5 Patriots Leaving New England in the New Year
5. Demontrey Jacobs, OT
The Patriots have been one of the worst teams throughout the 2024 season when it comes to both pass and run blocking. Although the majority of the offensive line deserves some blame, second-year tackle Demontrey Jacobs' lackluster blocking has played a big role in the team's struggles.
After being cut by the Denver Broncos in August, Jacobs has since gone on to play 14 games (12 starts) with the Patriots this season. The former South Florida OT has struggled to provide both Maye and Brissett with adequate protection allowing a whopping 48 pressures on 529 passing downs.
Unsurprisingly, the 26-year-old blocker's putrid performance is among the worst when it comes to his peers. Out of the 137 eligible offensive tackles in 2024, Jacobs ranks 120th in pass blocking (41.9), 132nd in run block (43.4), and 133rd for overall offense (38.7).
If the Patriots want Maye to find any success in 2025 and beyond, moving on from Jacobs is a must. Quarterbacks are constantly pressured under his watch and that won't change next fall unless he comes back looking like a completely different player.
Jacobs' contract expires at the end of the year, leaving him as an exclusive rights free agent (ERFA). If the Patriots choose not to tender his ERFA rights, he'll be free to sign with any team he desires.
Based on how the season has unfolded thus far, Jacobs should probably start drafting up a list of his next potential employers.
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