3 remaining free agents the Patriots should sign ahead of Week 1

There’s no debating that the Patriots have a much better roster now than they did last summer. The team spent a ton of resources this offseason improving the team on both sides of the ball, and as a result, there will be several new starters and role players.

The team has already gone through five training camp practices, so it’s likely the major moves are done. However, there are still some solid free agents that remain unsigned, and it would be wise for the team to evaluate all options before the season begins. There are also a few positions that could stand to have better depth, such as the interior offensive line, cornerback, and defensive line spots.

Today, let’s identify three available free agents who could still help the Patriots.

Christian Wilkins, DL

Christian Wilkins is definitely the biggest name we’ll talk about on this list, and he’s not a name we thought would be available at this point. Wilkins just signed a massive deal with the Las Vegas Raiders last offseason, however, the team decided to cut the defender last week after being unhappy with his rehab from an injury.

Wilkins is an interesting option for the Patriots due to the fact that he’s a Massachusetts native and Mike Vrabel recruited him out of high school. Additionally, Vrabel already mentioned an interest in bringing the veteran in after his release.

Wilkins would join Christian Barrmore and Milton Williams on the defensive line in Foxboro, giving the team arguably the most fearsome d-line in the league.

Brandon Scherff, G

The Patriots are fine at the right guard spot, as Mike Onwenu is slated to fill that spot. The left guard spot is much more up in the air, though. Cole Strange, Jared Wilson, Caedan Wallace, and Layden Robinson are all fighting for the spot, and it’s possible the team could prefer to look outside for the solution.

Brandon Scherff is a five-time Pro Bowler who is shockingly still available. The guard spent the last three seasons with the Jaguars and excelled as both a pass-protector and run-blocker. It’s possible that Vrabel would prefer to bring in a proven veteran like Scherff instead of relying on a young, inexperienced option.

Rasul Douglas, CB

The Patriots suffered a scare on Monday when star cornerback Christian Gonzalez had to leave practice with a leg injury. That made the room even more bare, considering veteran Carlton Davis II was already out of practice and started the offseason on the non-football injury list.

These factors could lead the Patriots to look outside for more depth. Even if Gonzalez and Davis remain healthy, the team could stand to upgrade behind that duo. Currently, former undrafted free agent Alex Austin and 2025 seventh-rounder Kobee Minor present the backup options on the outside.

Rasul Douglas is a reliable boundary corner who could be a perfect fit in New England. The corner’s play dipped a bit in 2024, but he still racked up 49 tackles and three pass breakups for the Bills.