.5 percent of the defensive snaps in 2020, Deatrich Wise has just 2.5 sacks on the season.  If he can create some pressure on Sam Darnold and perhaps record a sack or two, maybe Bill Belichick will see him as a player worth bringing back on that defense at the right price.

In summary, Wise does have everything to prove in Week 17 for his potential future in a New England Patriots uniform.