James White has reportedly re-signed with the Patriots on a two-year deal. Steve Senne/Associated Press
The Patriots have re-signed another team captain, reaching terms on a two-year, $5 million contract with running back James White on Tuesday, per the NFL Network.
White, 30, returns after suffering a hip injury that cut short a promising start to his 2021 season. He finished with 12 catches for 94 yards and 10 carries for 38 yards and one touchdown last year. White is the third team captain to re-sign after Devin McCourty and Matthew Slater.
He rejoins Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson and J.J. Taylor in the team’s backfield. Another veteran back, Brandon Bolden, remains a free agent. White has re-signed with the Patriots for two consecutive offseasons, after playing on a fully guaranteed one-year, $2.5 million deal last year.
White’s new deal includes only $500,000 guaranteed, per the NFL Network.
THE PATRIOTS AGREED to trade outside linebacker Chase Winovich to the Browns for inside linebacker Mack Wilson.
Winovich, who joined the team as a 2019 third-round pick, was among the most recognizable Patriots, with his long blonde hair and relentless rush. However, his production evaporated last year, when he recorded zero sacks after back-to-back seasons with 5.5 and several quarterback hits. Both Winovich and Wilson, whose defensive role was also curtailed last year, are expected to benefit from a change of scenery.
Shortly after news broke, Winovich tweeted his goodbye to New England.
He wrote : “I am so grateful for my experience in New England. The love, spirit, and support have been absolutely unreal. This entire region will always hold the most special of places in my heart. The time is now for the next chapter of my journey.”
I am so grateful for my experience in New England.
The love, spirit, and support have been absolutely unreal.
This entire region will always hold the most special of places in my heart.
The time is now for the next chapter of my journey.
📖💓✌🏻🍯— Chase Winovich (@Wino) March 15, 2022
The trade cannot officially be executed until Wednesday at 4 p.m., the start of the NFL’s 2020 league year.
THE PATRIOTS OFFENSIVE line is going to have a whole new look next fall.
The team has already seen Ted Karras depart in free agency, and now Shaq Mason has been dealt to the Buccaneers – where he’ll reunite with Tom Brady – according to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson. NBC Sports’ Phil Perry reports the Patriots are only receiving a fifth-round pick in return. By dealing Mason, New England opens up more than $7 million in salary cap space.
With Mason hitting the road, it’s unclear where Bill Belichick goes from here on the offensive line.
Michael Onwenu is likely to slot into one of the vacant guard spots, but there’s no logical successor to the other, and Trent Brown may also depart in free agency.
That means David Andrews and Isaiah Wynn could be the only returning starters.
IT LOOKS LIKE the Patriots will be leaning on Nick Folk to handle field goal duties for another couple of seasons.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that the Patriots have agreed to a new deal with their veteran kicker for a two-year, $5 million contract extension that includes $2.19 million in guaranteed money.
The 37-year-old Folk has been one of the NFL’s steadiest kickers since arriving in New England in 2019. Folk hit 92.3% of his field goals in 2021, his second straight season over 90%.
While his leg doesn’t have the same power as some younger kickers, Folk has proven to be especially reliable for short and medium range. Folk was a perfect 31-of-31 from inside 50 yards in 2021. He was 5-of-8 from 50 and beyond.
Folk isn’t getting any younger, but has proven to be a sustainable option for the Patriots at placekicker for the time being. The team has explored other options, but have yet to stick with any.
The most recent candidate to battle for Folk’s job was undrafted rookie Quinn Nordin. The Michigan product made the team out of the gate at the start of the 2021 season, but ultimately landed on injured reserve and then the practice squad. Nordin remains under contract for the 2022 season as well.
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