It is a new era for the New England Patriots with new coach Mike Vrabel, an apparent franchise QB in Drake Maye, and $129.78 million in cap space to play with.
The Patriots should be on the hunt for new playmakers with so much cap space and a 31st ranking in total offense last season. Vrabel and Robert Kraft have a lot of work to do with the upcoming NFL Draft and in free agency to give their young QB weapons to work with.
Without further ado, here are three offensive targets the Patriots should pursue with the most cap space in the National Football League.
Chris Godwin-Wide Receiver
Godwin would not only be a great weapon for Maye's arsenal but could also be a great building block for Vrabel and the culture he wants to create in New England. Everyone knows the Patriots were successful with the "Patriot Way," and grabbing Godwin could help Vrabel create his own culture.
The 29-year-old receiver had already racked up a league-leading 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns before going down with a season-ending ankle dislocation in Week 7 against the Ravens. Godwin had also posted three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and was on pace for another one before his injury.
Godwin is a model of consistency and would be a perfect mentor for the young Patriots. While he could command almost $100 million, according to recent reports, New England has plenty of cap space to offer the veteran to help improve a passing offense that ranked 32nd in the NFL.
Ronnie Stanley-Offensive Tackle
The Patriots' offensive line struggled mightily last season, ranking last in the NFL as a unit with a 46.6 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade. The unit's ineptitude was a big reason why former coach Jarod Mayo started veteran Jacoby Brissett over Maye at the start of the season.
Stanley allowed only two sacks last season and started all 17 regular-season games for the first time in his career. New England will have to outbid the Ravens for the tackle's services but should have plenty of money to throw at the former first-team All-Pro.
Bringing in Stanley would give Vrabel his first building block for an offensive line that needs a refresh during the offseason.
Alaric Jackson-Offensive Tackle
This could be a viable option for New England if the other two options don't work out. The 2021 second-round pick allowed just three sacks last season and has most likely priced himself out of Los Angeles with his play the past two seasons.
Jackson earned a PFF grade of 78.3 across 893 offensive snaps, a mark that ranks 18th among tackles. Signing Jackson would immediately improve an O-line that allowed pressure on 20% of Maye's dropbacks and gave up 34 sacks in 13 starts.
Ideally, the Patriots could sign Stanley and Jackson and then draft well behind those two building blocks. Protecting Maye is crucial for him to make a leap in Year 2, and Jackson could be a piece to help.
Related: Patriots Get Negative Update on Top Draft Targets
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This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 2:00 PM.