3 Free Agents the Patriots Can Almost Assuredly Expect to Lose This Offseason

The New England Patriots face what could be the most pivotal free agency period of the last decade for the franchise, as Tom Brady leaves a group of several stalwarts from last year's AFC East champions that could decide to bolt for more money or playing time elsewhere. The Patriots will try to bring most of these studs back, but they should be prepared to say goodbye to these three, especially as a Brady contract still hangs in the balance.

3. TE Ben Watson

There is almost no reason for the Patriots to keep Watson around. The veteran tight end will turn 40 next year, he only managed 17 catches last season, he tore his Achilles, and New England will almost assuredly look to the draft or free agency to upgrade the position. Watson's NFL journey appears to be coming to a close after his 15th season.

2. LB Jamie Collins

Collins is the classic "perfect in Bill Belichick's defense" defender that struggles when placed outside of that scheme (see Patrick Chung and Kyle Van Noy). Collins went from struggling to dominate in Cleveland, to once again becoming one of the best linebackers in all of football, picking up seven sacks while intercepting three passes and making 81 tackles in 2019. His struggles in Cleveland could make some teams worry (rightfully so!), but someone will pay top dollar for that sort of production.

1. OG Joe Thuney

A PFF darling and a testament to the offensive line wizardry of Dante Scarnecchia, Thuney has quickly become one of the best guards in the NFL, excelling at opening up holes for Sony Michel and keeping Tom Brady upright. The Patriots rarely overpay for free agents, and it's becoming increasingly hard to find quality offensive line play. Some team is going to give Thuney a record-breaking deal, and it's probably not going to be New England.