Offseason player acquisition thread

[Thunderhead]

I agree. I would not be surprised if you are disappointed by FA.

Because it will be underwhelming and anyone objective will be? I agree with you agreeing. They aint getting Higgins if you want to start there.

 

[DaBruinz]

I apologize. You're just too brilliant for the rest of us imperfect mere mortals. I bow to your superior intellect. Even so, the gist of what I was inferring was correct. Center has been neglected for the last several years.

How can the "gist of what you were referring be correct"? It's patently false. The Pats have spent 3 picks and signed numerous players since 2020 in an attempt to improve the roster depth at Center.

Let's look at the last 5 years:

2020: They drafted Dustin Woodard in the 7th round.
2021: Pats signed Kody Russey as a UDFA, Signed Ted Karras.
2022: Pats drafted Cole Strange.
2023: Pats drafted Jake Andrews.
2024: Pats signed Bryan Hudson and Charles Turner as UDFA. Pats signed Nick Leverett as a UFA.

I'm not even bringing up guys they signed during the season to the PS or guys whom they tried to switch to that position.

Strange was taking snaps at center during Mini-Camps, training camp and practices. He was considered the game day emergency center (ie #3). It wasn't until this year, after returning from his knee injury, that his entire focus was on learning the position. It remains to be seen if he becomes a viable option going forward, but he did well in the one game.

Jake Andrews made strides as a Rookie. Many thought that the #2 center was his job to lose going into the season. No one could have predicted his injury and that he'd be lost for the year.

Now, if you want to say that they've tried and failed to find someone adequate to be behind Dave Andrews, that's a different story. But to say that it's been neglected (ignored) just isn't factual.

All this information is widely available, John. Pro-Football-Reference, Patriots.com, the Roster Threads here. It's just a matter of sitting down and reviewing them. It's not a matter of intelligence or brilliance.

 

[DaBruinz]

Because it will be underwhelming and anyone objective will be? I agree with you agreeing. They aint getting Higgins if you want to start there.

Pats fans are almost ALWAYS disappointed because they have unrealistic expectations.


The fact that Vrabel has brought in his own personnel guys, I think Free Agency could be intriguing. A lot rides on whether or not the "No signing players over 30yrs old" rule is gone. If it is, then we could see the Pats bring in some vets like a Ronnie Stanley, Marcus Moses, and Stephon Gilmore. It could also mean the return of Jon Jones and Daniel Ekuale.

I'm one of the people who hasn't been on the Tee Higgins bandwagon. I've mentioned players I'd like to see come in with a focus on sure tackling players on defense and improving the O-line.

I think that Polk is salvageable. I think that Baker is an unknown. Douglas has lots of untapped potential. Enough where he could be as good as Edelman. Boutte has shown the potential to be a #2 WR. I think that Bourne, if healthy, is a catalyst type player that offenses need.

Bringing back Hooper to be with Henry and Bell would solidity the TE position. Especially since Maye showed to have a good rapport with him. AVP being go, though hurt that chance a bit.

The Pats could do to add a RB in the 4th/5th round. I'd also look at bringing in Jordan Mason or Khalil Herbert.

Knowing that Williams likes the 4-3 as his base will help people adjust expectations. Finding out Barmore's status will also help adjust expectations.

 

[p8ryts]

Pats fans are almost ALWAYS disappointed because they have unrealistic expectations.


The fact that Vrabel has brought in his own personnel guys, I think Free Agency could be intriguing. A lot rides on whether or not the "No signing players over 30yrs old" rule is gone. If it is, then we could see the Pats bring in some vets like a Ronnie Stanley, Marcus Moses, and Stephon Gilmore. It could also mean the return of Jon Jones and Daniel Ekuale.

I'm one of the people who hasn't been on the Tee Higgins bandwagon. I've mentioned players I'd like to see come in with a focus on sure tackling players on defense and improving the O-line.

I think that Polk is salvageable. I think that Baker is an unknown. Douglas has lots of untapped potential. Enough where he could be as good as Edelman. Boutte has shown the potential to be a #2 WR. I think that Bourne, if healthy, is a catalyst type player that offenses need.

Bringing back Hooper to be with Henry and Bell would solidity the TE position. Especially since Maye showed to have a good rapport with him. AVP being go, though hurt that chance a bit.

The Pats could do to add a RB in the 4th/5th round. I'd also look at bringing in Jordan Mason or Khalil Herbert.

Knowing that Williams likes the 4-3 as his base will help people adjust expectations. Finding out Barmore's status will also help adjust expectations.

I like Gilmore but every game I saw him play last year, he gave up a lot of catches. I would keep Jon Jones as a veteran leader, even if he only serves as a backup. Ekuale is only good as a backup. He's been a good story but he's peaked. I don't even want to talk about WR. Build inside out. Where's the beef? I would like Hooper to return. I still like Kevin Harris but he gets few opportunities. Williams likes 4/3. I thought Vrabel was 3/4. If we go 4/3, we better draft Mason Graham.

 

[DaBruinz]

I like Gilmore but every game I saw him play last year, he gave up a lot of catches. I would keep Jon Jones as a veteran leader, even if he only serves as a backup. Ekuale is only good as a backup. He's been a good story but he's peaked. I don't even want to talk about WR. Build inside out. Where's the beef? I would like Hooper to return. I still like Kevin Harris but he gets few opportunities. Williams likes 4/3. I thought Vrabel was 3/4. If we go 4/3, we better draft Mason Graham.

Gilmore was still playing corner last year. I would move him to FS, in all honesty. Gilmore can provide that leadership and swagger.

If the Pats don't address OT in the draft, it will be another lost season.

 

[PatsFan2]

Pats fans are almost ALWAYS disappointed because they have unrealistic expectations.


The fact that Vrabel has brought in his own personnel guys, I think Free Agency could be intriguing. A lot rides on whether or not the "No signing players over 30yrs old" rule is gone. If it is, then we could see the Pats bring in some vets like a Ronnie Stanley, Marcus Moses, and Stephon Gilmore. It could also mean the return of Jon Jones and Daniel Ekuale.

I'm one of the people who hasn't been on the Tee Higgins bandwagon. I've mentioned players I'd like to see come in with a focus on sure tackling players on defense and improving the O-line.

I think that Polk is salvageable. I think that Baker is an unknown. Douglas has lots of untapped potential. Enough where he could be as good as Edelman. Boutte has shown the potential to be a #2 WR. I think that Bourne, if healthy, is a catalyst type player that offenses need.

Bringing back Hooper to be with Henry and Bell would solidity the TE position. Especially since Maye showed to have a good rapport with him. AVP being go, though hurt that chance a bit.

The Pats could do to add a RB in the 4th/5th round. I'd also look at bringing in Jordan Mason or Khalil Herbert.

Knowing that Williams likes the 4-3 as his base will help people adjust expectations. Finding out Barmore's status will also help adjust expectations.

Get on it there's still room: you can't go in the season depending of them: that wouldn't be prudent. Could they turn it around maybe maybe not.

 

[p8ryts]

Looking at a Sporting News list of top 75 free agents. The ones that interested me the most were:

2. Trey Smith, G, Chiefs (age: 25)​

Smith has been a smooth blend of athleticism and power for Kansas City since his rookie season and can cash in big-time elsewhere if not re-signed.

3. D.J. Reed, CB, Jets (age: 28)​

5. Charvarius Ward, CB, 49ers (age: 28)​

Ward missed time last season after his young daughter tragically passed, but his down season in coverage is bound to tick back in the right direction next season in his prime.

6. Josh Sweat, EDGE, Eagles (age: 27)​

Sweat has been a good supplemental pass rusher and just came through with eight sacks in Vic Fangio's system.

7. Zack Baun, LB, Eagles (age: 28)​

Baun was the perfect fit in Vic Fangio's defense, giving the Eagles an elite cover linebacker who also holds his own upfield in pursuing vs. the run and rushing the passer when needed

11. Will Fries, G, Colts (age: 26)​

Fries was outstanding as a run blocker for Jonathan Taylor and also has proved to be one of the league's most reliable inside pass protectors.

15. Dre Greenlaw, LB, 49ers (age: 27)​

Greenlaw kept executing at a high level after coming back late from his devastating Achilles injury in Super Bowl 58. He cleans up against the run and remains effective in coverage.

19. Drew Dalman, C, Falcons (age: 26)​

Dalman has emerged as one of the best athletic line leaders and a high-level run blocker.

22. Talanoa Hufanga, S, 49ers (age: 25)​

Hufanga is the classic attack-mode safety who operates more like an upfield extra linebacker. He cleans up as an intimidating force vs. the run.

