10 Patriots Entering Their Final Season With New England

8. Armon Watts, DT

Defensive tackle Armon Watts' tenure with the Patriots is already hanging by a thread. He was placed on injured reserve by the team. But Watts didn't receive one of their two designated spots, meaning he'll miss the entire 2024 campaign unless they reach an injury settlement.

Watts wasn't likely to stick around anyway, as New England was set to be his fourth different team in as many seasons.

9. Marco Wilson, CB

Cornerback Marco Wilson is a young player like Elliss that the Pats took a flyer on late last season. Wilson was cut by the Arizona Cardinals right after Christmas in 2023, so New England opted to bring him in with an eye toward this year.

However, Wilson carries a lot of the same concerns as Hawkins. He, too, showcased his playmkaing potential in 2022, racking up three picks (one of which he even retunred for a TD), 10 PD and a forced fumble. But a disastrous 2023 season in coverage -- including a staggering 727 yards allowed in just 11 contests -- forced Arizona's hand.

Unless Wilson cleans up a significant part of his game, New England won't have much of a choice next offseason.

10. Zachary Thomas, OL

With the Pats' offensive line already under scrutiny, it puts any borderline player on an even hotter seat. And O-lineman Zachary Thomas is someone whose roster spot is far from secure.

Thomas is one of the most unproven "veterans" among New England's Week 1 contributors, with just three total game appearances to his name since entering the league as a sixth-round draft pick. The team that drafted him, the Chicago Bears, even cut him loose before he had a chance to make his rookie debut.

The Los Angeles Rams released him following two years of service this preseason, indicating they don't believe he'd help them in 2024. That's not a great sign he'll do enough to warrant bringing back for the Pats in 2025.

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