If New England is able to fill the roles left behind by Olszewski with proven offensive or defensive contributors who already would have made the roster, they have one extra spot available for a depth player. Essentially he was a returner who took up a roster spot. His nine catches in three seasons with the team were almost always made amongst reserve players and his snap percentage dwindled in each of the three seasons he spent in Foxborough. The Patriots could have an extra roster spot in 2022įor as valuable as his contributions on special teams were, Gunner Olszewski was a net-negative offensively throughout his time in New England. Taylor’s status as a roster-bubble player remains. Dugger is in a similar position to Stevenson where his role on defense could prove to be too valuable to risk him in such a role. Harry’s only foray into NFL punt returning was an unsuccessful endeavor but could help him stay on the roster if a trade doesn’t come to fruition this offseason. Meyers filled in for an injured Olszewski sporadically in 20 while Harry, Dugger, and Taylor all served the role in college. In-house options to replace him include Jakobi Meyers, N’Keal Harry, Kyle Dugger, and the aforementioned Taylor. Olszewski stood out on this role and left some big shoes to fill. The punt returner role is a little more complicated as it serves a greater purpose. It is unlikely that New England would risk the health of Stevenson in that role, while Taylor’s spot on the roster is anything but certain. Taylor and Rhamondre Stevenson, both of whom served in that role during training camp. Other options to return kicks include J.J.
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Free agent addition Ty Montgomery is the most likely option to take over the kick returner role, having served in that capacity before for the Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens. Though Olszewski served as both the kick and punt returner last season, they are two different jobs and not all players have the ability to fulfill both roles. Now, with him signing a free agency deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Patriots have a pair of important roles to fill. He parlayed his punt return abilities into the added responsibility of becoming New England’s kick returner, fulfilling both duties in 2021. As was mentioned above, the former undrafted free agent even received an All-Pro nomination in his second season after averaging 17.3 yards per punt return, a Patriots franchise record.
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Though he was rarely ever able to crack the offensive lineup after making a position switch to wide receiver from cornerback, the former Bemidji State product found his niche in the NFL as one of the league’s best punt returners. How does this this move impact the Patriots? Let’s take a look. The 25-year old return man leaves New England after three seasons, his second of which ended in an All-Pro nomination. The New England Patriots have lost out on a former All-Pro player.įormer undrafted free agent Gunner Olszewski has elected to join the Pittsburgh Steelers on a two-year $4.2 million deal.
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