The New England Patriots were big spenders in free agency last offseason, and fresh off a Super Bowl run, they could be aggressive once again.
Last offseason, the Patriots signed Stefon Diggs, Milton Williams, K'Lavon Chaisson, Khyiris Tonga, Morgan Moses, Carlton Davis, Robert Spillane, Harold Landry III, Mack Hollins and Garrett Bradbury. All of those players made an impact for the Patriots in a season that shattered outside expectations. This offseason, there are more players available who could help the Patriots.
Free agency and the NFL Draft are right around the corner, and Mike Vrabel spoke on where the Patriots are in terms of their free agency plan during the NFL Combine.
“I don’t want to tell you what it is because we’re still working through it," Vrabel said on Wednesday. "We want to have a plan and bring in really talented players that we have a vision for, that we also believe in the type of character that they have as we build this team and improve on what we did this year, and we know how difficult that will be. So right now the plan is to evaluate everyone that we can, and have communication and conversations when that time comes with agents as we approach the tampering window. Right now, it’s about gaining the information from our scouting department and have our coaches look at it.”
The Patriots are still seemingly in the information-gathering stage of the free agency process. Vrabel and Eliot Wolf have both spoken about the depth at pass rusher in this upcoming draft class, so that could be a position the Patriots look to upgrade through the draft rather than free agency.
They could use help on the offensive line, in the receiver room and at tight end as well. Safety could become a need depending on what happens with Jaylinn Hawkins. All of those positions could be targets for the Patriots when free agency opens.
More NFL: Patriots Receiver Speaks On Future With Team As Contract Nears End