Before you know it, Noon Monday and the start of the NFL tampering period will be here, and the biggest-name free agents will be coming off the board quickly.
Today, we could get a resolution on A.J. Brown's future, although it could drag all the way to Noon on Monday as the Eagles square off with teams, including the Patriots. I do believe the Patriots have at least some interest in Brown. I'm not sure it's at a first-round pick level. I think Eagles GM Howie Roseman is driving a hard bargain and trying to create a bidding situation, and I think the Patriots are calling his bluff. I think the Patriots are right to hold the line on draft pick compensation, if not passing on Brown altogether (more on that in a minute).
But once we get to the tampering period, what should the Patriots' approach be? What will it be? Let's dig into it with our Patriots' depth chart/needsas a guide.
ONEThe No. 1 thing the Patriots must identify is what kind of offense they want to be? And I'm not talking about changing schemes. I'm talking about what they want the idenity to be a year from now, when the Patriots are almost fully formed with the 2025 rookies in their third season, and Drake Maye in his third season in Josh McDaniels' scheme. What's the vision?
They've parted with two stopgap veterans who helped them hit the ground running in Stefon Diggs and Garrett Bradbury. That means they are sticking to their plan, and the clock is ticking on others like Morgan Moses, Robert Spillane, Harold Landry, Hunter Henry and Mack Hollins. They are short-timers on both sides of the ball.
What was the big problem with this offense when it came to the postseason, when they faced tougher defenses? You could just say the offensive line, but that's not very specific. I would suggest that this offense was not tough or physical enough, which obviously starts with the offensive line. TWOThey must find a way to get more physical to sustain and finish drives. No more finesse bullcrap in the low red zone. The best teams run the ball in the red zone.
Will Campbellcan be physical, but that waned throughout the season, possibly due to injury. The rest of the 2025 line — all of them — did not measure up when it came to kicking ass at the point of attack. They were fine and held their own, but they didn't beat anybody up or scare the other team out of two-high shells.
Let's assume that Campbell and Wilson will be manning left tackle and center. You expect Campbell to take another step. Wilson may end up being a good center, but we're guessing it will be as a tactician rather than brute strength. Moses is just holding a place until the next guy is ready, and THREE the next right tackle should come in the draft. FOUR The Patriots must find a physical and imposing left guard that can start immediately. I would not be opposed to selling high on Onwenu. Yeah, he was good this past season, but he's not great — especially in the physicality/conditioning department — while he's being paid at a great level ($19 million). Is Onwenu going to be here in 2027? Doubtful, maybe if he wants to take a paycut. Then what am I waiting for? "Get busy living or get busy dying." Why waste time constructing the next great Patriots offensive line. It's not like the '25 version was some brick wall for Maye. If you're not in my plans for 2027, I should be trying to replace you now. So, FIVE, between a surprisingly good free-agent class of guards and the draft, the Patriots should be coming away with at least two — and up to four (if there are stopgaps) — nasty, physical guards with positional versatility a must.
This also goes with the fullback position. SIX Expect the Patriots to be bringing in a real veteran fullback to help move people in the run game. Related to that, SEVEN the Patriots are on the prowl for a very good blocking tight end because, partly due to the ineffectiveness of the line, Hunter Henry was asked to do way too much and faded down the stretch. EIGHTAt least in the draft, but possibly in free agency, an offensive threat at TE to replace Henry must be found this offseason.
Notice how I haven't even gotten to receiver yet? I'm not so sure that is the focus most expect it to be. If Maye's not protected and the run game stinks, what's really the point in spending a ton of money and/or draft picks on a boundary receiver? There are plenty of people in the building who would be fine going forward with what they have, and the draft. I don't disagree, but I'm using Diggs' money and NINEI'm getting something the Patriots don't already have, and that's a speed option on the boundary — and my list below doesn't include someone most are pining for.
Can't forget about the defense, and TEN the edge must be attacked. I would not be surprised if the Patriots land two in free agency, and pluck another in a deep edge draft. The Patriots are also way too thin at safety, depending on if they bring back Jaylinn Hawkins. ELEVENIs at least one free safety type in free agency, and likely one in the draft.
Do I have some names for you? Yes, although some of the positions will be updating in Monday.
WIDE RECEIVERS I'M IN ON
Brian Thomas, Jaguars (trade): This would all depend on pre-draft reports because he totally fell out of favor in Jacksonville, and it's a bad sign if a team gives up on a talented player still on a rookie deal. But he's got it all except top-end speed. The Patriots would have to depend on their scouts.
Alec Pierce, Colts: Has all the physical tools to be a No. 1 X receiver at 6-3, 211 pounds and 4.4 speed. NGS had his top speed at 21.3 (for comparison, speedster Rasheed Shahid was 21.72), and that real speed shows up on film. A former volleyball star, he's a great leaper, and he has very good playing strength. Looks durable. Still has room to grow as a route runner. Needs to get better at not powering down at the top of routes, as agility is not a strength. It would be a strong bet that his best football is in front of him after a poor QB/coaching situation in Indy. STAYED WITH COLTS
Jalen Nailor, Vikings: Have no idea what his deal was in Minnesota because he's too talented and is too good a route runner not to have more production (career high is 29-444-4), even as a No. 3 behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Just on film, Nailor is faster and runs better routes than Pierce, and it's not really close. I would love to be able to have conviction on this guy and attack him first in free agency, but there's a definite bust factor. However, again, his film is fantastic. SIGNED WITH RAIDERS
Dyami Brown, Jaguars: He's intriguing because he is thickly built and has good speed. I wouldn't mind pairing him in the slot with fellow UNC alum Drake Maye (they just missed each other).
