It was time for a change. The New England Patriots were heading in the wrong direction under Bill Belichick and while he's in the discussion for greatest coach of all-time, the locker room was ready for a different voice. We have yet to see if Jerod Mayo will be the change they need but we already know David Andrews credited the new coach with giving him the desire to return for another year.
Mayo will bring a new philosophy, but he still worked with Belichick as a player and coach so he understands the importance of doing all the little things right. He also knows the team needs better talent. They hope they landed that under center with Drake Maye but there's still plenty of work to do.
That's why some of the veterans set for free agency could be headed into their final year with the franchise. Here we look at three players who fall into this category.
3. Jabrill Peppers, S
A former first-round pick in 2017, Jabrill Peppers started his career with the Cleveland Browns but was traded after just two seasons. Peppers was part of the deal that sent Odell Beckham, Jr. to Cleveland and spent three years in New York.
He hit free agency in 2022 and signed a one-year deal with New England, earning a two-year extension in 2023. In two seasons, Peppers has 138 tackles, eight pass defenses, two interceptions, and a forced fumble for the Patriots. This past year, he was especially effective, earning a grade of 87.3 from PFF, which was fifth for his position.
Even with his success, Peppers will be 29 this season and the Patriots are re-tooling their roster. That's why they might not be willing to pay for a hard-hitting safety who will be 30 during the 2025 campaign.
2. Rhamondre Stevenson, RB
A fourth-round pick out of Oklahoma, Rhamondre Stevenson had a strong rookie campaign in 2021 for New England. The 6-foot, 227-pound running back split time with Damien Harris and recorded 606 yards and five touchdowns despite starting just two of the 12 games he played in.
In 2022, he was again the backup behind Harris although he ended up starting seven games this time while appearing in all 17. He had taken the starting role by the end of the season, finishing with 1,040 yards on the ground. He also led the team with 69 receptions while adding 421 yards through the air. Stevenson crossed the goal line six times as well.
Hopes were high for him in 2023, especially after Harris left in free agency. New England added Ezekiel Elliott but the former Dallas Cowboy was the No. 2 back as Stevenson started all 12 games he appeared in. Unfortunately, his numbers went down as he had 619 yards on the ground and 238 through the air while averaging a personal low of 4.0 yards per rushing attempt.
He was out-gained by Elliott who had 642 yards rushing and 313 through the air. Zeke wasn't retained and is back in Dallas, but that doesn't mean Stevenson will be the lead back again. New England added Antonio Gibson on a three-year deal worth $11.25 million. A versatile weapon, Gibson will take carries from Stevenson and keep him from returning in 2025.
1. Matt Judon, EDGE
Matt Judon made the most out of his opportunity in the NFL. A fifth-round pick from Grand Valley State, he fought his way onto the Baltimore Ravens roster as a rookie and had 27 tackles and four sacks. By his second season, he was a regular starter and proved to be a consistent force on the edge.
Judon spent five years with the Ravens and had 236 tackles and 34.5 sacks. He left in free agency in 2021, signing a four-year, $56 million deal with the Patriots. He exceeded expectations as soon as he arrived with 60 tackles and 12.5 sacks in 2021. He had 60 tackles again in 2022 while racking up 15.5 sacks, earning his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.
He was playing exceptional football again in 2023 with 13 tackles and four sacks in the first four games. That came to a crashing halt in Week 4 when he suffered a torn bicep in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He was sent to the IR in October, ending his third season with the franchise.
Throughout the offseason, there were rumors that Judon could request a trade due to the coaching change. That never happened and he's expected to be back for one more year. It's likely to be his last run with the team as he turns 32 in August. As they rebuild, New England will be looking for a younger pass rusher, who won't demand as much on the open market as Judon can.