The New England Patriots: Free agency plan
The New England Patriots have a clear set of free-agency objectives this offseason. Bill Belichick's team needs to improve at wide receiver and offensive tackle to help their new quarterback Mac Jones, and it needs to reinforce its secondary to compete with the top teams in the AFC East. This article will discuss the Patriots' objectives and their potential moves to achieve them.
The Patriots' offense struggled last season, especially in the passing game. Wide receiver is a crucial position where New England needs to improve. The team's leading receiver, Jakobi Meyers, is out of contract, and Kendrick Bourne has already been cut from the roster.
One of New England's primary objectives in free agency this offseason should to improve their wide receiver corps. Re-signing Jakobi Meyers should be the first item on their offensive to-do list.
Meyers has significantly improved over the last two seasons. He has recorded over 800 receiving yards in each of the last two years and has set a career-high in touchdown catches in 2022 with six. He is a quality pass-catcher who could provide some offensive continuity for Mac Jones but would benefit from having a true No.1 receiver across from him.
However, the Patriots need more than just Meyers at wide receiver. To compete in a conference with some of the NFL's deepest wide receiver rooms, the Patriots need to add more weapons around Jones. They can explore the trade market for players such as Brandin Cooks, Jerry Jeudy, and DeAndre Hopkins, all of whom have new head coaches in place with their respective teams.
JuJu Smith-Schuster is the best option in the free-agent market. He has experience as a No. 1 wideout from his time in Pittsburgh and Kansas City, but they will need to determine if he can take their offense to the next level. If not, they could pursue more depth at the position.
The Patriots' need for offensive weapons
The New England offensive line needs to improve at the right tackle position to provide better protection for quarterback Mac Jones. Isaiah Wynn's impending departure in free agency could prove to be a blessing in disguise, considering his injury history and inconsistency.
To fill the void, New England could take a bold step and acquire a top-tier right tackle in the free-agent market. Kaleb McGary and Mike McGlinchey are two of the best right tackles available, and either one could be a significant upgrade for New England. Alternatively, they could move Trent Williams over to the right tackle spot and take a huge swing for Super Bowl winner Orlando Brown, arguably the best offensive lineman in the free-agency class.
While making a big move for the interior offensive line is a possibility, it would require a considerable financial commitment. However, with $36 million in salary-cap space at their disposal, the Patriots have the flexibility to make a substantial investment in their offense.
New England's situation is favorable since they have a quarterback on a rookie contract. As a result, they must maximize Jones' potential by providing him with the necessary support to succeed in the league.