Olamide Zaccheaus, Bears: If you're looking for a lower-cost slot option, he's worth looking into since he's built better (5-8, 190+) than the Pop Douglases and Wan'Dale Robinsons of the world. Not sure how well he can block, but he did have 228 of them this season.
WIDE RECEIVERS I'M OUT ON
A.J. Brown, Eagles (trade): Clearly already declining, and you're going to give up premium picks and pay him $20+ million a year? No way. He's a hitch, slant, and back-shoulder guy now. Can't run away from anybody. I'd much rather keep my picks and spend my money on Pierce, Nailor and/or the draft so Maye can grow with someone. Brown is maybe a two-year guy?
Jauan Jennings, 49ers: Good possession receiver and route runner, but not very explosive (18.9 top speed).
Rashid Shaheed, Seahawks/Saints: A burner and very quick, but you should have this in Kyle Williams. BACK TO SEAHAWKS
Romeo Doubs, Packers: He's fine if you have to have somebody, but you should be able to find this type in the draft. And he's hurt a lot.
Wan'Dale Robinson, Giants: Quick as a hiccup, but he's really small (5-8, 185) and doesn't block. More physical than Pop Douglas, but I don't think it's what the Patriots are looking for. SIGNED WITH TITANS
Van Jefferson, Titans: Will turn 30 but is still speedy (21.6 mph), and I've always had a thing for him as a great route runner (father is Shawn). Wish I could make him into a slot, but I don't think he's very tough or blocks.
GUARDS I'M IN ON
Alijah Vera-Tucker RG, Jets: Perfect blend of athleticism and toughness. Only question is durability. And he's never stayed healthy. But, man, the upside is huge. If I got Vera-Tucker and backed him up with a draft pick, I'd move on from Onwenu. The juice is worth the squeeze.
Ed Ingram, Texans RG: He's a little light, but his athleticism is very good, quick at the point of the attack, and getting to the second level. Shows toughness. He's very intriguing to me. 27 years old. BACK WITH TEXANS
John Simpson, Jets: Will be 29. OK, this one surprised me because Josh McDaniels cut him in Vegas due to maturity issues. He's clearly a plug and play upgrade over what Wilson gave you. Has some nasty, strength and gets to the second level. SIGNED WITH RAVENS
Zion Johnson, Chargers: Looks every bit the 17th overall pick with plus athleticism and some strength. Still only 26. He was part of an awful line, but how much of that was situation/personnel around him? Traits are there and he looks pretty smart. SIGNED WITH BROWNS
Joel Bitonio/Wyatt Teller, Browns: Teller has been on the downturn the past two seasons, but the word is it was all because of lower-body injuries. The Browns' bookend guards are rough and tumble, and Vrabel was with them in 2024. I think you could at least get another good season out of both of them, if you're looking to buy time for a couple of draft picks.
Daniel Faalele, Ravens RG: Will turn 27. He's freaking huge (6-8, 380) but he can get down and he moves people. Has played both tackle spots in the past. Could give you some coverage at tackle as well, and that wouldn't be a bad thing.
Teven Jenkins, Browns: Former second-round pick of the Bears who just turned 28. Jenkins played 45 games in Chicago during his four years, meaning he missed six games a season (the offensive line version of Carlton Davis). You question his fitness a little, and his durability is the huge question, but he's physical with a little nasty and has never allowed more than 17 pressures in a season. Definitely worth a flyer. Was not there when Vrabel was with the Browns. I think there might be some football character issues here, but I'm not sure on that. Puzzling he didn't get an offer to start anywhere.
Dillon Radunz, Saints: Former Vrabel second-round pick with the Titans in 2021. Will be 28. He's not bad and has positional versatility all along the line, but if Vrabel didn't bring him in last year (he was a minimum-salary guy), why would this year be any different?
GUARDS I'M OUT ON
Isaac Seumalo (Steelers) and David Edwards (Bills): Expected to be the top of the market, but they are way too finesse for me. Good pass blockers, but I want more in the run game. Watching the film of their offenses is like watching college film. Can someone please fire off out of a three-point stance?! EDWARDS TO SAINTS; SEUMALO TO CARDINALS
Kevin Zeitler, Titans RG: Almost 36 years old. But he does look the part. Stopgap at best if you strike out on others.
Dylan Parham, Raiders: Not physical or strong enough.
Dalton Risner, Bengals: No. Bad body and very limited athletic ability and strength.
Chris Paul, Commanders: Absolutely not.
TIGHT ENDS, FULLBACKS, EDGE, AND SAFETIES ARE COMING IN PART II
