a quick look at 2026 FA

[TommyD4207]

The Pats as of today are not in desperate condition when it comes to the most expensive positions to fill in free agency: QB, LT, WR, DE, Outside CB... The only one of those where we could use somebody to step-in right-away and produce is DE; so I say, let's try to sign the best DE available when free agency opens and then use the rest of our FA Bucks on backups & less-expensive positions...

Two not-quite-as-premium positions that also need to be addressed are RG & LG or Center, depending on where they feel Wilson's best future position might be; and they need to be addressed before the May OTAs, whether via free agency or the draft or both...

Getting Lindebaum would be a game-changer when it comes to the draft. You gotta figure he's still got 3-4 good peak years left.

This, of course, assumes Wilson continues to get better at LG.

 

[dliverey44]

No thanks . He is cribbing about lack of chances on a super bowl team. Donno how he will do here. We need to spread the ball and not keep feeding browns fragile ego

I agree, he very much seems a me me kinda guy that will have a tantrum if he doesn't get the targets he thinks he needs. He is very skilled but I don't think its worth the payoff since this offense and Maye tend to spread the ball around.

 

[mgteich]

For me, I pay little attention to UFA's until we see who is available. Many will be extended by their teams.

For me, the focus has always been the decisions with regard to our own, who is re-signed, and who is not creating holes. I would re-sign then all (or give them a tender), but that's just me.
Chaisson
Tonga
Hawkins
Hooper
Gibbens (RFA)
Brown (RFA)

Re-signing them all would produce a great start for thr 2026 team, considering that we possibly aren't losing anyone in free agency.

 

[DaBruinz]

I like CJ Dippre’s potential on the PS as a blocking TE, but they definitely need to invest here next offseason in the draft.

Dippre is supposedly an all-around TE. If he can be as good as Hooper is NOW receiving, but reach Hoomanawanui level in terms of blocking, then he'll be an excellent #2 TE.

I do agree that the Pats need to invest in a TE in the draft.

 

[Zuma]

Dippre is supposedly an all-around TE. If he can be as good as Hooper is NOW receiving, but reach Hoomanawanui level in terms of blocking, then he'll be an excellent #2 TE.

I do agree that the Pats need to invest in a TE in the draft.

I hope Dippre sees playing time this season. He has good size for blocking and can catch. I hope he puts it together.

Edit: On a similar note: FB Lampe (6'1" 250) should be ready to go for next off-season. Can't wait to see him block. I think McD was fairly disappointed when he got hurt.

 

[Huckleberry1]

The fact that the Ravens declined the 5th year option at 20.99M helps. Rumors that the two sides are far apart on a deal also helps.

I mentioned earlier that Lindebaum is likely going to want closer to the top of the market salary and listed that the top 5 centers make between 12M and 18M. So figure that Lindebaum is likely to want more than 15M/yr.. I think that Connor McGovern could be had for $10M-$12M and gives you very similar production.. Not to mention hurting the Bills.

I would rather have Lindebaum because I think he's an All Pro caliber center, but I'd be fine with McGivern as well.

 

[Huckleberry1]

I agree, he very much seems a me me kinda guy that will have a tantrum if he doesn't get the targets he thinks he needs. He is very skilled but I don't think its worth the payoff since this offense and Maye tend to spread the ball around.

Yep. I've become concerned about Brown's pouting, especially orally given their success .

 

[DaBruinz]

I hope Dippre sees playing time this season. He has good size for blocking and can catch. I hope he puts it together.

Edit: On a similar note: FB Lampe (6'1" 250) should be ready to go for next off-season. Can't wait to see him block. I think McD was fairly disappointed when he got hurt.

I'm looking forward to Lampe and Larison. I think that Lampe's return would allow Westover to be more of an H-back type #3 TE and reserve FB. A lot of people have crapped on Westover. I think they aren't being fair when you take into consideration how long it took Develin to become serviceable at the position (2.5 years).

 

[Toofy]

I would rather have Lindebaum because I think he's an All Pro caliber center, but I'd be fine with McGivern as well.

Should we pay 8-10 million extra for a stud center or save that money and get an above average center with 6-10 million aav . I would prefer latter so that we can try to bolster the edge and possibly a game changing wr or te.

I would be okay to trade 2026 1st and 2027 2nd and 2028 2nd for Myles garrett.

Pay difference makers and our own folks to build continuity and camaraderie. We need right tackle and a serviceable right guard. I believe if we get a above average LG I would move Wilson to center .if Moses is serviceable for next one season I would alternate between him and bryant and just focus on right guard and left guard. I am assuming they will let onwenu walk unless he agrees to 1 year 13 or 14 million $ cap hit contract.

