New England Patriots
An enormous-name signing would possibly assist the Patriots get excessive, however some additions to spherical out the roster might assist that, too.
Forward of the beginning of Monday’s authorized tampering interval, you’ve possible heard about all of the rumors surrounding the Patriots and Alec Pierce, or any of the opposite prime pending free brokers.
Whereas signing a big-name participant would possibly assist New England get excessive in its hunt for a Tremendous Bowl title, some signings to spherical out the roster might assist obtain that, too. Simply have a look at the offseason the Patriots had final 12 months, during which the signings of linebacker Robert Spillane, extensive receiver Mack Hollins, and defensive deal with Khyiris Tonga proved to be key to their success.
The Patriots are outfitted with roughly $60 million, so that they gained’t be compelled to search for bargains this offseason. However, in the event that they’re trying so as to add an unheralded free agent or two, listed below are 9 potentialities.
Jalen Nailor, WR, Vikings
The Patriots ought to most likely intention larger than including an under-the-radar extensive receiver this offseason, however this isn’t the purpose of this train. If the Patriots choose to make their receivers room or want depth on the place this offseason, Nailor is an intriguing choice.
Jalen Nailor, who turned 27 earlier in March, hasn’t been a very productive receiver over his first 4 seasons. Nonetheless, he’s had an occasional large sport over the past couple of seasons, and has logged 10 receiving touchdowns over the past two years. He’s cut up his time within the slot and on the skin throughout that point, which provides to his intrigue as a possible depth piece.
Daniel Bellinger, TE, Giants
There are a number of notable tight ends set to turn out to be free brokers, like David Njoku (Browns), Isaiah Doubtless (Ravens), and Chig Okonkwo (Titans). However not like extensive receiver, there isn’t a ton of beginning high quality expertise within the tight finish free-agent pool this offseason.
Daniel Bellinger, although, might function a great complementary choice to Hunter Henry. The 25-year-old had 19 receptions for 286 yards and two touchdowns this previous season. Perhaps he might improve that landing whole if he performs with Drake Maye? He has a large 6-foot-6 body, giving him fairly good measurement as a purple zone goal. Bellinger’s additionally graded out as a good run blocker over his four-year profession, including to his intrigue.
Teven Jenkins, G, Browns
Following their resolution to commerce Garrett Bradbury, the Patriots ought to most likely pursue one of many prime few accessible guards this offseason. However, in the event that they miss out on a kind of gamers, Teven Jenkins might need the very best upside of the following group. Jenkins was principally a backup for the Browns final season. Nonetheless, he graded out as a top-15 guard in soccer (per Professional Soccer Focus) when he was primarily a left guard with the Bears within the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Daniel Faalele, G, Ravens
Daniel Faalele falls in the identical grouping as Jenkins. He’s graded out as a comparatively mediocre guard through the years, however he has some expertise at offensive deal with over his four-year profession and is huge at 6-8. His versatility would make him a great sixth offensive lineman choice, particularly if the Patriots lose Vederian Lowe in free company.
Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Bengals
Whereas Trey Hendrickson has rightfully obtained a lot of the shine forward of free company, there’s one other standout edge rusher alongside the Bengals’ defensive position that ought to curiosity the Patriots. Joseph Ossai logged 5 sacks in 15 video games this previous season and has 10 sacks over the past two years. He additionally had a career-high 43 pressures this previous season, per PFF, and his 89 whole tackles over the past two years present his means to assist cease the run.
Arden Key, EDGE, Titans
If the Patriots go the route of signing gamers with a connection to Mike Vrabel or the teaching workers once more this offseason, Arden Key would presumably be an choice for them in free company. Key performed for Vrabel within the Patriots’ head coach’s ultimate 12 months in Tennessee, logging six sacks. He had 4.5 sacks and 33 pressures in 12 video games this previous season. Previous to 2025, the 29-year-old Key had recorded at the least 39 pressures in every of the earlier 4 years.
Kwity Paye, EDGE, Colts
Kwity Paye appeared primed to obtain a wealthy contract coming into the 2025 season. He had logged 16.5 whole sacks within the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, proving his value as a first-round choose in 2021.
However Paye, who grew up in Rhode Island, solely had 4 sacks this previous season, and his 10.7 move rush win fee was the fifth-worst mark among the many 31 edge rushers who recorded as many move rushes as he did (per PFF).
So, it might most likely be sensible for Paye and whoever indicators him to comply with a one-year, prove-it deal this offseason.
Al-Quadin Muhammad, EDGE, Lions
If the Patriots lose Chaisson in free company, Al-Quadin Muhammad could be a great candidate to exchange him as a situational move rusher. He had a profession 12 months with the Lions in 2025, logging 11 sacks and 53 pressures.
Muhammad solely performed 43 % of the Lions’ defensive snaps, going to indicate that he’s nearly strictly utilized in passing conditions. He’s additionally turning 31 later in March. So, that could be why you haven’t heard as a lot buzz about him in comparison with the likes of Trey Hendrickson and Jaelan Phillips, as he seems to be in line for a short-term deal.
Devin Bush, LB, Browns
Robert Spillane’s damage late within the common season uncovered the Patriots’ depth at linebacker. After persistently slowing down opposing speeding assaults, New England had three straight video games during which an opposing operating again ran for at the least 100 yards. That was additionally earlier than Kenneth Walker ran his approach to his Tremendous Bowl MVP within the Seahawks’ dominant win over the Patriots.
So, if the Patriots wish to get higher at linebacker, Devin Bush could possibly be a great choice. He had a resurgent 2025 marketing campaign with the Browns, logging profession highs in whole tackles (125), interceptions (three), and compelled fumbles (two). He was additionally nineteenth amongst linebackers in run stops (44), per PFF, and spent a season with Vrabel in Cleveland in 2024.
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