What's left on the agenda for the remainder of this offseason?

[palialka]

We’ll bring in some more FAs to address positions not really addressed in the draft. I can definitely see us bringing in DBs and RBs. We’ll probably add some more TC competition at the LB position as well as both lines. We should also bring in a K to compete with Ryland if we haven’t added one already.

 

[Hugepatsfan]

Looking through the roster for next year, a few spots stand out to me. You never want to go into an offseason with a desperate need at one spot. Obviously we still need a #1 WR, but that's different than not having a depth chart in tact for next year. We have bodies under contract. LT is another desperate area unless Wallace is the guy there (as opposed to RT) but unlikely we can add a multi year LT solution anyway. But there are some other positions where we can potentially address next year's weak depth charts now.

At RB next year we only have Gibson signed. Kevin Harris an RFA too. Not only do they need more depth for the current team, but they would be best off getting a multi year option to avoid an empty depth chart next year. Never a good spot to be in. Hence my consideration of a Stevenson extension.

At CB, we only have Gonzalez and Marcus Jones signed among guys who have proven themselves to any degree. Isaiah Bolden and Marcellas Dial would also be under rookie contract should they make the team this year. Considering there is also the need for some more competition on the outside, it might behoove them to try and sign one of the remaining starting caliber outside CBs to a 2 year deal to keep a layer of depth in tact for next year.

For the DL, Barmore is just extended. Keoin White is under rookie contract. That's it for proven guys under contract next year. Might want to explore extensions with Godchaux and/or Wise so the cupboard isn't so bare.

We'll have tons of cap space again next year, but best way to do it, IMO, is to lock in solid play at most positions so you can truly hunt for value and sign the guys that you like and think represent good value. As opposed to needing to fill certain positions, which can lead to overspending and fitting square pegs into round holes.

 

[FredFromDartmouth]

So what the hell are the Patriots thinking for LT? It is only the most important position on the line and Patriots don't seem to have much of an answer. The Patriots whiffed on an LT during the FA season and then drafted a right tackle in the third round. Are the Patriots going to depend on a rookie RT to play LT?

 

[Joey007]

Key players up for free agency after this year to consider extensions for (excluding guys who signed 1 year deals this year because nothing would have changed with them since signing):

EDGE Matthew Judon - I would NOT try to extend right now. He's going to want top of the market money but he's going to be 32 and coming off injury.

I think that depends on guaranteed money. We may be able to secure a better incentive based deal now rather than next year with him coming off of an injury.

If the guaranteed money is low, and he declines this year, we can cut our losses for much less of a hit.

 

[Joey007]

So what the hell are the Patriots thinking for LT? It is only the most important position on the line and Patriots don't seem to have much of an answer. The Patriots whiffed on an LT during the FA season and then drafted a right tackle in the third round. Are the Patriots going to depend on a rookie RT to play LT?

Did that Chuks guy die or something? He's started 50+ games at tackle and is turning 27 in August.

He also played for a Steelers team that has notably not been able to get the best out of their lineman in recent years. (Look at what Kevin Dotson did in LA this year)

I'd argue he's worth a shot. If things go south, pick up another aged Vet (still quite a few on the market) and make it priority #1 in the draft next year.

 

[Real fan 02]

Post-draft and now post Barmore extension. What do you expect to see between now and August?

I wouldn't mind still seeing a Judon extension. Maybe Peppers as well. I think that'd about cover extensions for this offseason. I don't foresee Rhamondre getting one until the season plays out.

As for the late stage FA market, I think we'll stand pat with most positions on offense. WR was addressed pretty nicely in the draft. OL was to a lesser extent, but I think they'll roll with the vets already brought in, barring any injuries.

I think we're also mostly set in the front seven on defense. But I do feel secondary is the one area we'll still see some movement. A JC return has already been speculated, but I'd really love to see Gilmore brought back into the fold. A veteran safety would be a useful addition as well.

Barring any small transactions. I believe this is a quiet time between now and mini-camp. We have plenty of cap space so all of our draft picks getting signed shouldn't be delayed.

On judon I'd absolutely love to see him extended. He's just a great player and great leader. Agreed on Gilmore, last I heard gilly was open to returning here.

I really like our group of young DBs these guys played well last season and I'm looking for big things from Alex Austin.

 

[Bill Lee]

What the hell man, where is the biggest Patriots event of the off-season, @Tunescribe starting the next Jete Suck thread?

Patriots / NFL Calendar:​

May 2
Deadline for NFL Clubs to exercise Fifth-Year Option for players selected in the first round of the 2021 Draft.
Does not apply to Patriots (Mac Jones).

Early May
Made-for-TV Schedule Release, probably May 9

May 10-11
Rookie Minicamp

May 20-21
Organized Team Activities

May 20-22
Spring League Meeting, Nashville, TN

May 23
Organized Team Activities

May 29-31
Organized Team Activities

June 3-4
Organized Team Activities

June 6-7
Organized Team Activities

June 11-13
Mandatory minicamp

June 12
Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Tom Brady

July 17
Franchise Tag deadline

Mid-to-late July
Training camps open
(Wednesday July 26 was the first date in 2023)

 

[Toofy]

We have been ignoring the lack of Oline coaching last year . So we might need to reevaluate all linemen again this year. Hopefully as we build continuity they gel in and form a middling pack after 8-10 games. No need to sign anyone on that side.

