New England Patriots Depth Chart
- AFC East
- Stadium
- Gillette Stadium
- Head Coach
- Bill Belichick
- Offensive Coordinator
- Defensive Coordinator
- Special Teams Coach
- Cameron Achord
- Defensive Scheme
- 3-4
The New England Patriots restructured center David Andrews' contract on Friday, creating $2.1 million in salary cap space for the 2022 season by converting $3.15 million of his compensation into a signing bonus, according to a source. Andrews' updated 2022 salary cap charge is now $4.275 million. The 29-year-old had offseason shoulder surgery, but he's expected to be ready to go in Week 1 as New England's starting center. Andrews began his career in 2015 and has played all six of his NFL seasons for Bill Belichick and the Patriots.
The New England Patriots agreed to terms on a four-year rookie deal with first-round offensive lineman Cole Strange on Wednesday, according to a source. Even though he was the 29th overall pick at the end of the first round, Strange was still a bit of a surprise at that stage out of small-school Tennessee-Chattanooga. The 23-year-old is athletic and toolsy, though, and he could see starts at left guard in his rookie season. The Patriots are hoping that the 6-foot-5, 307-pounder will help in both the running game and for second-year quarterback Mac Jones' protection.
New England Patriots wide receiver Ty Montgomery is projected to win the final wide receiver spot this summer at training camp. Montgomery stood out at times in organized team activities and minicamp, and his versatility as a hybrid receiver and running back who can also cover kicks make him too valuable to leave off the roster. Tre Nixon had a strong spring, but he needs to do more in training camp this summer. Kristian Wilkerson's primary value is still on special teams, so he's on the outside looking in for now. N'Keal Harry is entering the final year of his contract, but he's unlikely to make the team and has been a trade candidate all offseason. If Tyquan Thornton has a really strong summer, there's also a chance that Nelson Agholor becomes a trade candidate for the Patriots.
New England Patriots running back James White (hip) was limited for most of the team's spring practices, but initial reports suggest that he might not be fully cleared for the start of the regular season, so he's a candidate to open the year on the Physically Unable to Perform list. If that's the case, White would miss at least six weeks. He could also be put on Injured Reserve, which would require him to miss four weeks. Rookie Pierre Strong Jr. looks like a good fit for White's role, but rookie Kevin Harris was also involved as a pass-catcher during offseason workouts, and J.J. Taylor could be a factor as well. White had season-ending hip surgery last year and would most likely be very limited in his backfield role in New England if he's ready for Week 1.
New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton has been mixing in with the starters during minicamp. The Patriots selected Thornton with the 50th overall pick in the draft. It was received as a reach and an unpopular pick, but the Patriots are giving Thornton a fair chance this summer. He finished with 62 receptions, 948 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns during his final season at Baylor. It's also worth noting that the Patriots don't have a ton of talent at wide receiver. They brought in DeVante Parker and have Jakobi Meyers in the slot. After that, Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne are the next two options. It wouldn't be shocking to see Thornton getting significant snaps early in the season. He's worth thinking about in the late rounds on draft day, assuming he continues to impress New England.
