The New England Patriots, coming off of an unsightly 2023 campaign that saw them finish with a 4-13 record and move on from their coach and de facto general manager, Bill Belichick, after two decades of success, have made some moves that could help them improve the product on the field.
They sent quarterback Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a sixth-round pick and used their own first to draft his successor - North Carolina's Drake Maye.
While the team could still use more help at some key spots, there are some decisions that could come this offseason that might catch a few people off guard, including some players who may not make the team's final roster in September.
Potential surprise New England Patriots cuts
WR Tyquan Thornton
Thornton is entering his third season in the NFL after New England selected him in the second round out of Baylor. His blazing speed hasn't helped him produce at the next level, leading to just 35 receptions for 338 yards and two touchdowns. If he doesn't make a massive jump during the offseason program, he could be surpassed by the two drafted rookies and have to find himself a new home.
K Chad Ryland
Ryland was the Patriots' surprising fourth-round pick out of Maryland last season, and he was statically the worst kicker in the league last year. Playing in all 17 games, he made just 64% of his field goals. That's unacceptable. He'll now compete with veteran Joey Slye, and if Ryland still appears to have the yips, he should be shown the door.
QB Bailey Zappe
New England added three quarterbacks this offseason, as they signed Jacoby Brissett and drafted Maye in the first and Joe Milton III in the sixth. The coaching staff was trying to move on from him last year, and although there was a change, a lot of the guys in the building are still the same. If they're going to keep Milton on the active roster, they should try and trade Zappe for a late-round pick before cutting him loose.
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
Smith-Schuster was not the wideout the Patriots thought they were signing last offseason, as he appeared in 11 games and recorded just 29 receptions for 260 yards and one score. The only reason he'd be kept around is the monetary factor, as his release would come with a $9.63 million dead cap hit. However, considering how much space New England still has this year, they may be willing to eat it to get their best guys on the field.