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[Zuma]

I'm looking forward to Lampe and Larison. I think that Lampe's return would allow Westover to be more of an H-back type #3 TE and reserve FB. A lot of people have crapped on Westover. I think they aren't being fair when you take into consideration how long it took Develin to become serviceable at the position (2.5 years).

Yeah I also am not feeling it for Westover. He's missing too many of his blocks...not always in the right place. I think they felt Lampe was a superior FB and I just don't see them keeping both on the 53 when he comes back. Who knows if Hooper will get an offer for 2026 but it's possible they want him back along with Henry (who is under contract). I can see a TE drafted in the 1st 3 rounds in 2026. I see no room at all for Westover next season.

Edit: and he's not exactly delivering devastating blocks...he's just not. He's helpful...that's about as far as I can go.

 

[DaBruinz]

I would rather have Lindebaum because I think he's an All Pro caliber center, but I'd be fine with McGivern as well.

Lindebaum would be a great addition, don't get me wrong. The question is whether or not Vrabel feels that potentially spending 20M/YR for a All-Pro center is the best use of the money they have.

 

[DaBruinz]

Yeah I also am not feeling it for Westover. He's missing too many of his blocks...not always in the right place. I think they felt Lampe was a superior FB and I just don't see them keeping both on the 53 when he comes back. Who knows if Hooper will get an offer for 2026 but it's possible they want him back along with Henry (who is under contract). I can see a TE drafted in the 1st 3 rounds in 2026. I see no room at all for Westover next season.

Well, that's your opinion. It completely ignores the fact that Westover had not played FB prior to this year. That he wasn't asked to block a whole ton in College and didn't have a ton of HS experience either.. You completely ignore that Develin took 2.5 years to become serviceable as a FB before he made the Pats 53 regularly.

Hooper is about toast. I wouldn't be surprised if he comes back only to be cut in camp.

Contrary to your opinion, Westover is not missing a lot of blocks nor is he in the wrong place a all that often. He's a work in progress. I understand that. Not sure why you can't see it or understand that him being the #3TE/ Reserve FB means there is no room.

What's telling to ME is that the Pats chose to stick with Westover out of camp rather than sign Jakob Johnson. Someone who knows the McDaniels offense after spending 5 year in it.

 

[Huckleberry1]

Should we pay 8-10 million extra for a stud center or save that money and get an above average center with 6-10 million aav . I would prefer latter so that we can try to bolster the edge and possibly a game changing wr or te.

I would be okay to trade 2026 1st and 2027 2nd and 2028 2nd for Myles garrett.

Pay difference makers and our own folks to build continuity and camaraderie. We need right tackle and a serviceable right guard. I believe if we get a above average LG I would move Wilson to center .if Moses is serviceable for next one season I would alternate between him and bryant and just focus on right guard and left guard. I am assuming they will let onwenu walk unless he agrees to 1 year 13 or 14 million $ cap hit contract.

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Fair points, but to me the best way to disrupt a great quarterback is tight at him, and having a guy like Lindebaum there makes that much more difficult for defenses. As for Garrett it's always going to take multiple 1st round picks. I think their best route to get Edge rushers is going to be to draft and develop them, same goes for WR. Free agency's seriously lacking at both positions, and trades cost too much. I would re-sign Chiasson and possibly try to find another player like him, as well as drafting multiple Edge players.

I believe strongly in building the best OL possible, they have their franchise LT, and a good young player in Wilson, an All Pro center would go a long way to that goal.

 

[Zuma]

Well, that's your opinion. It completely ignores the fact that Westover had not played FB prior to this year. That he wasn't asked to block a whole ton in College and didn't have a ton of HS experience either.. You completely ignore that Develin took 2.5 years to become serviceable as a FB before he made the Pats 53 regularly.

They (FB’s) don’t all take 2.5 years to become good or better.

Hooper is about toast. I wouldn't be surprised if he comes back only to be cut in camp.

Contrary to your opinion, Westover is not missing a lot of blocks nor is he in the wrong place an all that often. He's a work in progress. I understand that. Not sure why you can't see it or understand that him being the #3TE/ Reserve FB means there is no room.

I’m not saying Westover sucks. What I am saying is when he does actually hit someone that may have had a shot at the RB…it’s not exactly a devastating block. We could do worse…or better.

What's telling to ME is that the Pats chose to stick with Westover out of camp rather than sign Jakob Johnson. Someone who knows the McDaniels offense after spending 5 year in it.

