ESPN REPORT: Another Strong Player Commits to New England Patriots.
AMESBURY, Mass. — NFL free agency is underway early, and with commentary from our NFL Nation writers and expert ratings, we’re keeping tabs on every significant deal, trade, and release of the 2024 offseason. Free agent signings can become official after the new league year kicks off on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. ESPN will air the first round of the 2024 NFL draft on April 25.
The following lists every 2024 NFL free agent that the New England Patriots signed, along with an analysis of how each will affect the team’s upcoming season:
Kendrick Bourne, wide receiver Bourne’s representative told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Bourne had agreed to a three-year contract worth as much as $33 million to rejoin the Patriots.
What it implies: Being one of the most passionate and dynamic players to play for the organization in recent years, Bourne wanted to be a part of the Patriots’ rebirth, and the new ownership seemed to regard him as the perfect fit for what they think their culture will be. Many people noticed his absence from the locker room the previous season after he suffered a season-ending injury in late October, indicating how valuable his presence was to coaches and players. When in good health, Bourne is a dangerous deep threat who can line up in a variety of areas. The Patriots are probably not done with the wide receiver position because this is a deep class in the draft.
What’s at risk: Although Bourne is recovering faster than expected from a torn right ACL suffered in late October, he is still not totally cleared. Bourne wants to be prepared for the beginning of training camp.
Henry Hunter, TE
Henry is returning to the Patriots for a three-year deal with a base of $27 million and a maximum of $30 million.
What it means: Henry’s desire to be a part of a rebuild under head coach Jerod Mayo, who is in his first year, is more significant than a coincidental observation given that he served as a club captain and a reliable presence throughout a difficult 2023 campaign. Of course, money plays a big role, and the Patriots’ willingness to shell out a whopping $9 million a season for Henry, a tight end going into his ninth NFL season, shows that they still think he’s the best. The team has a number of offensive needs to be addressed, and by keeping things with free-agent TE Pharaoh Brown and re-signing Henry, they’ve essentially set themselves up to draft and develop a backup tight end with Henry’s future in mind.
What’s at risk: Since Henry reaches 30 this year, the only thing to wonder about is if he will reach a point when aging begins to catch up with him. However, as of now, there are no indications of such.
Ohorafor Chukwuma, O.T.
The former Steelers tackle has agreed to a one-year contract worth $4 million on base and $8.25 million at maximum value with the Patriots.
What it implies: The offensive line is in desperate need of reinforcements, and the 6-foot-6, 320-pound Okorafor was a priority choice because he was free after the Steelers dismissed him on February 12 in an effort to save money. Even though he was benched in favor of rookie Broderick Jones at right tackle during the previous season in Pittsburgh, Okorafor, who turns 27 in August, is still in his prime.
In order to assist Okorafor reach some of the promise the Steelers saw in him when they took him in the third round of the 2018 draft, the Patriots, under new offensive line coaches Scott Peters and Robert Kugler, will perhaps implement a change of environment. The Patriots still intend to keep Mike Onwenu, their own right tackle, on staff.
What’s the risk: Given their one-year financial commitment to Okorafor, the Patriots are counting on him to project as at least a top backup. Should that translate into a larger role, Okorafor might benefit. Although there isn’t much of a risk, the team would want to eventually draft and develop individuals for this kind of position because there wouldn’t be as much salary-cap room required.
