My Ridiculously Early Start on a 2026 Offseason Plan

[stelfans]

If they are indeed moving Wilson to center, bitonio makes sense. Allowing them to still draft IOL to develop.

 

[mayoclinic]

Bitonio could also make sense as a 2-year bridge given that there are 3 really good OT to LG conversion prospects for 2027: Austin Siereveld, Carter Smith, and Cayden Green.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Bitonio could also make sense as a 2-year bridge given that there are 3 really good OT to LG conversion prospects for 2027: Austin Siereveld, Carter Smith, and Cayden Green.

So we sign Bitonio and for 2026 we draft a RT and a RT to RG conversion prospect (maybe Dunker or Casey), and then in 2027 we draft a LT to LG conversion prospect.

I think Onwenu is overpaid but Mayo's idea above is great because it is organized and avoids throwing rookie OG to the wolves.

 

[mayoclinic]

I would use this for a possible AVT offer: 3/$39M, $13M AAV, structured as a 1 + 2 year deal with incentives for games played.

 

[manxman2601]

Forget about Hockenson.

 

[mayoclinic]

Kind of expected, but sucks.

There will be other fish to fry.

 

[manxman2601]

Not that I ever expected it, but no Khalil Mack either.

 

[mayoclinic]

Fine by me.

1 year/$18M way too rich fpr me fpr a 35yo pass rusher. Makes it less likely Chargers will send if Oweh goes to $20M AAV.

Chargers, Khalil Mack Agree to Contract Extension: What it Means for Odafe Oweh

The Chargers get one big free-agent deal done before the market opens.

www.si.com

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Fine by me.

1 year/$18M way too rich fpr me fpr a 35yo pass rusher. Makes it less likely Chargers will send if Oweh goes to $20M AAV.

Chargers, Khalil Mack Agree to Contract Extension: What it Means for Odafe Oweh

The Chargers get one big free-agent deal done before the market opens.

www.si.com

I agree. 1 year, $18M for Mack. Drunken sailor contract. Let's hope the Chargers are not serious about A Pierce.

 

[mayoclinic]

Patriots Would Be Wise To Target 30.5-Sack Pass-Rusher On Rise | NESN

Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh is hitting his stride at the right time, and could be rewarded by the New England Patriots.

nesn.com

 

[mayoclinic]

Patriots' Sudden Need Along Offensive Line Could Be Filled By Former Rival | NESN

New York Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker could hilariously turn his career around with the New England Patriots.

nesn.com

Jets face tough but obvious decision regarding Alijah Vera-Tucker

The Jets face a tough decision regarding one of their former first-round picks, but their decision should be pretty straightforward.

jetsxfactor.com

 

[mayoclinic]

David Edwards is a good guard, but he does not have the athleticism the Pats seem to like. Connor McGovern does, but he's off the market.

AVT if the price is right or Joel Bitonio seem like good options.

 

[manxman2601]

Heading into Monday, the list of needs is long.

WR
EDGE (probably x2)
TE 2 (at minimum)
Safety
LG
NT
Backup LT
Backup RT (maybe)
RB3
Backup MLB
CB depth

 

[mayoclinic]

Heading into Monday, the list of needs is long.

WR
EDGE (probably x2)
TE 2 (at minimum)
Safety
LG
NT
Backup LT
Backup RT (maybe)
RB3
Backup MLB
CB depth

Good list.

I expect WR, EDGE1, and LG/IOL will be the likely targets in the first wave of FA. The others can wait until the feeding frenzy is over, or for the draft.

My plan:

FA Priority/Phase I:

WR: hoping for Alec Pierce
EDGE1: Odafe Oweh, Jaelon Phillips, or Boye Mafe
LG: AVT, or Joel Bitonio

TE might be an option here, if the opportunity arose.

Phase II FA:

Let Pats guys test the waters, resign if the price is right; look for bargains. Not all of the following will be addressed in FA, but if bargains are to be found, it frees up the draft.

EDGE2: Chaisson if the price is right, Kwity Paye, Sam Williams, Arnold Ebiketie, etc.
S: Resign Hawkins, or vet if not too pricey (Byard?)
TE2, if TE not already addressed
Backup LG: Lowe, Mumford, Wills, etc.
RB3
NT
Backup MLB
CB depth

The key here is to be disciplined and selective. Good players will fall through the cracks.

The Draft:

Add long-term foundational talent. Plug a few holes where necessary.

 

[mayoclinic]

Things that I would/would not do in FA:

1. WR: Would spend up to $26M AAV to get Alec Pierce. Would not trade for AJ Brown, would not sign Mike Evans.

2. EDGE1: Would pay $18-20M Av for Odafe Oweh, possibly Jaelon Phillips. Would not go after Trey Hendrickson, would not overspend on Boye Mafe or K'Lavon Chaisson.

3. EDGE2: Would not overspend.

4. TE: With TJ Hockenson staying in Minnesota, I do nor see anyone I like. Would wait for bargains and explore trade options.

5. IOL: I would consider Tyler Linderbaum, but expect a bidding war. I would take a hard look at AVT and Zion Johnson. I would look at Joel Bitonio as a backup option.

6. S: I would love Bryan Cook, but would not overspend. Coby Bryant will probably get overpaid. Kevin Byard, Andre Cisco, or re-sign Jaylin Hawkins are cheaper options.

7. RB: I would not chase the big fish (Travis Etienne, Kenneth Walker). Too expensive. I would wait for bargains. Rico Dowdle would be nice, if not too pricey.

8. LB: Quay Walker and Tremaine Edmunds will likely be too pricey. Christian Ellis (or his brother) at the right price, or else address in the draft.

9. NT. I would not overspend. Not much available. Can get a cheap one day 3 in the draft, if not options arise in FA.

10. CB depth. I would not overpay for Roc Woolen or Alontae Taylor. I would love Nayshon zeright if under $10M/year AAV. Eric Stokes might be an optionm

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

4. TE: With TJ Hockenson staying in Minnesota, I do nor see anyone I like. Would wait for bargains and explore trade options.

This.
Please don't sign Likely for 8-9M a year.
He is overhyped.
He has been in the league 4 years and has never had a 500 yard season.
Everything with him is a projection of what he COULD be.
I don't see it.

 

[mayoclinic]

For Manx: per Rob Staton, FA S Bryan Cook had missed tackle rates of 5.6% and 6.2% over the past 2 years.

Thoughts, hopes and predictions for the Seahawks in free agency – Seahawks Draft Blog

seahawksdraftblog.com

Probably won't be in our price range, but something to consider.

 

[mayoclinic]

FWIW, Bryant Cook is another Luke Fickell guy, same 2022 Cincinnati class as Alec Pierce:

Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell explains what makes Chiefs' Bryan Cook so special

Luke Fickell, head coach the University of Cincinnati, joined The Drive to discuss his former player and current Chief Bryan Cook.

www.audacy.com

Former CB, would be a big step-up from Jaylin Hawkins next to Craig Woodson.

 

[mayoclinic]

2026 starts Wednesday. "Legal tampering" starts Monday, but in reality teams will be locking down deals all weekend. Maxx Crosby is a Raven. 2026 is here.

Looking back at the OP from 5 months ago, it was weird to see things like "cut/trade Kyle Duggar" and "extend Marcus Jones". What a long way we've come.

I feel like the Pats have a clear vision. They are a SB contender with a hot coach, a player-friendly culture, and the best QB in the league. They will be an attractive destination, and if they really want someone they can make a good run at them.

Time to revisit my early off-season plan:

Starting cap space = $40M (as of last week, before Diggs, Bradbury and DeVito moves).

1. Cut/trade:

✓ WR Stephon Diggs - $16.3M
✓ OC Garrett Bradbury - $5.7M
- LB Christian Ellis - $5M
- EDGE Anfernee Jennings - $3.7M
- QB Josh Dobbs - $3.7M
- WR DeMario Douglas - $3.6M
Subtotal: $38M

Potential:
- IOL Mike Onwenu - $17.5M
- TE Hunter Henry - $9.2M
Subtotal: $26.7M

Onwenu and Henry are assets. They can be kept for 2026, even extended. But I do not see them as long-term fixtures, so they are expendable. The Pats could always sign a short-term stopgap replacement as well (e.g., Joel Bitonio for Onwenu).

Effective available cap space $78-104.7M ($61M and change as of today, with Onwenu, Henry, Ellis, Jennings, Dobbs and Douglas on the roster)


2. UFA/re-signings

✓ QB Tommy DeVito - $3M (2/$7M)
- WR Alec Pierce - $14M (4/$100M)
- EDGE Odafeh Oweh - $13M (4/$88M)
- IOL Alijah Vera-Tucker- $8M (3/$42M)
- S Jaylin Hawkins or equivalent - $6M (2/$14M)
- EDGE Sam Williams - $4M (1/$4M)
- 3rd OT Verderian Lowe, Thayer Mumford, or Jedrick Wills - $6M (3/$20)

Re-signing K'Lavon Chaisson is an option, but not at $15M+ AAV, so I've opted for a cheaper complementary EDGE. Boye Mafe also too expensive. Guys like Kwity Paye or Arnold Ebiketie could be options as well, if the price is within reason, or a veteran stopgap.

If the Vikings cut TJ Hockenson, I'd make a run at him. Say 3 years/$48M, $11M 2027 cap hit. He is younger and a better threat and blocker than Hunter Henry. