Patriots star is bringing in $98 million already. former teammate of the Ravens

Patriots star is bringing in $98 million already. former teammate of the Ravens

 

 

Assuming Christian Gonzalez recovers from his ACL tear, Jonathan Jones starts opposite him, and nickel corner Myles Bryant, a free agent, signs a new contract, the Patriots’ need at cornerback is not very great going into the 2024 summer. However, the unit’s depth may be a problem. In light of this, perhaps standout linebacker Matthew Judon has an idea: the Patriots should sign three-time Pro Bowl corner Marlon Humphrey if the Ravens release him in order to save money on his contract.

 

In response to a tweet on Twitter/X implying that Humphrey would be cut by the Ravens, Judon pointed out that Humphrey might even be given the No. 44 by the Patriots, which he has worn for the previous five seasons (having worn 29 in his first two years with Baltimore).

 

“I like this action.” Judon stated, “I believe that Patriots 44 is open.”

 

 

In 2020, Humphrey signed a huge contract with the New Ravens.

Naturally, the Ravens would have to choose whether to opt out of the final three years of Humphrey’s five-year, $97.5 million deal extension before the Patriots could sign him. Due to ailments to his foot, hamstring, and calf, Humphrey missed seven games this season. His most recent injury prevented him from playing in the Ravens’ opening playoff game versus Houston.

 

According to USA Today’s Ravens Wire website, Baltimore has an out in the deal and may let Humphrey depart as a post-June 1 cut, saving $11.8 million. It may seem unlikely, but Judon was reacting to that idea.

 

“Humphrey signed a 5-year contract extension with the Ravens in 2020 worth $97.5 million in new money with $40.3 million in full guarantees at signing,” as reported by Ravens Wire. “Humphrey is still only 27 years old.” The contract also includes $30 million in vesting and roster bonus guarantees for Humphrey, for a total guarantee of $70.3 million.

 

In 2023, the Ravens turned over $9.42 million in salary as a bonus, freeing up $7.536 million in cap space. Humphrey’s cap number climbed by $1.884 million per year between 2024 and 2026. 2027 will now have an extra blank year.

 

When Humphrey became a free agent in 2017, a lot of teams would be interested in signing him, including those that would improve his chances of playing in the Super Bowl. Humphrey was selected in the first round in 2017. In 2020, he managed to force a league-high eight fumbles and has 13 career interceptions. He is a three-time Pro Bowl player. However, he did spend his first four NFL seasons in Baltimore with Judon, and Judon is already utilizing that to entice Humphrey to sign.

 

A Long List Ahead for Patriots’ Unrestricted Signing

With roughly $70 million in cap room to deploy, the Patriots will have no shortage of holes to fill and some returning players to try to sign when they hit free agency. The team needs offensive line support all around, and the best place to start would be by adding tackle Michael Onewu, who Pro Football Focus projects to make $14.5 million annually, and maybe his bookend, Trent Brown, who makes $7.5 million annually.

 

Naturally, the Patriots’ greatest need is at quarterback. However, they also need to add a top-tier wide receiver, which could cost $20 million annually, and they will have to pay star tight end Hunter Henry ($7.5 million annually projected at Spotrac) if they want to keep him when he enters free agency.

 

Put another way, Humphrey would be a great acquisition, and the Patriots do have cap room, but with so many needs, that space is likely to be consumed pretty fast.