27. Alaric Jackson, OT, Rams (age: 26)​

Jackson had a fine season for the Rams, serving as their best LT option since Andrew Whitworth retired. They might want to keep him for some line continuity.

29. Nick Bolton, LB, Chiefs (age: 24)​

Bolton has been a linchpin on the second level of their defense, but he had a rare off year from which he can rebound to star all-around again.

49. Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Lions (age: 26)​

Onwuzurike does a little bit of everything well and is the ideal complement to an elite starter.

52. Najee Harris, RB, Steelers (age: 26)​

The Steelers are done with him after preferring Jaylen Warren for key touches late in the season, but he can rebound in a good power-blocking system as a committee back.

53. Ernest Jones, LB, Seahawks (age: 25)​

Strangely, the former Rams top cover man, was better against the run for Seattle's NFC West rivals after coming over in a trade from the Dolphins.

57. Jedrick Willis, OT, Browns (age: 25)​

The 2020 No. 10 overall pick had a down season coming off his 2023 cut short by a knee injury (MCL), but he still can be a good reclamation given his youth and past pedigree.

 

[n1997y]

Gilmore was still playing corner last year. I would move him to FS, in all honesty. Gilmore can provide that leadership and swagger.

If the Pats don't address OT in the draft, it will be another lost season.

Here’s the Patriots’ future LT. Just needs some seasoning,

South Shore high school football standout gets a college offer from UNC's Bill Belichick

 

[PowerRunRevival]

Why does everyone want Higgins and/or Godwin?
Higgins is not a WR1. He serves a purpose, but is not what this Pats team needs primarily - which is speed/quickness/separation.
He's a big possession receiver. He does not get separation, and has average speed. He's basically Gesicki at WR.
Godwin was great. But is too old, and ALWAYS injured. Higgins is always hurt too.

We've got to find high ceiling 3-5 yr vets looking for a prove-it season before a massive $ deal, like...
J. Jennings, D. London, J. Palmer.
Or swing for the fence for G. Wilson or AJ Brown

I want Higgins or Godwin, because they would be an improvement on what we have and make the team better.

Based on what we have seen the front office do in recent offseason a the idea that they can do better with their free agent money seems deeply unlikely.

Jennings and London aren’t free agents, would cost draft capital and would not sign prove it deals.

Trying to fill out the wide receiver room with value contracts and not drafting well is what has lead to this long term mess and the wr spot.

Signing a value contract like you are suggesting requires your team to be better run than others and a free agent destination. Neither of those applies to New England. It’s time to stop thinking like the our front office is smarter than others because it’s proven to not be true in the recent term.

I say sign the top free agents available to big contracts, don’t try to get cute and add around the periphery.

I’m not at all worried at all that a strategy of signing large contracts will hamstring the team in the future. That idea doesn’t makes sense unless you think they will be able to spend that money better in the future. To me after Brady the opportunity cost of that cap space just isn’t there in New England. Also the cap will continue to rise so what we think looks like an overpayment now is unlikely to be in 3 years imo.

 

[PatsFan2]

Bengals are going to lock up Ja'marr Chase for about 145Million: can't see them signing Tee Higgins too.

 

[PatsFan2]

Looking at a Sporting News list of top 75 free agents. The ones that interested me the most were:

2. Trey Smith, G, Chiefs (age: 25)​

Smith has been a smooth blend of athleticism and power for Kansas City since his rookie season and can cash in big-time elsewhere if not re-signed.

3. D.J. Reed, CB, Jets (age: 28)​

5. Charvarius Ward, CB, 49ers (age: 28)​

Ward missed time last season after his young daughter tragically passed, but his down season in coverage is bound to tick back in the right direction next season in his prime.

6. Josh Sweat, EDGE, Eagles (age: 27)​

Sweat has been a good supplemental pass rusher and just came through with eight sacks in Vic Fangio's system.

7. Zack Baun, LB, Eagles (age: 28)​

Baun was the perfect fit in Vic Fangio's defense, giving the Eagles an elite cover linebacker who also holds his own upfield in pursuing vs. the run and rushing the passer when needed

11. Will Fries, G, Colts (age: 26)​

Fries was outstanding as a run blocker for Jonathan Taylor and also has proved to be one of the league's most reliable inside pass protectors.

15. Dre Greenlaw, LB, 49ers (age: 27)​

Greenlaw kept executing at a high level after coming back late from his devastating Achilles injury in Super Bowl 58. He cleans up against the run and remains effective in coverage.

