Player Updates
Devin McCourty
S / New England Patriots
McCourty recently underwent shoulder surgery and is currently in the rehab process, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis:
McCourty appeared in all 17 regular-season games for New England and played every single defensive snap in all but four of those contests. The veteran safety is believed to have suffered the shoulder injury that required surgery in Week 14 against the Cardinals, but he didn't miss a snap from Weeks 15-18. Per Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site, the 35-year-old hasn't made a decision on if he'll play next season.
Lynn Bowden Jr.
WR / New England Patriots
The Patriots signed Bowden to a reserve/future contract Monday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis:
Bowden, a 2020 third-round pick by the Raiders, spent the entire 2022 campaign on the Patriots' practice squad. He saw just one elevation (Week 9) but failed to garner a target across 14 offensive snaps. With his new contract, he'll be able to stick around New England's organization and compete for a roster spot during the offseason.
Jonathan Jones
CB / New England Patriots
Jones recorded 69 tackles (56 solo), four interceptions and scored a touchdown while playing in 16 games during the 2022 season.
Analysis:
Jones had the best season of his career, as he led the team in interceptions, pass deflections and forced fumbles all of which were new career highs for him. An unrestricted free agent this offseason, the 2016 undrafted free agent has earned himself a pay day from either the Patriots or another team.
Kyle Dugger
S / New England Patriots
Dugger finished the 2022 season with 78 tackles (50 solo), one sack, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery while scoring three touchdowns in 15 games.
Analysis:
Dugger had the best season of his young career despite missing two games with an ankle injury, as he led the NFL with three defensive touchdowns. The 26-year-old also finished third on the team in interceptions. With just one more season left on his contract, the 2020 second-round pick will look to continue his production from this season in order to get a big pay day.
Devin McCourty
S / New England Patriots
McCourty registered 71 tackles (54 solo), four interceptions, and a fumble recovery while playing in all 17 games during the 2022 season.
Analysis:
McCourty had another effective season despite his age, as he tied for the most interceptions and second most pass deflections on the team. The 2010 first-round pick is an unrestricted free agent this offseason and is also expected to consider retiring, so while it's still unknown if he'll play next year the veteran safety has shown he can still produce at a high level for either the Patriots or another team.
Matthew Judon
LB / New England Patriots
Judon finished the 2022 season with 60 tackles (36 solo), 15.5 sacks and a fumble recovery while playing in 17 games.
Analysis:
Judon has now registered double-digit sacks in both of his seasons with the Patriots, something he failed to do in all five of his seasons with Baltimore. The four-time Pro Bowler set a new career high in sacks and which also led the team. Over the past two seasons Judon is third in the NFL in sacks and with two years left on his contract, he'll look to keep that dominance up heading into next season.
