Welcome to NFL free agency!
NFL teams can begin contacting free agents starting Monday at noon with the league’s “legal tampering” period. The Patriots are expected to be heavily involved in the wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line and cornerback markets. Sources have also told the Herald the front office is targeting a new type of linebacker. For a complete breakdown of the team’s offseason plans, click here.
The Patriots entered the legal tampering period with $125.1 million in cap space, most in the league by a wide margin, per Over the Cap.
Find every Patriots signing, rumor and update here with the Herald’s free agency tracker:
Monday
5 a.m. The Patriots are expected to be aggressive on Day 1, with top-of-the-market players like Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin and Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams among their top targets. Look for the Patriots to also target mid-level veterans on defense who fit the new vision for Mike Vrabel’s defense. Under Vrabel, the Patriots are aiming to get smaller and faster in their front seven, and add new cornerbacks around No. 1 corner Christian Gonzalez.
Sunday
Source: Patriots re-sign TE Austin Hooper
7:30 p.m. Hours out from the start of NFL free agency, the Patriots have re-signed veteran tight end Austin Hooper, a source confirmed to the Herald.
Hooper was scheduled to hit the open market before he agreed to return on a reported 1-year, $5 million deal with a maximum value of $7 million. ESPN first reported the terms.
Hooper had 45 catches for 476 yards and three touchdowns last season, his first in New England. He played more than half of the team’s offensive snaps as the No. 2 tight end behind longtime starter Hunter Henry. The 30-year-old signed with the Patriots last year as a free agent and produced as a solid pass-catcher and run-blocker.
Hooper’s return solidifies the tight end position, which the team could continue to target in the draft. Henry is entering the second season of a three-year deal he signed last offseason.
The Patriots’ top remaining internal free agents include defensive back Jonathan Jones, defensive linemen Deatrich Wise and quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
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