The Patriots were dominated by the Seahawks in the Super Bowl, falling short of their seventh Lombardi Trophy.
The Patriots were dominated by the Seahawks in the Super Bowl, falling short of their seventh Lombardi Trophy.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
The first mailbag of the offseason has plenty of questions about the Super Bowl, Will Campbell, roster needs, and more. Let’s get to it.
I am so grateful for the 2025 Patriots season. Far more enjoyable than expected. Where do we go in 2026? Was Will Campbell injured more severely than was let on? He was pushed around like a rag doll in the playoffs. I think the O-line needs an upgrade due to age.
— Russell Fischer, Epping, N.H.
Love where you started with this, Russell. The ending aside, there was a lot to like about the Patriots.
The timing of Campbell’s knee injury was the major factor here. In hindsight, he probably came back too quickly. He also didn’t have much of a runway on his return, as he faced some great pass rushers out of the gate.
As for the rest of the line, it’ll be fascinating to see where they go, as Garrett Bradbury is 30 and Morgan Moses is 34. I know Mike Vrabel loves those guys, but he also loves competition where players are pushed to be their best. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Patriots bring in some candidates to challenge the incumbents.
Is Campbell a legit left tackle? He was a turnstile throughout the playoffs. That said, the message toDrake Maye at halftime of the Super Bowl should have been to make the decision to run or throw in two seconds. Take away all of the sacks and they have a chance.
— Bob Granese, Chino Hills, Calif.
Campbell is a Vrabel guy, through and through. The coach defended him in his season-ending news conference on Tuesday, saying Campbell is the left tackle moving forward. I would assume they would bring someone in to challenge him with an eye toward developing depth up front, but for now, he’s still your left tackle.
To your second point, I’m curious about some of the play-calling decisions on offense, including what appeared to be a minimal number of halftime adjustments. I’d also question the decision not to at least try to run some of the jumbo packages that worked so well over the course of the season, especially with the Seahawks playing nickel much of the game.
Will Campbell had a rough night against the Seahawks in the Super Bowl, as did the rest of the Patriots' offensive line.
Will Campbell had a rough night against the Seahawks in the Super Bowl, as did the rest of the Patriots' offensive line.Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff
After hearing Will Campbell say that he tore a ligament, I’m wondering why nobody asked him if he’ll require surgery? Ligaments don’t repair themselves. Also, I’m wondering what your take on Kyle Williams is? Will he be an impact player next year? And will Antonio Gibson return?
— Matthew Richard, Rockport, Maine
I wasn’t there for the conversation with Campbell (I was flying back from San Francisco), so I can’t speak on what was asked. But I can tell you that I think Williams is a good complementary piece of the passing game, as well as an option as a kickoff returner. It depends on what your definition of “impact player” might be, but he’s one of the fastest players on the roster, and speed will always have a spot, provided he keeps trending in the right direction. I spoke briefly with Gibson in the locker room after one of the playoff games, and he said his rehab has gone well, and anticipates returning in 2026.
This has nagged at me since the game: Any sense that the offensive play-calling was limited because it was known in-house that there were throws Drake couldn’t make (due to injury)? We weren’t beating them in any case, but it’s illogical that everyone simultaneously forgot how to do their jobs.
— Kevin Kolber, St. Petersburg, Fla.
We don’t know because we haven’t had a chance to talk with Josh McDaniels, but after multiple rewatches of the Super Bowl and comparing it to the level of execution and play-calling we saw over the season, it didn’t appear to be the case.
Looking ahead to the draft, can you project some possible roster needs? How about some potential free agent targets? (In my opinion, the emergence of Drake Maye has made the Patriots very desirable.) Finally, who on the current roster would you project might not return next season?
— Chip Huckins, New Hampshire
There’s a lot of time between now and then, but I’ll give you one of each: First, they need a boost at pass rush and some additional depth along the offensive line, specifically tackle.
Second, in free agency, a lot depends on the franchise tag, but defensive end Trey Hendrickson would be a target if you’re inclined to make a big splash, or Maxx Crosby in a trade. I’d agree that it will be easier to attract skill-position players with Maye, but you’re still going to have to pay.
And third, they have plenty of personnel decisions to make. Their free agents includes K’Lavon Chaisson, Jaylinn Hawkins, Khyiris Tonga, Jack Gibbens, and Austin Hooper. It was a memorable season, but the roster figures to look different when training camp begins in July.
Christopher Price can be reached at christopher.price@globe.com. Follow him on Bluesky at christopherprice.bsky.social.