Mike Vrabel didn’t hold back when asked about the Patriots approach in free agency. Standing at a podium, at the NFL Combine, the new head coach’s words were likely music to Patriots fans’ ears.
“I’m confident we’ll be aggressive,” Vrabel said. “We’ve started some of those discussions internally, and I think having different plans and having an Option A, an Option B. I mean things are going to change, everybody’s looking at the same players, so we have to be ready to pivot and adjust and have a vision for each player I would say at each level.”
Since Tom Brady left, the Patriots have had losing records in four of the last five seasons. The departure of Bill Belichick and the hire of Jerod Mayo last year only pushed this franchise’s rebuild back.
That’s why Vrabel is now in charge and the Patriots plan on being “aggressive” in free agency when the legal tampering period starts on Monday. For Vrabel and the Patriots front office, the pressure is on.
The next two weeks is the time for this franchise to put money where their mouths are. This is one of the most important offseasons in recent memory for the Patriots. The team needs to add several veteran building blocks to get out of the gutter.
Here’s a look at who the Patriots should target and what the backup options might look like:
Option A: Ronnie Stanley, tackle
The Patriots ‘Plan A’ at tackle is a no-brainer. Stanley, 30, is the best tackle on the open market. A first-round pick, sixth overall, by Baltimore in 2016, he was a First-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2019. After that, Stanley dealt with injuries that limited him to six games in 2020, one game in 2021, 11 games in 2022 and 13 contests in 2023. Last year, he stayed healthy, played in all 17 games, and earned Pro Bowl honors. He would instantly give Drake Maye a legitimate blindside protector.
Option B: Cam Robinson or Dan Moore
Both options have some drawbacks but would give the Patriots a starting-caliber NFL left tackle. Moore, 26, is in his prime and started all 66 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the last four seasons. However, he allowed the most sacks (12) among offensive linemen last year, according to Pro Football Focus. Robinson, 29, has had a solid NFL career. Pro Football Focus ranked him 56 among 141 tackles last season.
Option A: D.K. Metcalf, wide receiver
It’s not often that legitimate receivers are available. That’s why the Patriots should strike hard and trade for Metcalf. The 27-year-old requested a trade out of Seattle on Wednesday. He would likely cost a high draft pick and want a big new contract. The Patriots were willing to part with a second-round pick for Brandon Aiyuk, who they would’ve paid $35 million per season. Metcalf would give Maye a bona fide No. 1 receiver.
Option B: Chris Godwin
If the Patriots can’t land Metcalf, they should go after Godwin. According to a source, the team was planning on targeting the 29-year-old, if he hits free agency. Godwin suffered a severe ankle injury and played in seven games last season. He caught 50 passes for 576 yards with five touchdowns. He’s finished with over 1,000 yards in four seasons.
Option A: Milton Williams, defensive tackle
The Patriots are planning on reinforcing their defensive line and sources told MassLive that the team will target Williams in free agency. The 25-year-old is in the prime of his career and just won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s a 6-foot-3, 290-pound defensive tackle who can help against the run and the pass. He made five sacks with 10 quarterback hits last season. Williams would instantly help the Patriots in the trenches.
Option B: Levi Onwuzurike
The Patriots could turn to a veteran defensive lineman who their defensive coordinator just coached. Onwuzurike, 27, started 10 of 16 games for the Detroit Lions last season. Terrell Williams was his position coach. He’s 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, and finished with 13 quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks.
Option A: Jamien Sherwood, linebacker
The Patriots should bring in an athletic linebacker, still in his prime, who fits Vrabel’s new defensive scheme. Sherwood, 25, is just that. At 6-foot-2, 216 pounds, he’s smaller than the prototypical linebacker we’ve seen in New England. A former safety, Sherwood’s coming off a career year, amassing 158 tackles in his fourth season with the New York Jets.
Option B: Robert Spillane
Spillane had a small stint with Vrabel and the Titans in 2018, on the practice squad and playing two games in Tennessee. After being released, he’s put together a nice career. The 29-year-old made a career-high 158 tackles last season in Las Vegas. He had 148 tackles the season before.
Option A: Chase Young, defensive end
Young might not be the same player who won Defensive Rookie of the Year or was a Pro Bowler in 2020. However, he’s only 25 and would greatly improve the Patriots pass rusher. Last season, in New Orleans, Young finished with 21 quarterback hits to go with five sacks. The only free-agent defensive end graded higher, on Pro Football Focus, is Josh Sweat.
Option B: Malcolm Koonce
There are a lot of solid edge rushers available in free agency. Koonce would be an interesting choice for the Patriots. The 26-year-old had the best season of his NFL career, making eight sacks and 17 quarterback hits in Las Vegas, in 2023. He missed all of last season due to a non-contact knee injury. Still, The Athletic ranks him as the 20th best free agent this offseason.
Option A: Charvarious Ward, cornerback
The Patriots want to find a No. 2 cornerback to play opposite Christian Gonzalez. Ward would be an excellent fit. The 28-year-old is coming off a season where he dealt with hamstring and knee injuries. He finished with seven pass breakups in 12 games. In 2023, however, he was a Pro Bowler and Second-team All-Pro in San Francisco. He finished with six interceptions and led the NFL with 23 passes defended.
Option B: D.J. Reed
This free agent class doesn’t lack No. 2 cornerbacks. Reed, 28, has been the New York Jets No. 2 cornerback for the last three seasons. He finished with 11 pass breakups last season and would give the Patriots an experienced cornerback to play next to Gonzalez.
Option A: Teven Jenkins, guard
The Patriots are searching for a veteran left guard. It’d be hard to find better than Jenkins in free agency. The 27-year-old finished the season ranked 13th among guards by Pro Football Focus. Jenkins also has some versatility. He played left tackle as a rookie in 2021. He also played snaps at right guard in 2022 and some in 2023.
Option B: Patrick Mekari
If the Patriots are looking for a versatile offensive lineman, it’d be hard to beat Mekari. The 27-year-old played every position on the offensive line for the Baltimore Ravens over six seasons in Baltimore. Last season, he started at left guard for the Ravens. The year before, he started at right tackle.
BETTING: Check out ourMA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.