NFL insider offers reasons for hype as Patriots prepare for crucial offseason

Sitting with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, and enough dollars in cap space to rival the GDP of a small nation, the New England Patriots can say a brutal 4-13 season was the dusk before the dawn. Those features alone give reason for fans to be optimistic, to the point, even ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter agrees.

The league reporter put the Patriots at No. 4 on his recent list of the NFL’s most interesting teams this offseason.

“Aside from an established coach and more than $100 million in cap space, the Patriots have other advantages,” Schefter wrote. They have a young quarterback in Drake Maye that personnel people across the league agree has the chance to develop into a bonafide standout.”

Building around Maye clearly is the priority, and they’ll have plenty of options. The search likely starts by seeking the services of Bengals WR Tee Higgins, who may or may not sign an extension still with the Bengals. Tampa Bay’s Chris Godwin could be an option as well, though clearly a step below Higgins’ level.

Defensively, New England has to like the idea of landing Penn State’s elite pass-rusher Abdul Carter at No. 4 overall, but in a weak quarterback draft, the fact Carter might be the best player available probably means little to no chance he’s still on the board. Either of Michigan’s top-flight defenders — cornerback Will Johnson or defensive tackle Mason Graham — could be candidates as well.

However it gets sorted out, it’s impossible to envision a scenario in which the Patriots don’t improve this offseason, the second in a row guided by a new head coach. Mike Vrabel will have enough levers to pull to bring this team out of a top five draft spot and potentially competing for a playoff spot in 2025.