Sixteen NFL Free Agents Who Should Interest the Patriots

The New England Patriots filled their 90-man offseason roster. That doesn’t mean the team should be done making moves. A few positional groups seem set in New England. However, some available free agents can help out the depth on the roster. A few would battle for starting spots. Available money should be spent locking up pending Patriots free agents to extensions, but there are options worth exploring on the market.

A look at how New England can still upgrade their roster via free agency:

Running Backs (3)

Cam Akers (Vikings), Joshua Kelley (Chargers), Latavious Murray (Bills)

New England has Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson locked into roster spots. Stevenson is the featured back, though he is coming off a season-ending injury in 2023. Gibson is a solid receiving back and will have a roster spot, though New England could opt for more depth with this unit. Veterans Kevin Harris and JaMycal Hasty join undrafted free agents Deshaun Fenwick and Terrell Jennings on the 90-man offseason roster. Would one of these veteran options be an upgrade over the current RB3 options? Or will New England at least give their current options a chance to earn a roster spot in camp before considering additional outside help?

Also Read – Meet the New England Patriots 90-Man Roster (Plus One)

Offensive Lineman (1)

Charles Leno Jr. (Commanders)

The Patriots have a lot of quantity along the offensive line. The lone question is whether or not they currently have a starting left tackle on their roster. There is no shortage of options. Third-round pick Caeden Wallace will compete with veterans Chukmura Okorafor, Calvin Anderson, Vederian Lowe, and others for the starting spot. The interior line has good depth, and Mike Onwenu is locked in at right tackle. Charles Leno Jr. is the only free agent who could come in and immediately be the best left tackle option in New England. Eliot Wolf’s comfort level with current options will determine if anything is done here.

Edge Defenders (5)

Yannick Ngakoue (Bears), Emmanuel Ogbah (Dolphins), Carl Lawson. (Jets),  Rasheem Green (Bears), Charles Harris (Lions)

New England did not upgrade this group in the NFL Draft. They brought back outside linebackers Joshua Uche and Anfernee Jennings in free agency. Oshane Ximines signed with New England after the draft. One position where the depth remains thin in New England is defensive end. Beyond Deatrich Wise Jr. and Keion White, the Patriots have no defensive ends guaranteed to make the 53-man roster. Additional depth and pass-rushing help with these players makes sense.

Cornerbacks (6)

Tier 1: Xavien Howard (Dolphins), Steven Nelson (Texans), Stephon Gilmore (Cowboys)

Tier 2: Ahkello Witherspoon (Rams), Adoree’ Jackson (Giants), J.C. Jackson (Patriots)

Christian Gonzalez is the No. 1 cornerback in New England, a spot Patriots fans hope he occupies for years to come. Veteran Jonathan Jones is also a solid corner who will be on the 53-man roster. The rest of this group is very much unknown. Nine players are competing for the remaining roster spots. Any of the “Tier 1” options would start for New England. However, cost could be an issue for these veterans. If the Patriots aren’t willing to pay handsomely for their services, these players might prefer playing for a more likely contender.

Witherspoon and Adoree’ Jackson would compete for starting spots but wouldn’t be guaranteed to start. Either would make the roster. J.C. Jackson is a veteran the staff is familiar with. He can be a good bargain option capable of a bounce-back season if he is physically and mentally ready.

Safety (1)

Justin Simmons (Broncos)

Adding another safety is not a necessity for New England. The unit is in good shape with Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Marte Mapu, Jaylinn Hawkins, Joshuah Bledsoe, and Dell Pettus all on the 90-man roster. Defensive lineman Calais Campbell and linebacker Shaquille Leonard could also have been included on this free agent list as quality players, not at a position of need. Simmons played collegiately for Boston College. Coming back ‘home’ would benefit the quality and depth of the defense. However, like Campbell, Leonard, and the top cornerbacks listed, Simmons likely wants to be paid or play for a contender. New England does not necessarily offer either.

The New England Patriots have prioritized building a core group for the team. They have worked toward that by locking up several of their own free agents and signing Christian Barmore to an extension. The Patriots exploring extending additional players such as Rhamondre Stevenson, Matthew Judon, Jahlani Tavai, Jonathan Jones, and Jabrill Peppers should be the priority. But Eliot Wolf and the front office can also multi-task. While making some of their current players happy and locked up beyond 2024, more free agent additions should not be overlooked.