With so many holes on the roster to fill, the listing of New England Patriots free agent targets figures to be a mile lengthy this offseason.
The excellent news is that the Pats are among the many leaders in cap space heading into 2024. That ought to permit them to be aggressive and overhaul a roster that wants reinforcements.
Free Brokers the Patriots Ought to Pursue
However who would be the Patriots’ free-agent targets? What positions would be the precedence and what gamers can be a great match? With a brand new head coach, these aren’t essentially straightforward inquiries to reply.
However, we got here up with an inventory of free brokers for the Patriots to pursue to get a greater concept of what they need to do with all of their cap house.
Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry tops the listing of upcoming Patriots free brokers who the crew wish to re-sign. It’s most likely not worthwhile to make use of the franchise tag on him, however the Pats have to make an effort to maintain him in New England.
With higher quarterback play, Henry’s manufacturing can absolutely enhance from what we’ve seen over the previous couple of years. The crew’s different tight ends are additionally free brokers, so this can be a place the Pats might want to deal with this offseason. They may as properly begin by bringing again Henry.
Mike Evans
Assuming the Patriots draft a quarterback, they want to herald a bonafide no. 1 receiver. New England’s struggles to draft or commerce for a top-flight receiver are properly documented. By going after Mike Evans in free company, the Pats can have a certain factor.
Whereas age isn’t working in his favor, Evans has gone over 1,000 receiving yards in all 10 of his NFL seasons. He’ll turn into a safety blanket regardless of who’s New England’s quarterback subsequent season, making Evans an apparent free-agent goal.
Curtis Samuel
One extensive receiver most likely gained’t be sufficient, so Curtis Samuel ought to be on New England’s radar as properly. In comparison with Evans, he’s a smaller and faster receiver, making him a great complement to an even bigger receiver.
Samuel is probably not a famous person, however he’s within the prime of his profession and would absolutely be an improve to the receivers in New England over the previous couple of years.
Austin Ekeler
Heading into free company, Austin Ekeler’s inventory is down after a disappointing 2023 marketing campaign. However his observe file means that he’s nonetheless able to being a productive two-way again who can run between the tackles and catch passes.
Along with his measurement, Ekeler most likely shouldn’t be signed as a function again. However he could be a superb complement to Rhamondre Stevenson. These two have complementary talent units, so signing Ekeler may positively reshape the New England backfield.
Jacoby Brissett
Even when the Patriots draft a quarterback, they’ll nonetheless want to herald a veteran to function a backup and mentor. Simply have a look at the success the Colts had with Gardner Minshew backing up Anthony Richardson final yr. Why not carry again an outdated pal like Jacoby Brissett?
Clearly, Brissett just isn’t a long-term reply for any crew. However he could be a dependable backup for a rookie and begin a couple of video games for the Patriots subsequent season if wanted, making him a great possibility if the Pats resolve to maneuver on from Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe.
Mekhi Becton
Whereas he’s had a comparatively disappointing profession so far, Mekhi Becton is a participant the Patriots ought to take into account pursuing. Regardless of being injury-prone, he’s a former first-round decide who will solely be 25 firstly of the 2024 season.
There’s loads of time for Becton to show issues round and fulfil his potential. Each of New England’s beginning offensive tackles from this previous season are free brokers, so Becton fills an apparent want and affords some upside.
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