The New England Patriots' season is just beginning, with the team clinching the AFC East title and set to host their first playoff game since 2019. A major reason for the Patriots' unexpected dominance this campaign was that they were able to get valuable contributions from their big-name offseason additions.
However, the team will have decisions to make on the supporting players around their studs this spring. And there's a few who, while not the biggest playmakers, could stick with the team for another year.
1. OT Vederian Lowe
When the Patriots drafted left tackle Will Campbell in the first round, Patriots fans were ecstatic that they would no longer have to see Vederian Lowe on the field anymore. Watching Lowe play last season felt like pure torture, and that’s no exaggeration, either, as Lowe allowed 33 hurries and drew 13 penalties in 14 games, according to Pro Football Focus.
However, with Campbell going down in Week 12, the Patriots turned to Lowe to fill in. While many were expecting the worst, Lowe hasn’t been terrible, allowing 12 hurries and one sack in his last five games. Although it’s not ideal to have Lowe be the starter, it’s evident that the team trusts him as the backup to Campbell, and he’s proven to be a serviceable option.
The Patriots could’ve opted to go with Thayer Munford Jr. or Marcus Bryant at left tackle, but they felt that Lowe was the better choice. Since it’s hard to find quality tackle depth, the Patriots should emphasize re-signing Lowe in the offseason.
With injuries always recurring, it’s important to have solid depth. Lowe has done a fine job this season, and the Patriots should reward him.
2. TE Austin Hooper
Austin Hooper had a strong 2024 season with the Patriots, as he proved to be one of the few reliable targets for Drake Maye last season. Hooper recorded 45 receptions for 476 yards and three touchdowns, with both he and Hunter Henry forming a terrific tight end duo.
Entering this season, the expectation for Hooper was to replicate similar success with Josh McDaniels returning as the team's offensive coordinator. However, Hooper’s production has taken a hit, recording 20 receptions for 258 yards and two touchdowns. Even though his receiving numbers have gone down, it’s not his fault, as Maye has been spreading the ball around so everyone gets their touches.
While his numbers have gone down, Hooper is still a part of the team’s gameplan on offense. Through 15 games, he’s only had one game with fewer than 16 offensive snaps, and he continues to play a vital role in their run game.
Although the Patriots could use some youth in the tight end room, the 31-year-old has proven that he’s still got some quality football left in him. Re-signing Hooper should be a priority for the Patriots this offseason, as he has established a connection with Maye and strengthens their depth at tight end.
3. DL Eric Gregory
Before Week 11, Eric Gregory hadn’t played a single defensive snap, but injuries to Milton Williams, Khyiris Tonga, and Joshua Farmer thrust the undrafted rookie up in the depth chart. In five games, has been a fine backup behind Christian Barmore and Cory Durden, recording six total tackles and two pressures through five games.
Although he’s been limited to a rotational role, Gregory has excelled against the run, earning a 71.5 run defense grade per PFF. The Patriots must be impressed with his early string of performances, as they’ve steadily increased his snaps over the last few weeks.
Even though he’s played just 100 snaps on defense and is on a low-cost UDFA contract that's easy to move on from, Gregory has made a strong case to keep him long-term.
Letting Tonga walk in free agency and turning to Gregory to fill his void would be an option. Tonga, like Gregory, specializes against the run, and with Tonga likely looking to secure a long-term deal, the Patriots should favor Gregory.