The New England Patriots are not expected to agree on an extension with offensive tackle Trent Brown before his contract expires Monday, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
So the Patriots’ top blindside protector is expected to be a free agent.
Per Fowler, the team will carry a $2 million dead cap hit from Brown’s contract into the 2024 season. Brown was re-signed by the Patriots on March 21, 2022 to a two-year, $13 million contract.
He dealt with off-the-field issues with the organization this season. He was very open about his struggles, but he also called out the Patriots for systemic issues and personnel decisions.
Not having Brown in the lineup would put New England in a bind from a personnel perspective. Right tackle Mike Onwenu is also a free agent this offseason. The unit itself could be completely redone before the team kicks off in the fall.
#Patriots OT Trent Brown’s contract will void today without an extension from the team, setting him up to be a free agent March 13, per source.
Team will carry a $2 million dead cap into 2024 from his previous contract.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 19, 2024
The Patriots have plenty of decisions to make in regards to personnel this offseason, and Brown’s contract could be the first domino to fall.