Considering this as a reset year, we have a long extended preseason . So allow all players more time to condition.

Get gilmore and justin Simmons and extend judon and maybe a free agent kicker to compete with ryland and call it a day.

 

[Hyped]

#1....our players need to stay outta trouble until late July when we get them into camp.

#2...extend everyone we can to further reduce our cap commitment in 2025 (e.g. use up all the cap dollars we can in 2024 with front loaded contracts).

#3...bring in some vet depth at CB, S, and RB.

#4...try to trade away guys like Zappe, Smith-Scuster, Thorton, Boutte, etc...for anything...even a case of Miller Lite...

 

[Hugepatsfan]

Everyone wants Justin Simmons, but I'm not so sure. I'd rather use that position for some development. They have to decide if they want to keep Peppers and for that to make sense it probably would require him and Dugger being able to thrive as full time safety duo when we're not in a sub package that has 3. Otherwise, not worth the double investment. Most want Mapu at LB, but they've saifd he will play safety to start again. Josh Bledsoe is a young player that they've kept around for a bit. Isaiah Bolden and Marcellas Dial are toolsy late rounders who might have some FS projection to them despite playing CB in college. Jonathan Jones to end his career or even Marcus Jones as a young player might eventually find a role at FS.

For a team that figures to be rebuilding, I think we have some options to sort through at FS before we go fill it with a full time vet. Just my opinion.

 

[mgteich]

I don't know how many will happen, but my list includes

Extend Judon
Extend Peppers
Extend Wise
Sign RB or two
Sign a CB, likely Gilmore
Sign a free safety
Sign a Ster

 

[DaBruinz]

Oh we need to sign a kicker too. Was there a udfa signing there? No way one isn’t brought in at some point to at least compete with ryland

One was invited to Mini-camp. Guy out of the Canadian League.

 

[JohnJH]

Rb is a must. I honestly like Harris as depth but need at least one more experienced runner into the mix to steal relevant carries from rham. You don’t want him getting overworked.

An outside cb is much preferred. I like our current depth okay, but a gilmore or maybe even howard to start opposite gonzalez would help alot. That allows jon jones to move into the slot where hes better or slide to fs.

54 mill in cap space, no reason we cant strike some generous 1 year deals to fill these 2 and pounce on roster cuts that would upgrade elsewhere.

That's why I wanted them to draft Braelon Allen.

 

[JohnJH]

Everyone wants Justin Simmons, but I'm not so sure. I'd rather use that position for some development. They have to decide if they want to keep Peppers and for that to make sense it probably would require him and Dugger being able to thrive as full time safety duo when we're not in a sub package that has 3. Otherwise, not worth the double investment. Most want Mapu at LB, but they've saifd he will play safety to start again. Josh Bledsoe is a young player that they've kept around for a bit. Isaiah Bolden and Marcellas Dial are toolsy late rounders who might have some FS projection to them despite playing CB in college. Jonathan Jones to end his career or even Marcus Jones as a young player might eventually find a role at FS.

For a team that figures to be rebuilding, I think we have some options to sort through at FS before we go fill it with a full time vet. Just my opinion.

I wonder if the 6'2 205 pound CB that they got as an UDFA might be able to show promise as a FS? It's a nice thought and not impossible given their track record with UDFA's at CB.

 

[PatsFanInVa]

I'm going with, mock the JETE

 

[mgteich]

I wonder if the 6'2 205 pound CB that they got as an UDFA might be able to show promise as a FS? It's a nice thought and not impossible given their track record with UDFA's at CB.

I suspect that the staff is fine with Bledsoe and Mapu as our #4 and #5 safeties. I'd prefer signing a vet.

 

[palialka]

So what the hell are the Patriots thinking for LT? It is only the most important position on the line and Patriots don't seem to have much of an answer. The Patriots whiffed on an LT during the FA season and then drafted a right tackle in the third round. Are the Patriots going to depend on a rookie RT to play LT?

Well, unless there’s some crazy deal between now and camp (not gonna happen), our opening day LT will be one of Okorafor, Anderson or the rook.

I’ll admit that I’m not jumping for joy over this scenario; however, let’s see how things go once they put the pads on.

 

[Mack Herron]

LT, RB, TE.

1. They have nobody who has had success at LT.

2. Bad as it was, Imagine last year without Zeke.

3. A vet who can help block edge rushers. (See #1)

 

[Toofy]

Well, unless there’s some crazy deal between now and camp (not gonna happen), our opening day LT will be one of Okorafor, Anderson or the rook.

I’ll admit that I’m not jumping for joy over this scenario; however, let’s see how things go once they put the pads on.

Tbh it's a high risk high reward approach. If one of them pan out our problem is solved for next couple of years without breaking the bank. Otherwise we stink the joint and draft high and grab the Premier LT in draft.

 

[Stu Pidassle]

Gilmore yes. JC hell no.

JC is not the type of veteran the team needs next season. He would only make sense if the team was ready to compete and needed a CB.