The Patriots should be interested in signing these free agents
The New England Patriots (4-12) are gearing up for a hectic offseason. The team’s awful offense — which ranks 26th in yards per game, bottom in points per game, and 25th in touchdowns per game, according to TeamRankings — need a full rebuild, while the star-studded defense may lose numerous key players.
The Patriots will almost certainly address some positions, such as quarterback, through the draft in order to get the ideal blend of youth and talent, but the majority of their roster additions will come through free agency, which opens on March 13.
The free agent class of 2024 is deep, and the Patriots will have multiple options.
Tee Higgins, wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals
Last offseason, the Patriots considered trading for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Even though the transaction never happened, the Patriots may have another shot at him in March.
New England has some promise in rookie receiver Demario Douglas, but their current core of receivers is insufficient. The Patriots require someone like Higgins — a proven, steady option — on their roster.
Higgins is Cincinnati’s second receiving option, but he has put up stats comparable to a team’s top receiver. Higgins averaged 1,000 yards and six touchdowns every season in his first three years of professional football.
While Higgins’ performance this year (656 yards, five touchdowns) has suffered as a result of injuries to himself and starting quarterback Joe Burrow, he remains one of the best players in the league at his position, and if paired with the right quarterback, he could be the best receiver the Patriots have seen since Julian Edelman.
In order to get their offer in for Higgins, New England will have to get lucky. He is eligible for a franchise tag, and currently, there is little to suggest that Cincinnati will not keep the 24-year-old for another year.
Additionally, the Patriots’ instability at head coach and quarterback may discourage Higgins from signing, as he will be fielding offers from more attractive teams. If the Patriots want to sign Higgins, they will need to hope he avoids the franchise tag and has faith in the Patriots’ future.
Mekhi Becton, New York Jets offensive tackle
The Patriots are slated to lose starting offensive linemen Trent Brown and Michael Onwenu to free agency during the upcoming offseason, and divisional rival Mekhi Becton is one of the top available replacements in the league.
Becton was a prime pick in the 2020 draft, but has dealt with injury issues. The 2023 season was Becton’s first real chance to display his talents, and he played commendably amidst the Jets’ quarterback fiasco.
Becton would currently be downgrade from the aforementioned Patriots offensive linemen, but he is serviceable by all means, and would be an overall solid addition to the team and an important piece to New England’s front line.
PFF described Becton as someone who “always had the athletic ability to play at a high level in [the NFL].” With the right coaching, the 24-year-old could see a jump in production, which would be a win-win scenario for himself and the Patriots.
The Patriots offensive line was consistently a weakness of the team throughout the Mac Jones era. By employing Becton, the Patriots will be taking a step in the right direction to protect what will likely be a rookie quarterback.
Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety
With key Patriots safety Kyle Dugger poised to be a free agent this offseason, the Patriots can seek an alternative option in Antoine Winfield Jr.
Winfield Jr. is a former Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowler. This season, he has recorded three interceptions and five forced fumbles. When ESPN conducted a survey in July 2022, Winfield Jr. was voted as the 10th-best safety in the league.
The Patriots would have to be willing to spend a lot to sign Winfield Jr. — the best safety in his free agent class — but it would be worth it.
He would elevate New England’s already strong defense, and could be an upgrade over Dugger assuming Winfield Jr. fits the Patriots’ defensive style.
The Patriots are just a few players away from being a competitive team in the NFL. If they have a strong offseason and draft, the team may transform into the best it has been since Tom Brady left.
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