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4 Patriots that Fans Will Be Happy to See Leave in Free Agency

By Richard Louis

Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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2. Chukwuma Okorafor

The New England Patriots knew their offensive line needed work heading into the year. They added a few guys they believed would contribute to this team in 2024. Chukwuma Okorafor was one of them. Last March, the Patriots signed Okorafor to a one-year, $4 million deal.

He spent six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, primarily playing right tackle. When coming over to New England, they kicked him over to left tackle. He started the opener against the Cincinnati Bengals but that experiment didn't last.

After 12 plays, he was benched for Vederian Lowe. Shortly after, he was placed on the exempt/left squad list. Okorafor reportedly was upset with his role with the team and decided to step away. Since he was on the exempt/left squad list for longer than five days, he wasn't able to return to the team this year.

In that one game against the Steelers, Okorafor finished with a 44.4 overall grade and gave up three pressures. There's no way he'll be back in New England and fans won't be upset at that.

3. Jonathan Jones

Cornerback Jonathan Jones has been with the Patriots for the past nine years. Jones signed with the Pats in 2016 as an undrafted free agent. He was able to stick around, and he became a full-time starter in 2022.

Jones is in the last year of a two-year, $19 million deal that he signed in 2022. New England has a No. 1 CB in Christian Gonzalez, which is great to have.

As for Jones, he's suited up in 16 games (13 starts) in 2024, logging 58 total tackles, six pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. Despite the solid stats, his performance has taken a dip this year. Per PFF, Jones has a 60.1 overall grade (120th among 219 eligible corners) and a 60.6 coverage grade (111th among 219 eligible corners).

He also has a 146.6 passer rating allowed with 13.4 yards per reception. Jones isn't as sticky in coverage as he used to be. Management may not want to re-sign a 31-year-old corner whose best days appear to be behind him.

New England is going to have around $131 million in cap space, so they have the funds to replace Jones.

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