Offseason player acquisition thread

[JohnJH]

Adams seems like a player that can get discontent rather quickly as of lately. I don't think he'd want to spend his waning time here. Also, Peppers almost retired the guy on the spot lol. No way Adams wants to play for McDaniels again.

Even if not Adams, we could sign a couple of any of the just can get the job done for a single season and veteran leadership type WR's. And, absolutely address it from a WR in this draft and whoever we can get via FA and the Draft in 2026.

 

[Real fan 02]

Apparently it’s cut candidate article week. Good look into who else is likely going to come available. Also always interesting to see where people draw the line between cut and trade, for example Kupp and Conklin.

1 veteran cut candidate from all 32 NFL teams this offseason, from Kirk Cousins to Davante Adams

In the NFL, little is guaranteed. That applies to players' contracts, too.

ftw.usatoday.com

2025 NFL free agency: Davante Adams, Joey Bosa among notable cut candidates on AFC teams

With 2025 NFL free agency less than a month away, NFL teams will be looking to clear cap space in the coming weeks. So, which notable players could be released? Matt Okada spotlights potential cut candidates across the AFC.

www.nfl.com

2025 NFL free agency: Derek Carr, Cameron Jordan among notable cut candidates on NFC teams

Could the Saints move on from Derek Carr? Will the Seahawks bid farewell to Tyler Lockett? Matt Okada examines possible candidates to be released from NFC teams as plans come into focus for the 2025 NFL season.

www.nfl.com

2025 NFL cut candidates for all 32 teams: Kirk Cousins and Cooper Kupp are on the move

Kirk Cousins and Cooper Kupp are potential cap casualties as 2025 NFL free agency approaches.

www.nbcsports.com

Jaire Alexander please!!!

 

[Hugepatsfan]

On offense...

LT Alaric Jackson
RG Trey Smith
LG Tevin Jenkins
WR Davante Adams
WR Darius Slayton
TE Juwan Johnson
RB Aaron Jones

*Release Bourne, DAndrews

QB: Maye
RB: Jones / Stevenson / Gibson
X Receiver: Adams / Boutte
Z Receiver: Slayton / Boutte
Slot: Johnson (listed as TE) / Douglas
TE: Henry / Johnson
OL: Jackson/Jenkins/Strange/Smith/Onwenu

Not perfect, but plenty to work with for McDaniels. Ability to run a wide array of formations iwth different skill sets in different spots. Johnson as a TE/big slot and Slayton outside add big play production along with Adams of course. The 3 OL signings are all huge players. Onwenu at RT for one year until he's cut/traded next year based on his contract is ok with a real coaching staff and line around him. Strange could have a future at center based on last year. Jones adds reliability and versatility in the backfield as a runner/receiver.

That's probably an unrealistic haul because signing that many top players is hard when other teams are bidding. Especially if you're doubling up at OG and WR because the more supply that goes, the more desperate other bidders get for what's left. But if they did that I think they could turn it around on offense.

On defense they'd probably go for lower end options to balance, but they have plenty of cap this year and in the future. It's not like our roster is flush with guys we have to budget for re-signing next year. Or even the year after honestly.

 

[Huckleberry1]

On offense...

LT Alaric Jackson
RG Trey Smith
LG Tevin Jenkins
WR Davante Adams
WR Darius Slayton
TE Juwan Johnson
RB Aaron Jones

*Release Bourne, DAndrews

QB: Maye
RB: Jones / Stevenson / Gibson
X Receiver: Adams / Boutte
Z Receiver: Slayton / Boutte
Slot: Johnson (listed as TE) / Douglas
TE: Henry / Johnson
OL: Jackson/Jenkins/Strange/Smith/Onwenu

Not perfect, but plenty to work with for McDaniels. Ability to run a wide array of formations iwth different skill sets in different spots. Johnson as a TE/big slot and Slayton outside add big play production along with Adams of course. The 3 OL signings are all huge players. Onwenu at RT for one year until he's cut/traded next year based on his contract is ok with a real coaching staff and line around him. Strange could have a future at center based on last year. Jones adds reliability and versatility in the backfield as a runner/receiver.

That's probably an unrealistic haul because signing that many top players is hard when other teams are bidding. Especially if you're doubling up at OG and WR because the more supply that goes, the more desperate other bidders get for what's left. But if they did that I think they could turn it around on offense.

On defense they'd probably go for lower end options to balance, but they have plenty of cap this year and in the future. It's not like our roster is flush with guys we have to budget for re-signing next year. Or even the year after honestly.

