We’re running a mailbag on Fridays during the offseason. If you have questions on the Patriots, NFL, or want gripe about past answers, email cmason@masslive.com or tweet @bychrismason. Now let’s get to this week’s questions!
What is Matthew Judon’s trade value? — @PatsOffseason
Not terribly high — and there are a few reasons for that.
Though Judon has been a terrific player for the Patriots — he’s registered 32 sacks in 38 games — the edge rusher turns 32 this summer and is heading into the final year of his contract. It’s a deal Judon likely isn’t particularly happy with either, as he is only guaranteed $2 million in salary (if he’s on the roster next month) and he’ll be making significantly less than any of his other seasons in New England.
It’s not an apples-to-apples comparison, but consider that 31-year-old Stephon Gilmore only went for a sixth-round pick in 2021. Yes, he’d been on the PUP list and that deal went through in October, but Gilmore was still playing at a high level and didn’t net much.
An out-of-town comp that might be more on the nose: When the Eagles were selling out for a Super Bowl in 2022, they dealt a fourth-rounder for 32-year-old edge rusher Robert Quinn at the deadline, who was coming off an 18.5-sack season.
Philadelphia only paid for a half-season of Quinn, but with Judon coming off a serious injury and heading into a contract year at 32, I’d ballpark his trade value right around there: A fourth-round pick.
Really good players don’t necessarily yield really good returns.
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With the change in offensive coaches, how would you prioritize their needs on that side of the ball? — Miller
1. Quarterback
It’s the most important position in North American sports and the Patriots need to restock the top two spots on their depth chart. It’s a glaring hole on the roster.
2. Tackle
Unless Eliot Wolf and company land help here, there’s no way for this offense to succeed. Keeping Michael Onwenu in the fold should be Step No. 1.
3. Wide receiver
A lack of explosiveness at wideout has hamstrung the Patriots offense since 2019. This room needs a major overhaul.
4. Tight end
They don’t have an NFL caliber tight end on the roster for 2024. That this position is down at No. 4 despite having nobody accounted for speaks to how dire the needs are across the roster.
5. Center/guard
They’re in decent shape here, but a veteran guard wouldn’t hurt.
Is Troy Brown gone? — Paul R.
At this point I’d be surprised to see him back, but the ball is reportedly still is his court. According to ESPN’s ever-reliable Mike Reiss, Brown “has an opportunity to stay if he desires (specific role TBD).”
Most of Jerod Mayo’s staff has been filled in at this point, so the clock is ticking. If you’re one to read tealeaves, Brown wasn’t wearing any Patriots gear at the Senior Bowl last month, where coaches often sport their team’s apparel.
Will the Patriots be bringing back the fullback? — Kevin M.
I absolutely think they should, and read something interestingly philosophically about the position last week from 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan.
“When you have a fullback out there, that’s the only time an offense can fully dictate what’s going on,” Shanahan said. “If you don’t have a fullback in there, there are certain things a defense can do where you have to throw the ball … so having a fullback always protects that. It doesn’t mean you’re gonna [run the ball], but it allows you to do it if you want to. So you don’t have to audible as much, you don’t have to change things that the defense puts you in.”
It helps that Shanahan has All-Pro Kyle Juszczyk who is ridiculously versatile, but the point stands: Why wouldn’t you want your offense to be able to dictate its terms when the time comes? (Plus, fullbacks are just awesome).
If Mike Onwenu won’t re-sign without being franchise tagged do the Pats re-sign (outrage alert) Trent Brown to his natural and preferred RT position? — @PatsSTH1969
I don’t think there’s going to be any interest from either side in a reunion here.
Brown was looking forward to his free agency weeks before the season ended and appeared to bail on his team as they were playing out the string. There’s sure to be an overhaul on the Patriots offense, but if you’re someone like David Andrews, how do you feel about huddling up with Brown again?
“A lot of us – almost all – are fighting for each other and for pride, even though the results aren’t what any of us want,” a player told BSJ’s Mike Giardi in December. “It sucks that not everyone is willing to put it out there. I hope people who sign the checks are paying attention.”
How much slicing and dicing needs to be done to this Patriots roster in the offseason? — Ed H.
A ton.
By the time the roster is whittled to 53 next August, I wouldn’t be surprised if there are roughly two dozen players remaining from the 2023 team. Between free agency and the draft, major change is going to be afoot.
