The 2023 NFL season is just over a month away and the Patriots still have contract extensions they must handle. While tackling them immediately isn’t a necessity, taking care of business sooner rather than later is key to avoiding unnecessary off-field drama between now and the next offseason.
Bill Belichick already extended several key players earlier this offseason such as wide receiver DeVante Parker and linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley. However, there are more players that must be locked down if New England hopes to be competitive over the next several years.
Keeping players happy and well-paid is paramount in the Patriots’ journey to return to prominence. Here’s a look at the next three players who New England should extend next.
Next Patriots Contract Extensions
1. Hunter Henry
Many Patriots had disappointing 2022 performances and Hunter Henry was no exception. The veteran tight end finished with just 41 catches, 509 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns — his worst performance since being a rookie in 2016.
As underwhelming as that showing was, I have faith that he’ll bounce back this fall. After all, it was only in 2021 that he tallied a career-high 9 TD catches while racking up 600+ yards for the third consecutive campaign.
Another positive trend is that his catch percentage has increased over the last three seasons, from 64.5% to 66.7% to 69.5%.
While a potential bounce-back season is a good reason to extend him, so is the fact that New England doesn’t have many future TE options.
Just like Henry, the trio of Mike Gesicki, Anthony Firkser and Matt Sokol is set to hit free agency in 2024. Considering how Henry would be one of next offseason’s top available TEs, it doesn’t make sense to look at other options.
A one- or two-year ‘prove yourself’ extension is the best solution to avoid tight end purgatory.
2. Kyle Dugger
It’s impossible to imagine the Patriots’ secondary without Kyle Dugger at this point.
The former 2020 second-rounder is coming off another productive campaign, recording 78 total tackles (50 solo), 8 defended passes, a fumble recovered for a TD and 3 interceptions, including a pair of pick-sixes.
Now entering his fourth NFL campaign, Dugger is ready for an even bigger role. After all, 12-year team captain and fellow defensive back Devin McCourty retired during the offseason, opening the door for Dugger to take on a larger leadership role.
Dugger stepped up when New England needed help in the past and I’m certain this will be the case in the wake of McCourty’s retirement as well.
Assuming that Dugger thrives with the added responsibility and his on-field play doesn’t regress, it’s wise for the Patriots to extend him now. He’s bound to attract a ton of attention next offseason and I won’t be shocked if there’s a team out there willing to overpay for his services.
New England’s defense will suffer if Dugger is subtracted, so it’s better to bite the bullet and pay him what he deserves.
3. Michael Onwenu
While New England’s offensive line left much to be desired in 2022, Michael Onwenu was one of the few bright spots.
The 6-foot-3, 350-pound guard was rock-solid across 1,044 offensive snaps, allowing just 1 sack while only taking 2 penalties. He’s now given up only 6 sacks with 5 penalties in his first 49 career games.
With Onwenu’s rookie deal set to end after this season, the ex-Michigan product will be seeking a huge payday. He’s one of the top guards today and could still be getting better at 25 years old.
The Patriots might feel extremely confident that Onwenu will re-sign next spring, but nothing is a guarantee. That’s especially true since improved play tends to attract more offseason suitors.
Another productive season at his current rate could increase his asking price even more. The last thing New England needs is to wait and pay a steep price for a new deal down the line rather than locking him down with a cheaper extension now.
Considering how integral Onwenu is to the offense’s production, it’s in Belichick’s best interest to secure his O-line’s future before it’s too late.
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