Every Patriot signing, rumor, and news will be posted here in NFL free agency, along with the grades for each transaction.
Before Monday's legal loophole period opened at noon, the Pats re-signed three players: safety Devin McCourty, quarterback Brian Hoyer and offensive lineman James Ferrantz. As in previous years, free-agent deals will be reported throughout Monday and Tuesday, even if players can't officially sign with the new team until 4 p.m. on Wednesday. The Patriots started Monday with a cap space of nearly $10 million, ranking 20th in the league.
Here are all of New England's latest:
Monday
Report: Pat interested in Packers WR
12:25 PM The Patriots have checked in on free-agent Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, according to the Providence Journal. Valdez-Scantling is a mid-tier free agent, boasting remarkable size (6-4) and speed (runs a 4.3). He caught 26 passes for 430 yards last season and three touchdowns for Green Bay as a third substitute.
The 49ers, Bears, Raiders, Colts and Texans have also reportedly shown interest.
Opens the window for legal tampering
Free agents can officially agree to contract terms with teams at 12 p.m., though they can't sign any deals until 4 p.m. Wednesday for the 2022 league year.
The NFL operates free agency.
Source: Ol Shaq Mason expected to remain
9:55 am Patriots right guard Shaq Mason has drawn interest from other teams as a potential trade target, who would clear significant cap space when dealt, but is expected to remain in New England, a source told the Herald. Told. Trading Mason will create over $7 million in cap space. Mason is currently signed through 2023.
His position is probably tied to that of two other starting offensive linemen, Trent Brown and Ted Karras, who are both adjacent free agents.
QB Brian Hoyer, OL James Ferrantz re-signed
7:20 am Hoyer has returned on a 2-year deal, according to his agent Joe Linta. According to a source, the deal is with a guarantee of $3 million and includes another million in incentives. Retaining Mack Jones' experienced backup was considered important after the loss of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniel and three other offensive assistants in Las Vegas.
The Pats re-signed backup offensive lineman James Ferentz, according to The Boston Globe.
Grade B
Analysis: Hoyer's return is a net positive for the Patriots, who are short on system experience among their offensive players and coaches. The deal seems a bit rich for the team, given that Hoyer signed a 1-year minimum contract last year. But for once Hoyer - who is on record as saying he wants to take root in New England - probably took some advantage of the talks.
Any further interest from the McDaniels and Raiders meant the Patriots could lose Jones' main mentor, quarterback coach and offensive coordinator in a single off-season. So after moving into Year 2 with Jones, the Pats prepared for Hoyer and gave him an extra year; Possibly a fellow backup Jarrett Stidham, whose contract expires after next season, may not be long for New England.