Patriots Captains Address Uncertain Futures As Free Agency Looms

The New England Patriots may lose 20 players in free agency, including eight team captains. This means that the game against the New York Jets could be their last game with the team. Quarterback Cam Newton, cornerback Jason McCourty, running back James White and defensive tackle Lawrence Guy belong to this group.

White and Guy talked about their free agency plans during their video conferences on Friday afternoon.

“I’ve never been in this situation before,” said White. “Nobody really knows what the future holds. For right now, my mind’s just on trying to finish the season strong. One game left, just enjoy these last few days with my teammates, because obviously the locker room, it’s not going to be the same guys in the locker room no matter what happens out there on Sunday. So just enjoy these moments with everybody.”

White has been part of the Patriots family for eight seasons. Is he open to re-sign with the team? Absolutely.

2020 was a big season for the Patriots team captain. He lost his father in September and his mother suffered terrible injuries in the same car crash. The team gave him some time off, and White missed two games. The veteran averaged fewer receiving yards per game than he did in his rookie campaign.

“It was definitely a little different,” White said. “Everything didn’t quite feel the same. It felt like something was missing. Football was definitely a little bit of a distraction for me, but talking to my mom every day and things of that nature just makes you want to be there with her and be back home with the family.

“So it’s a different year, that’s for sure, but we have a great group of guys who help me get through these times. Just being around them definitely helped me get my mind off things. I’ll see my family in a few weeks, so it’ll be good to see them once everything’s done.”

Patriots captains ready to play after free agency

White is motivated to play his best football in 2021.

“The average career is not seven years, so (I’m) definitely blessed to make it this far,” he said. “But (I) still feel like I have a lot of good football in me, a lot to prove to myself as a player, and I’m excited for the future.”

Patriots running backs Damien Harris, Sony Michel, J.J. Taylor and Brandon Bolden are under contract for the upcoming season. Bolden opted out of 2020 due to health concerns. White and Rex Burkhead will enter free agency.

Guy is finishing his four-year deal with the Patriots. According to him, re-signing with the team would be really great. Guy played great on the field and head coach Bill Belichick was impressed with his concistency.

“I’d love to return to New England,” Guy said. “I laid the roots already here, so if I’m able to do that that would be amazing. New England has been very blessing to me, they’re very special to me, the community has helped me out a lot and I’ve helped out the community. It’s a good group of people here overall with the players, coaches and the staff, and it’s something you get to cherish.”

Belichick and his staff will try to improve the defensive line this offseason. The Patriots lacked depth in this aspect. Adam Butler will enter the open market too.