The Patriots 2021-2022 season ended in the Wild Card round with a loss to rival Buffalo Bills, but also ended with high hopes going into next season with young players like QB Mac Jones transitioning well into the NFL. But as the younger playmakers arise, could we see some longtime Patriots go elsewhere or retire this offseason? Let’s take a look.

A major need on the team is speed. The Patriots defense, along with special teams and offense at times is mixed with young developing players, and veteran guys who have been established in the league for some time. Additions are going to need to be made, and even upgrades at spots that we have grown to see from certain guys. A few names that I think might be on the brink of calling it a career are linebackers Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins Sr., and safety Devin McCourty.

Two linebacker names that stick out, unfortunately, are Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower. These two have been menacing presences for offenses when facing up against the Patriots defense over the years. The two were apart of Super Bowl winning teams, and were very effective in their respective careers. Hightower, 31, is a two time Pro Bowler, and a three time Super Bowl champion with the team. Collins, 32 and now on his third stint with the team, is a one time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion. Both have been named to a Second-Team All Pro, as well. But unfortunately, Patriots Nation has seen a change in play from both linebackers. With Hightower coming back after opting out of the 2020-2021 season due to COVID-19 concerns, he seemed to have an “off” year while trying to be an effective edge rusher and even in coverage often getting beat. The same goes for Collins, who returned to the team and for some reason couldn’t fit in like he used to. These two Patriots veterans are well respected and beloved by the fanbase, but we might see them go soon.

Another name on the defense to keep an eye on is longtime captain safety Devin McCourty. McCourty is one of the most respected safeties the Patriots have ever had. At 34 years old, McCourty has been named to two Pro Bowls, as well as three Second-Team All Pro teams, and also is apart of the Patriots 2010s All-Decade Team. He has always been a force in the secondary, with speed as one of his biggest strong suits, along with his impeccable leadership. I don’t think he should retire anytime soon because I still see him as a very effective safety on the defense, but his age is something to keep an eye on as he enters his thirteenth season with the team.

I think it’s safe to say that a day that Patriots Nation has been dreading is the day Matthew Slater retires. Slater is the captain and heart of the Patriots special teams unit and has transcended as truly one of the greatest special teams players in NFL history. A few of his accomplishments in his career so far with the Patriots:

• 3× Super Bowl champion

• 2× First-team All-Pro

• 3× Second-team All-Pro

• 10× Pro Bowl

• Art Rooney Award (2021)

• New England Patriots 2010s All-Decade Team

And these aren’t all of them. Slater has become the image of the “Patriot Way” and is a fan favorite in New England. But Slater is now 34 years old, and unfortunately at the later end of his illustrious career. My prediction is that he will play one more year and retire after the 2022 season, but until that day comes it is crucial to enjoy all of these veteran players and what they have meant to the team and Patriots Nation throughout the good and the bad.