NFL free agency is getting close. Here's the timeline:
Monday Noon to Wednesday 4 p.m.: Legal tampering period begins. This is when all the big deals get done.
Clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations, with the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their 2025 player contracts at 4 p.m. ET, on March 12.
No prospective unrestricted free agent is permitted to execute a contract with a new club until 4:00 p.m. ET, on March 11.
Wednesday, 4 p.m.: 2026 League Year and free agency signing period begins.
Trading period for 2026 begins at 4:00 p.m. ET, after expiration of all 2025 contracts.
The first day of the 2026 League Year will end at 11:59:59 p.m. ET, on March 12. Clubs will receive a personnel notice that will include all transactions submitted to the League office during the period between 4:00 p.m. ET, and 11:59:59 p.m. ET, on March 11.
April 15: Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview, or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at its club facility.
April 17: Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.
April 20: Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.
April 23-25: NFL Draft, Pittsburgh, Pa.
May 1: Deadline for clubs to exercise fifth-year option for players selected in the first round of the 2023 Draft (Christian Gonzalez).
As a primer — and we'll get into our wishlists over the weekend — here's my snapshot of the Patriots' depth chart that includes 2025 gradesfor the players, and also the coming contract expirations. Then we'll identify and rank the needs, and our guess on how they will attempt to fill those spots - whether it's free agency/trade or the draft (or both).
HERE'S A LINK TO AN ONLINE VERSION
NEED #1: Edge
I'm sure others, after the departure of Stefon Diggs, would put receiver at the top of the list, but I think edge is the clear biggest need for the team. I'm sure you don't like the receiver room, but at least they have NFL players who can line up and produce. That is not the case at edge, where they likely need multiple people. Harold Landry is aging and coming off an injury that made him invisible. K'Lavon Chaisson is a free agent. Anfernee Jennings is solid but not much of a pass rusher. Elijah Ponder is decent and a prospect, but he's far from proven. Bradyn Swinson's roster spot is iffy at best. As of today, the Patriots don't have much on the edge.
Most years, I would be standing on a table for the Patriots to address with a trade for Maxx Crosby or Jonathan Greenard (yes, please), or shooting for the top of free agency with Trey Hendrickson, Odafe Oweh, or Jaelen Phillips. But I actually think mid-level free agency (Boye Mafe, Khalil Mack, Dre'Mont Jones, Arnold Ebiketie, Cam Jordan, Malcolm Koonce, AJ Epenesa, Joseph Ossai) has a lot of solid options at different levels, and edge is deep in the draft.
NEED #2: FS
Depends on Jaylinn Hawkins. If he comes back, fine. But if he doesn't? Right now, the Patriots would probably play Craig Woodson at free safety and have Dell Pettusat strong safety. But, again, there are some solid options, starting with former Mike Vrabel player Kevin Byard, who could at least be a wily veteran stopgap. The good thing is Woodson's versatility could allow the Patriots to sign a strong or free safety. Coby Bryant and Brian Cook are among the intriguing options.
NEED #3: LG
The Patriots could very well go forward with figuring things out among Jared Wilson and Ben Brown (and Garrett Bradbury at center), but I'm not waiting to find out. I would love a real left guard who can move people in the run game. Joel Bitonio, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Kevin Zeitler, Dylan Parham and Zion Johnson are the top names.
NEED #4: Y TE
Hunter Henry wore down last season because he was asked to block so much, which isn't his forte. Would love to see a real inline blocker in here to get Henry more time at move TE to keep the wear and tear off. Charlie Kolar, Cade Otton and Mo Alie-Cox could fill that role. There are more move types available as well, but that wouldn't be a priority for me, unless the Patriots want to use that spot to help replace Diggs (Isaiah Likely, David Njoku, Chigoziem Okonkwo).
NEED #5: X WR
Now we get to receiver. Once Alec Pierce hit the market, I wanted to part with Diggs and use his money to make a run at the young (26), big (6-3), fast (4.4), explosive and asescnding boundary receiver that would fit well with Drake Maye. A trade for AJ Brown or Brian Thomas would be the backup plan. Romeo Doubs, Jauan Jennings, Jalen Nailor, Dyami Brown and Greg Dortch would be some free agent options. Could find some others via trade, especially after the draft.
NEED #6: OT - DRAFT
This could either be a veteran swing option (Jedrick Wills was in for a visit), but the Patriots definitely need to draft one to at least succeed Morgan Moses.
NEED #7: ILB - DRAFT
Robert Spillane isn't getting any younger, and the Patriots could do better than Christian Elliss and RFA Jack Gibbens. A lot of contract issues coming at linebacker.
NEED #8: Edge - DRAFT
Even if the Patriots get one or two in free agency, I'm tapping this deep draft. You can't ever have enough edge guys.
NEED #9: RB2 - FA/DRAFT
Antonio Gibson is gone (for now), and I don't trust TreVeyon Henderson for the No. 2 role right now. I'd like a veteran option like a Gibson. Raschaad White, Kenneth Gainwell, Raheem Mostert, and Michael Carter are all intriguing.
NEED #10: FB - FA/DRAFT
If the Patriots are dedicated to helping the run game, a real fullback would be a good start. Brock Lampe (injured in 2025) is intriguing, but Patrick Ricard and Reggie Gilliam are ready to go now.
NEED #11: RG - DRAFT
Onwenu is entering a contract year, and I'm doubtful that Caeden Wallace will be ready to go. Go get a glasseater.
NEED #12: Slot WR - DRAFT
This might go higher up the list after Diggs, but I think the Patriots will take a look at their internal options (Pop Douglas, Efton Chism, Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte if the Patriots land an X). I'd like another in the mix from the draft. Possibly veteran free agency.
NEED #13: WR2- DRAFT
This could go along with the slot, but Hollins is aging and entering a contract year.
NEED #14: CB - DRAFT
Alex Austin is not being tendered, and Charles Woods is small. The Patriots have some work to do behind their starters.
NEED #15: F TE - DRAFT
If the Patriots go into free agency for a Y TE, they need to find a move TE in the draft.