Sorry, but signing 2 guards when they need 2 tackles makes absolutely no sense at all.

 

[JohnJH]

On offense...

LT Alaric Jackson
RG Trey Smith
LG Tevin Jenkins
WR Davante Adams
WR Darius Slayton
TE Juwan Johnson
RB Aaron Jones

*Release Bourne, DAndrews

QB: Maye
RB: Jones / Stevenson / Gibson
X Receiver: Adams / Boutte
Z Receiver: Slayton / Boutte
Slot: Johnson (listed as TE) / Douglas
TE: Henry / Johnson
OL: Jackson/Jenkins/Strange/Smith/Onwenu

Not perfect, but plenty to work with for McDaniels. Ability to run a wide array of formations iwth different skill sets in different spots. Johnson as a TE/big slot and Slayton outside add big play production along with Adams of course. The 3 OL signings are all huge players. Onwenu at RT for one year until he's cut/traded next year based on his contract is ok with a real coaching staff and line around him. Strange could have a future at center based on last year. Jones adds reliability and versatility in the backfield as a runner/receiver.

That's probably an unrealistic haul because signing that many top players is hard when other teams are bidding. Especially if you're doubling up at OG and WR because the more supply that goes, the more desperate other bidders get for what's left. But if they did that I think they could turn it around on offense.

On defense they'd probably go for lower end options to balance, but they have plenty of cap this year and in the future. It's not like our roster is flush with guys we have to budget for re-signing next year. Or even the year after honestly.

You would rather have Aaron Jones over Najee Harris? I'm not against your choice. I'm just curious as to why.

 

[JohnJH]

Jaire Alexander please!!!

I believe that Alexander has had some serious problems with staying uninjured and being able to play. Which is unfortunate as he's clearly talented. But, as they say; "Availability is everything".

 

[Real fan 02]

I believe that Alexander has had some serious problems with staying uninjured and being able to play. Which is unfortunate as he's clearly talented. But, as they say; "Availability is everything".

Your right John,

The guys everything you like in a top CB, attitude, aggressive, confidence, physicality, ball skills.. if he can stay healthy I'd love to pair him with Gonzo..

 

[Real fan 02]

On offense...

LT Alaric Jackson
RG Trey Smith
LG Tevin Jenkins
WR Davante Adams
WR Darius Slayton
TE Juwan Johnson
RB Aaron Jones

*Release Bourne, DAndrews

QB: Maye
RB: Jones / Stevenson / Gibson
X Receiver: Adams / Boutte
Z Receiver: Slayton / Boutte
Slot: Johnson (listed as TE) / Douglas
TE: Henry / Johnson
OL: Jackson/Jenkins/Strange/Smith/Onwenu

Not perfect, but plenty to work with for McDaniels. Ability to run a wide array of formations iwth different skill sets in different spots. Johnson as a TE/big slot and Slayton outside add big play production along with Adams of course. The 3 OL signings are all huge players. Onwenu at RT for one year until he's cut/traded next year based on his contract is ok with a real coaching staff and line around him. Strange could have a future at center based on last year. Jones adds reliability and versatility in the backfield as a runner/receiver.

That's probably an unrealistic haul because signing that many top players is hard when other teams are bidding. Especially if you're doubling up at OG and WR because the more supply that goes, the more desperate other bidders get for what's left. But if they did that I think they could turn it around on offense.

On defense they'd probably go for lower end options to balance, but they have plenty of cap this year and in the future. It's not like our roster is flush with guys we have to budget for re-signing next year. Or even the year after honestly.

Good post.. I'd add on defense we should be entertaining guys like BJ hill, Sheldon rankings at DT , chase young at DE, kinlaw at LB.. simply adding 2 to 4 players of impact drastically improves this D.

 

[Hugepatsfan]

Sorry, but signing 2 guards when they need 2 tackles makes absolutely no sense at all.

The 2 guards (and the one OT) I included are all young and long term solutions. Didn’t see one at RT. Signing the second guard, who fits long term, meant kicking Onwenu back out to RT. So essentially, think of Onwenu as a one year stop gap signing at tackle. His deal is structured in a way that he’s likely gone next year anyway. If you really hate him at RT, trade him and sign someone like Morgan Moses or Conklin (after release). But this maximizes the number of long term solutions we’re signing vs foregoing Smith or Jenkins to leave Onwenu at Guard and then needing to replace him next year.

