Instant grades for Patriots free agency signing Niko Lalos
The Patriots signed the former Saints long snapper to a one-year contract in free agency.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - AUGUST 25: Niko Lalos #57 of the New Orleans Saints in action against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes Benz Superdome on August 25, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images Ladies and gentlemen, we may have a long snapper competition on our hands. Earlier this week, the New England Patriots signed a second player at the position to their roster when they acquired Niko Lalos on a one-year, $1.
01 million deal . If both remain on the team, Lalos and incumbent Julian Ashby will participate in a high-stakes battle over the course of the summer. With that in mind, let’s grade the signing based on everything we know.
Instant grades: Patriots sign LS Niko Lalos Bernd Buchmasser: Julian Ashby’s first season as Patriots long snapper was nothing out of the ordinary, but competition is the name of the game especially this time of the year. The team adds some in the form of a player on a minimal contract, who may not be the most experienced option available but at the very least should push the sophomore over the coming months. | Grade: C- Andrew Guindon: Lalos’ contract has no impact against the 2026 cap.
This might be a summer depth pickup for the Patriots in case Julian Ashby goes down with an injury at some point. Lalos could be a practice squad candidate, but he’s only appeared in six NFL games back during the 2020 season. | Grade: C Pat Lane: Not sure how anyone could give it a grade above an F.