More than 20 New England Patriots players are about to make it through this off-season, Sunday’s Week 17 game with the New York Jets may be their last game with the franchise.
This team includes four of the Patriots’ 8 team captains: Quarterback Cam Newton, cornerman Jason McCourty, runner James White and Lawrence Guy’s defensive defense.
White and Guy answered questions about Friday afternoon video conferences.
“I’ve never been on this stage before,” said White, who spent his seven-year career in New England. “No one knows what the long term holds. Right now, all I can think about is looking to end the strong season. A left-wing game, I enjoy those last days with my teammates, because evidently in the locker room, they probably wouldn’t be the same guys in the locker room no matter what happens on Sunday. So enjoy those moments with everyone.
White would be “of course” open to a new signing with the Patriots.
It’s been a tough season for the three-time Suconsistent Champion with Bowl, both on and off the field. In September, White’s father was killed in a car accident that also left his mother hospitalized. (She is “getting better” now, White reported Friday. ) He missed two games to be with his family circle and saw his production drop on the field, averaging fewer game-consistent receiving yards (26. 5) than since his rookie year.
“It was definitely a little different, ” said White. ” Not every single thing was the same. It was like something was missing. Football was definitely a distraction to me, but talking to my mother every day and things like that make you need to be there with her and move on from home to family.
“So it’s another year, that’s for sure, but we have a wonderful organization of guys who help me in those moments. Just being with them definitely helped me get rid of things. I’ll see my circle of relatives in a few weeks, so it’ll be wonderful to see them once it’s all done. “
The 28-year-old said he was “motivated” to continue betting next season.
“The average career is not seven years, so (I’m) really lucky to have gotten to that point,” White said. “But (I feel) that I have a lot of smart football in me, a lot to become. “myself as a player, and I’m excited about the future. “
Patriots racer Damien Harris, Sony Michel, JJ Taylor and Brandon Bolden (who chose not to participate this season) have a contract for 2021, White and Rex Burkhead will be independent agents.
Guy, who ends the four-year contract with the Patriots he signed in 2017, said a new firm with New England would be “amazing. “He has been the team’s most consistent defensive lineman for more than 4 seasons, in which he won one Super Bowl and played in another. “
“I’d love to go back to New England,” Guy said, I’ve already put my roots here, so if I’m going to do that, it would be amazing. New England has been a blessing to me, they are very special to me, the network has helped me a lot and I have helped. It’s a smart organization of other people here in general with the players, coaches and staff, and that’s all you appreciate.
The defensive line is a unit the Patriots deserve to be looking for to improve this off-season, as the team lacked Guy quality intensity and will face D Adam Butler. Butler is also expected to enter the market after betting on a limited loose offer. agent this season.
Newton and McCourty discussed their own futures before the week.
Other FAs from the upcoming Patriots come with cornerback JC Jackson (restricted), guard Joe Thuney, tackle / guard Jermaine Eluemunor, wide receiver Damiere Byrd, outside linebackers John Simon and Shilique Calhoun, protection Terrence Brooks, spike defensive Deatrich Wise, special groups Justin Bethel and Cody Davis and kicker Nick Folk.