5 Former Patriots Who Still Can't Find a Job in 2024 Free Agency

Ezekiel Elliott, RB

Another player who will not be on this list for much longer is the Pro Bowl rusher Ezekiel Elliott. The veteran running back is not the dominant force he was earlier in his career when he was regularly posting 1,000+ rushing yards and double-digit score seasons. However, he was still one of the brighter lights in the dysfunctional Patriots offense last season, finishing with 184 carries, 642 yards, and three rushing touchdowns.

The running backs in free agency famously get squeezed out and it seems like a similar thing is happening with Zeke. Perhaps teams have soured on him after what they perceive to be a down season with the Patriots but there is no denying that he would be a solid addition to any running back room in the league.

There is a decent chance Elliott will return to his home in Dallas to salvage their disastrous offseason but it likely won't be for a much bigger deal than the one-year, $3 million deal he signed last year.

Myles Bryant, CB

The 26-year-old cornerback played every single game last season once again and suited up in a career-high 75% of defensive snaps for the Patriots.

Coming to New England as an undrafted rookie free agent, Bryant has been a developmental success story for the Patriots. With an ability to play in various positions on the secondary, his versatility has been a valuable trait for the Patriots over the last few seasons. He was the most consistent and available member of the defensive backfield for the Patriots in 2023.

Hence, it is rather surprising that the Patriots weren't rushing to re-sign him, especially considering the ample cap space they had entering free agency. Perhaps they feel he isn't more than a rotational depth piece and think they can do better at the draft. That can be understandable but I can't imagine his price tag would be high enough to cause serious financial flexibility issues going forward. He deserves to be on an NFL roster, nevertheless.