Impending Free Agent Ted Karras Proved To Be Among New England Patriots’ Best Values Of 2021

When Ted Karras returned to the New England Patriots last March, the expectation was that the former sixth-round draft choice did so as the starting center.

The middle was where he had seen every snap during his lone campaign as a Miami Dolphins captain. It was also where incumbent David Andrews remained unsigned — until agreeing to terms on a four-year, $19 million contract the next night.

But one move proved to fit with the other. Both interior linemen appeared in every game. And while Andrews, a member of the franchise’s All-Decade team, led the offense in snaps played, Karras went from special teams to the starting five as the calendar turned to October. He remained there for the final 13 contests of the regular season.

Now Karras is nearing 29 and free agency next month, yet as a value New England should aim to keep in front of sophomore quarterback Mac Jones.

“Ted was pretty consistent for us and still is,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said during a November press conference. “I think that’s one of the great things about Ted Karras. You get pretty much the same person, the same player, the same level of communication, aggressiveness, play, every single day. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday — whatever it is we’re doing, you’re going to get Ted’s best, and you’re going to get a consistent level of play.

“It’s not always perfect, like it isn’t with anyone, but it’s pretty consistent and he’s pretty dependable. He’s going to give you his absolute best in every situation.”

The one-year deal began with $3 million fully guaranteed and $1 million in playtime incentives. What followed was versatility and stability through different injuries and different combinations.

Pro Football Focus tracked Karras for having played 117 downs at right guard, 15 downs at center and 695 downs at left guard on the way to an AFC playoff berth. The Illinois product earned the 15th-highest PFF grade at the position over that span, behind Patriots teammates in Shaq Mason and Mike Onwenu.

He was held responsible for conceding two quarterback hits and three sacks.

“It was so great to be back here and play with guys that I have very special relationships with,” Karras told reporters after New England’s wild-card exit in January, “and getting to play next to and with guys that mean a lot to me that I’ve tried to emulate throughout my career. I’m just very thankful for the opportunities that I got this year. Obviously that’s not the way you want to end it, but this was just a very fun adventure. And to come back and have success with old friends and confidants, it was very fun.”

Arriving at pick No. 221 overall back in 2016, Karras played in 60 games during initial tour with New England.

He had spent four days on the practice squad before the 2017 season. He had also made just five starts before the 2019 season, when the aforementioned Andrews was sidelined due to blood clots in his lungs. An additional 15 starts were the byproduct in that contract year, which saw Karras lead the team in performance-based pay while carrying a $720,000 base salary.

Another league year is ahead for Karras, who stands as more than a sixth man on a list of unrestricted free agents that also includes starting right tackle Trent Brown, a fellow 2021 reacquisition.

“I always would love to come back,” Karras said of his contract status last month, “and I know that this isn’t the time to make any of those decisions, and I know that the organization is going to look at everything. Whatever happens, happens. I understand it’s a business. I obviously love being here and love the people here and feel I fit in well.”