Patriots Re-Sign Veteran; How's He Fit Into OL?

The New England Patriots will be retaining the services of reserve offensive lineman James Ferentz for the upcoming NFL season. 

The Patriots and Ferentz have reportedly agreed to terms on a one-year contract for 2023. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the deal includes a base salary of $1.165 million. 

The Iowa product joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Prior to joining the Pats, Ferentz made stops with the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos. Having been with the Patriots’ organization since 2017, Ferentz has served as a reliable depth option along the team’s offensive line, helping the team to two Super Bowl victories (LI, LIII).

During his tenure in New England, Ferentz has appeared in 39 games for the organization, including nine starts. Last season, he was initially cut by the Patriots during the period in which they reduced their active roster to 53 members. he was quickly signed to New England’s practice squad, where he became one of the team’s primary reserve options 

In 2022, he appeared in 12 games, making three starts. He was charged will allowing four pressures and two sacks, while taking 269 of New England’s offensive snaps.

Ferentz saw the majority of his on-field action while filling-in for injured captain David Andrews. From Weeks 7 and 12, he started two games after Andrews suffered a concussion, while also getting the nod in the Pats Thanksgiving night loss to the Minnesota Vikings — a game in which Andrews was unavailable due to a thigh injury. 

While he is not considered an everyday starter, his knowledge of the system and his tenacity in his efforts make him a solid reserve option at center, tackle or guard. Although several of his teammates are expected to compete for a reserve role during training camp, the Patriots have smartly retained Ferentz’s services to provide an experienced veteran presence.

With his return to New England, Ferentz will join Andrews, Michael Onwenu, Cole Strange Trent Brown, Kody Russey, Chasen Hines, Andrew Stueber and Conor McDermott — who recently signed a deal to remain with the Pats — under contract for 2023. The Pats offensive line will be coached by former Oregon assistant head coach Adrian Klemm, who was hired by the team in February.  

Wynn and Marcus Cannon are headed for unrestricted free agency, while swing tackle Yodny Cajuste is set to become a restricted free agent when the league year begins on March 15. 

Per Patriots salary cap expert Miguel Benzan, Ferentz's re-signing results in a $150,000 decrease in the team’s available space, putting their cap number at $31,838,852. 

More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.