 

[JohnJH]

Your right John,

The guys everything you like in a top CB, attitude, aggressive, confidence, physicality, ball skills.. if he can stay healthy I'd love to pair him with Gonzo..

I read that he either only played 7 games this past season, or it was 7 games this past 2 seasons. Despite the talent, I'd rather go in another direction at CB. The potential with Gonzo is undeniable, but unlikely given his injury history.

 

[Hugepatsfan]

You would rather have Aaron Jones over Najee Harris? I'm not against your choice. I'm just curious as to why.

Jones brings more in the passing game. Harris is like Stevenson in that he’s fine to catch a bunch of dump offs, but Jones actually brings some matchup issues for the defense to face. I just think it’s a better fit. Harris is also very low YPC.

I don’t hate the idea of Harris though. He fits as well, I’d just prefer Jones.

 

[JohnJH]

Jones brings more in the passing game. Harris is like Stevenson in that he’s fine to catch a bunch of dump offs, but Jones actually brings some matchup issues for the defense to face. I just think it’s a better fit. Harris is also very low YPC.

I don’t hate the idea of Harris though. He fits as well, I’d just prefer Jones.

If you're correct on Jones, then I'm onboard with that. But, I'd like us to snag at least one stud RB in this draft and I wouldn't be opposed to two of them (as I wanted them to draft one, specifically Braelon Allen in the last draft), as I thought that it was a need even then. I also believe that Gibson was absolutely misused last season, especially as a 3rd Down RB. What an absolute Clown-Show the coaching staff was last season.

 

[dliverey44]

Perhaps you might know this better then me, but I understand that when they drafted Smith, he'd played LG in college. But becuase they already has Thuney at LG, they put him at RG. If true, he could totally play LG. I'm just reluctant to pay him and Onwenu that much money for two OG's. But, Onwenu could get traded after next season. Regardless, we NEED Alaric Jackson at LT!!! They'll sort the rest out for Maye's 2nd season and then beyond that.

I am alright paying OGs as much as OTs because an inside pass rush is more disruptive than an outside pass rush. That is why I am leaning Graham over Carter if both are available. I been on the Alaric Jackson wagon since mid season when I realized that he was a free agent and while he is not a perfect LT he is, imo better than anyone in the draft.

 

[dliverey44]

Sorry, but signing 2 guards when they need 2 tackles makes absolutely no sense at all.

It does when you consider that our guards were pretty bad, Owenu did alright pass blocking but his run blocking was bad and that could be cuz of the crap on either side of him, but maybe it wasn't. Someone mentioned moving him back to RT and I think that would be a bad move.

 

[BUSTAMOVE]

Even if not Adams, we could sign a couple of any of the just can get the job done for a single season and veteran leadership type WR's. And, absolutely address it from a WR in this draft and whoever we can get via FA and the Draft in 2026.

I know we have a lot of money to spend and high draft picks
This is going to be a multiple year build
This year I really want them to build both lines with multiple players through FA and the draft
Also build the depth of the team
Then at least the foundation is there
Then we fill in the needed pieces to compete for the SB
We are so far away right now
I want them to be smart with the 140 mil this year

 

[DaBruinz]

Wasn't defensive at all, just wanted to know why you thought he can't play left guard. Thought Maybe I was missing something.
The plan will change depending on the rest of the off season, but Smith gives you flexibility, he can play either guard position so if Onwenu at RT ends up the best option there Smith goes to RG, if you get a better option at RT then he plays LG.
Onwenu comes in out of shape again and has a down year you can cut him after the season, it just opens all kinds of options and you get a pro bowl caliber lineman which you don't have now.
Sign him and CUT Onwenu and you are better off, just an extreme example as to why Smith is a no brainer.
It's not like signing Smith limits them in free agency after that.

He's the best free agent player entering his prime years, you get him and figure out the best option after that.

You think adding a guy who isn;'t as good as Onwenu and cutting Onwenu makes the team better? Where is your proof that Smith can play either guard position? 4 years in the league and Trey smith has only ever taken snaps at RG.

WTF is a "Pro-Bowl" Caliber lineman? The "Pro-Bowl" is a Flag football game now. It's certainly nothing to be touting as some kind of standard of excellence.

Trey Smith is not even the best free agent GUARD available, let alone the "best free agent player".