19. Drew Dalman, C, Falcons (age: 26)​

Dalman has emerged as one of the best athletic line leaders and a high-level run blocker.

22. Talanoa Hufanga, S, 49ers (age: 25)​

Hufanga is the classic attack-mode safety who operates more like an upfield extra linebacker. He cleans up as an intimidating force vs. the run.

27. Alaric Jackson, OT, Rams (age: 26)​

Jackson had a fine season for the Rams, serving as their best LT option since Andrew Whitworth retired. They might want to keep him for some line continuity.

29. Nick Bolton, LB, Chiefs (age: 24)​

Bolton has been a linchpin on the second level of their defense, but he had a rare off year from which he can rebound to star all-around again.

49. Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Lions (age: 26)​

Onwuzurike does a little bit of everything well and is the ideal complement to an elite starter.

52. Najee Harris, RB, Steelers (age: 26)​

The Steelers are done with him after preferring Jaylen Warren for key touches late in the season, but he can rebound in a good power-blocking system as a committee back.

53. Ernest Jones, LB, Seahawks (age: 25)​

Strangely, the former Rams top cover man, was better against the run for Seattle's NFC West rivals after coming over in a trade from the Dolphins.

57. Jedrick Willis, OT, Browns (age: 25)​

The 2020 No. 10 overall pick had a down season coming off his 2023 cut short by a knee injury (MCL), but he still can be a good reclamation given his youth and past pedigree.

Ronnie Stanley and Cam Robinson said to say hello.

 

[State]

I think that Polk is salvageable.

Me too. But a big question mark.

I’m very curious who the end up hiring.

OL coach makes a difference. I’m curious too.

 

[PatsFan2]

I hope our Draft Strategy is to Trade Down in the First and Trade Up in the Second. Sucks we don't have that #1 overall gut less Mayo: but it' is what it is. We need to Trade up to 33 in the Second some really good prospects should be available. I don't want us to sit and wait @ 38.

 

[Real fan 02]

On Glenn my buddy is a season ticket holder since 94.. he said what the organization did for his family was extremely classy when he passed. His son passed 1 year to the date of his passing.

@signbabybrady

Watched the 05 AFCCG.. boy am I so glad to have Vrabel and McDaniels back.

 

[signbabybrady]

@signbabybrady

Watched the 05 AFCCG.. boy am I so glad to have Vrabel and McDaniels back.

The blowout vs the Steelers? Nice

 

[Drunken Cicerone]

I want a Godwin or Kupp for the sheer fact they’ll help your very young QB develop. Having guys who can run correct routes and be where you need them to be is probably something Maye has yet to have. Both have a ton of injuries and they’re not part of what you hope is your rebuilt roster but it greatly helps the development of the most important player on your team

 

[JohnJH]

Bengals are going to lock up Ja'marr Chase for about 145Million: can't see them signing Tee Higgins too.

They also have a young (about 28) starting CB (who'll be an UFA). If they keep Higgins, they will be hard pressed to keep some important players from this past season, and acquire players in the next year or two in FA. Also, Metcalf has said that he doesn't want to play in the Boston Area. He likes the Team, just not the area. So, we can cross of a trade for him.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

I want a Godwin or Kupp for the sheer fact they’ll help your very young QB develop. Having guys who can run correct routes and be where you need them to be is probably something Maye has yet to have. Both have a ton of injuries and they’re not part of what you hope is your rebuilt roster but it greatly helps the development of the most important player on your team

Agreed. Maybe Watkins too. Godwin is the youngest but had a broken ankle in 2024 so that carries risk. Some broken ankles and feet never heal properly. I think Kupp is the best WR tactician, but Godwin was the most productive before his ankle break. Overall I think it is a great idea to bring two of these guys in, and hopefully Travis Hunter too.

 

[mgteich]

First, the staff will likely deal with decisions regarding
Hooper
Hasty
Wise
Ekuale
Ellis
Ximinez
Austin
Jon Jones
Hawkins

 

[TheRainMaker]

@signbabybrady

Watched the 05 AFCCG.. boy am I so glad to have Vrabel and McDaniels back.

The blowout vs the Steelers? Nice

One of Bill Belichick’s most underrated game plans. The Steelers were built for the ground and their defense stifled Bettis who was getting visibly upset. That got a young Rothlisberger to start throwing the ball (which he really didn’t want to do early in his career) and turned it over multiple times.