I think youth was more important

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Yeah I also am not feeling it for Westover. He's missing too many of his blocks...not always in the right place. I think they felt Lampe was a superior FB and I just don't see them keeping both on the 53 when he comes back. Who knows if Hooper will get an offer for 2026 but it's possible they want him back along with Henry (who is under contract). I can see a TE drafted in the 1st 3 rounds in 2026. I see no room at all for Westover next season.

Edit: and he's not exactly delivering devastating blocks...he's just not. He's helpful...that's about as far as I can go.

Yeah, whenever I watch Westover it is not impressive. "Helpful" is a good assessment.

 

[DaBruinz]

Fair points, but to me the best way to disrupt a great quarterback is tight at him, and having a guy like Lindebaum there makes that much more difficult for defenses. As for Garrett it's always going to take multiple 1st round picks. I think their best route to get Edge rushers is going to be to draft and develop them, same goes for WR. Free agency's seriously lacking at both positions, and trades cost too much. I would re-sign Chiasson and possibly try to find another player like him, as well as drafting multiple Edge players.

I believe strongly in building the best OL possible, they have their franchise LT, and a good young player in Wilson, an All Pro center would go a long way to that goal.

For Reference:
Lindebaum - 297 pass blocks - 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 14 pressures
McGovern - 338 pass blocks - 0 sacks, 1QB Hit, 6 pressures.

I forget who posted it, but I'd love to see the Gap +/- for the Ravens and for the Bills Run games to get an idea of who the better run blocker is..

Wilson worries me. While I am not throwing the baby out with the bathwater, He's not been that big of an upgrade over Layden Robinson.

One of the reasons I mentioned McGovern is that he's taken snaps at LT, LG, C, and RG during his career with Dallas and the Bills. I would sign him with the intention of making him the LG, moving Wilson to Center and seeing how things play out. Knowing that they could always move McGovern to center if Wilson couldn't handle it or if there was an injury. Like I said, adding McGovern not only helps the Pats, but it hurts the Bills. Hell, if they wanted, they could sign McGovern and Lindebaum while also moving on from Onwenu if they feel that LG is Wilson's best position moving forward.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I'm looking forward to Lampe and Larison. I think that Lampe's return would allow Westover to be more of an H-back type #3 TE and reserve FB. A lot of people have crapped on Westover. I think they aren't being fair when you take into consideration how long it took Develin to become serviceable at the position (2.5 years).

An important question is if they'll get a second chance in this new era. Essentially every rookie UDFA under Belichick who ended up on IR without playing in the regular season got waived before their second TC.

 

[Give Kraft A Hand]

Kyle Pitts would be very interesting here on a 2 or 3 year deal. They need to be mindful that González is probably getting a new deal in the offseason too. If a WR1 shakes free then pursue it. But I’d look at Pitts, Edge Rushers, and then build line depth in the draft.

 

[DaBruinz]

An important question is if they'll get a second chance in this new era. Essentially every rookie UDFA under Belichick who ended up on IR without playing in the regular season got waived before their second TC./

This isn't the Belichick era. Do you know of a College FB who is as good as Lampe that is coming out this year? Larison had made the team up until his injury. Vrabel has shown that he's willing to invest the time/effort into players. Westover is a perfect example.

This is, by no means, a guarantee. Considering that neither Lampe nor Larison have been given an Injury Settlement, that tells me that the Pats are likely going to wait until after the Draft before making a decision on either of them.

 

[Huckleberry1]

For Reference:
Lindebaum - 297 pass blocks - 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 14 pressures
McGovern - 338 pass blocks - 0 sacks, 1QB Hit, 6 pressures.

I forget who posted it, but I'd love to see the Gap +/- for the Ravens and for the Bills Run games to get an idea of who the better run blocker is..

Wilson worries me. While I am not throwing the baby out with the bathwater, He's not been that big of an upgrade over Layden Robinson.

One of the reasons I mentioned McGovern is that he's taken snaps at LT, LG, C, and RG during his career with Dallas and the Bills. I would sign him with the intention of making him the LG, moving Wilson to Center and seeing how things play out. Knowing that they could always move McGovern to center if Wilson couldn't handle it or if there was an injury. Like I said, adding McGovern not only helps the Pats, but it hurts the Bills. Hell, if they wanted, they could sign McGovern and Lindebaum while also moving on from Onwenu if they feel that LG is Wilson's best position moving forward.

I would have no problem with signing both. As I said before if opposing defenses can't get to Maye up the middle they are completely screwed. If he can step up into a clean pocket they are done. They basically would have turned the worst offensive line in football into a top 3 offensive line, and their running backs are good in pass protection, Henderson simply took some time to get used to pro schemes, his technique was always excellent. I'm sure he will still make some mistakes, but he's a smart football player and he works his ass off, so I don't have any concerns there.