 

[DaBruinz]

We Saw it, stop being a bully, I FKN SAW IT!
He CONTINUALLY RUNS through his spot, trying to get hit in stride again so he looks good.
Baker is obviously a Dumbass, Boutte is decent, he was considered a 1st rdr before he got hurt and had issues with the coaching staff, I've never said he was bad,voiced HOPING he would get it .
What are you trying to say/Bully me into?
You're NOT going to bully me tough guy, I, ain't having it, .bah, move along and try someone else.

**** Off

You have SERIOUS issues. No one is bullying you. You were asked a simple question and you're response is to fly off the rails with what can only be described as a drunken rant of moronic stupidity.

You clearly have no idea what you saw from Douglas. You have no idea what routes were called, so you have no idea who was right or wrong.

Why don't you follow your own advice.

 

[DaBruinz]

Former Texas A&M DL had the highest tackling grade for his position per PFF rankings

Former Texas A&M DL Bobby Brown finished the 2024 NFL season with the highest tackling grade among interior defensive linemen

sports.yahoo.com

Bobby Brown III is one of my prime free agent targets (playing Pats GM). Beast mode run defender and seem to finally put it all together last year. Only 24.

He's been on my list since I found that Vrabel/Williams will be running a 4-3 Single Gap Concept. He'd pair nicely inside with Godchaux, allowing Barmore/White/ Others to be the DEs.

 

[DaBruinz]

I think they need both, you think Pats are set at guard? Improving the guard position has zero effect on improving the Tackle position.

I think that they have players at both guard positions that can be more than adequate with the proper coaching, which includes not trying to mix and match on a daily basis. Consistency on the O-line, in terms of personnel and position is paramount for the O-line. That's a concept that is as old as the game itself.

The Pats need to commit to their starters at positions and keep them at the positions.

We all know they need a LT.
Wallace COULD be the answer at RT. But so could Caleb Jones, though he's a question mark.

RG is the only certain position with Onwenu. They need to keep him there and let him FOCUS on that.

Demontray Jacobs had a horrible rookie year. He might be salvageable.
Lowe improved last year, but still isn't starter quality. He could be an adequate swing tackle.

Layden Robinson was a horrible draft pick and was horrible at Guard. Not sure WHY the staff felt SOW wasn't as good. They seemed to throw him in the dog house and not let him out.

Whether Strange is at OC, LG or LT, he should be on the field unless there are better players there. Right now, the Pats don't have anyone better.

As a rookie, Sow showed he could develop into a dominant LG that could mirror Onwenu. Maybe it was bad coaching by Peters. Maybe it was AVP. Maybe it was MAYO. I don't know. He should be given the chance to win back that job. Especially since he's still young. The Pats have options on the roster for LG.

Yes, the Pats have almost 120M to spend. But the focus needs to be on OT and LBers followed by D-Line, CB, FS. Spending $20M on an interior O-lineman would a luxury for them. It's one that I don't believe they have.

 

[DaBruinz]

They both play Left Tackle.
Jackson is younger and improving, Robinson seems to be worse now than he was a few years ago. Robinson had 11 Hurries and 12 pressures in the WC game. He was atrocious in his last 5 games.
Add week 18 against Lions (missing half there pass rushers) and he had 18 Hurries and 21 pressures in his last 2 games YIKES!

Lowe had 22 Hurries and 32 pressures over 13 games.

Historically Robinson has been a good pass protector and weaker run blocker so the pass protection issues are scary.

If Pats can figure out why Robinsons took a step back in play last year (unknown injury, bad coaching?) then maybe? Then you have to assume he can play the right side because Jackson would need to stay on the left.
Robinson would only be on my radar if other options don't happen and you want to take a shot in the dark he'll recapture his former play and he'll take a reasonable contract that you can get out of early.

If you look at Robinson's stats, he got worse after week 14. Something happened. My speculation is that he was injured and trying to play through it. Because from Week 15 - 18, he gave up 2 sacks, 4 hits and 15 hurries. Compared to 1sack and 15 hurries in the previous 6 games. And, as you pointed out, he gave up a sack and 11 hurries against the Rams.

Signing both Jackson and Robinson doesn't make a lot of sense. Not when you have a young tackle that the team just spent a 3rd round pick on. It ties up money that can be used to improve other areas.

Both players are going to want to be paid as starting tackles and neither one is going to want to be a RT. So, you're creating needless hassles for yourself as well. You're better off focusing on Jackson and developing Wallace while adding someone like Matt Peart who can play Multiple O-line positions, but push Wallace for the RT spot.