Jason McCourty, cornerback

a two-year deal with a base value of $10 million ($5.5 million guaranteed) that could be worth as much as $11 million with incentives. McCourty, the twin brother

What it means:McCourty, who turns 32 in August,bolsters what is arguably the deepest position on the roster with Stephon Gilmore, McCourty, J.C. Jackson, Jonathan Jones, Duke Dawson and Keion Crossen

John Simon, outside linebacker

The Patriots and Simon agreed to an extension for two years,  Simon, who joined the Patriots last September after being cut by the Colts entering the second season of a three-year, $13.5 million deal: The 6-foot-2, 260-pound. Consider that Simon played 85 defensive snaps over three playoff games last season, which reflects how his role grew as the importance of games did. Every team needs starting-caliber players at manageable salary-cap charges, which helps build a strong middle class on the roster, and Simon falls into this category. What's the risk: Simon's injury history. Since emerging as a full-time starter in 2015, he has played in all 16 games in a regular season once (2015 with Houston).

Mike Pennel, defensive tackle

The Patriots signed Pennel to a two-year deal. Pennel appeared in 69 career regular-season games for the Packers (2014-2016) and Jets (2017-2018): What it means: The Patriots needed a replacement for defensive tackle Malcom Brown, . He's a big, strong, powerful player who projects as a starter next to Lawrence Guy on the interior on early downs before coming off the field in obvious passing situations.  What's the risk:  Pennel was suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, but he was a model citizen the past two years.

Terrence Brooks, safety

The Patriots agreed with Brooks on a two-year deal. He played in 65 career regular-season games with the Ravens (2014-2015), Eagles (2016) and Jets (2017-2018):

What it means: The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Brooks -- who entered the NFL as a third-round draft choice of the Ravens out of Florida State in 2014 --  Improving special teams is always on Belichick's radar. What's the risk: Similar to Brandon Bolden, the main risk is devoting too much salary-cap space to a player whose primary contributions come on special teams.

Ryan Allen, punter

The Patriots signed Allen to a one-year deal with a maximum value of $1.55 million on Thursday. The deal includes a $100,000 signing bonus, $900,000 base salary, and up to $500,000 in roster bonuses (paid out $31,250 per game). There is a $50,000 incentive if Allen makes the Pro Bowl. Here is a closer look at Allen, who has been the Patriots' punter and holder since 2013:

What it means: This is an important re-signing for the Patriots, as Allen is coming off one of the best games in his career in Super Bowl LIII and has proven adept at executing situational punting that is a big part of what the team prioritizes with field position in mind. While the left-footed Allen doesn't have the strongest leg, his placement and hang time are often excellent. Allen is also an important part of the team's field-goal operation as the holder, and with kicker Stephen Gostkowski's free-agent status still unresolved, bringing Allen back eliminates the potential of multiple forced changes with Patriots specialists in 2019.

What's the risk: The one-year term means the Patriots are back in the same spot next offseason with Allen, when the price could be significantly higher if Allen has a solid season. That's why a second punter is likely to be brought in at some point, similar to how the Patriots did in 2018 with Corey Bojorquez (now with the Bills).

Phillip Dorsett, wide receiver

A one-year deal he spent two seasons in New England after two years with the  Colts. What it means: The Patriots failed on  slot receiver Adam Humphries, who ended up a Titan. As a valuable substitute in 2018 he  made some critical plays in pressure situations (e.g. TD catches in playoff wins against the Chargers and Chiefs). The team is still thin at receiver. What's the risk: The one-year term could be more expensive option on the market in 2020.

Maurice Harris s Receiver

Bruce Ellington, receiver

Brandon Bolden, running back

A two-year contract  A Patriots from 2012-2017 then 2018 with the Dolphins:

What it means: With three running backs on the roster (James White, Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead). Bringing back Bolden --, a core special-teamer adds depth as a No. 4 option at running back  plus add to locker-room culture.

What's the risk: primary contributions come on special teams.

The Patriots agreed with Ellington on a one-year deal for $895,000 with $25,000 guaranteed. Here's a closer look at Ellington, who has played in 44 career regular-season games with the 49ers (2014-15), Texans (2017-18) and Lions (2018):

What it means: The 5-foot-9, 200-pound Ellington is a slot receiver with punt-return and kickoff-return experience. Once the Patriots didn't land top target Humphries in free agency, they starting looking at fallback options, which led them to Ellington. The South Carolina alum has a background in a Patriots-type system from his time with Bill O'Brien's Texans and Matt Patricia's Lions, but he'll still need to fight for a roster spot in New England.

What's the risk: Health. Ellington has had some issues with his hamstring in the past, once telling reporters that he had part of it surgically removed.

Matt LaCosse, tight end

The Patriots agreed to terms with LaCosse on a two-year deal worth up to $3.8 million ($500,000 guaranteed). Here's a closer look at LaCosse, who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Illinois with Giants in 2015 and broke through last season with the Broncos with 24 receptions for 250 yards and one touchdown:

What it means:  now add the 6-foot-6, 255-pound LaCosse as a potential option to fill his void.

Austin Jenkins  TE to a one-year, $895,000 minimum deal falls into the it-can't-hurt-to-give-it-a-look category.  The 6-foot-5, 262-pound Seferian-Jenkins runs and catches the ball well, and though he has never been a mauling blocker    a combination tight end and Seferian-Jenkins' blocking, from my view, will be the key to see if he can become that in the Patriots' scheme. current Patriots assistant coach Mick Lombardi was on the Jets offensive staff.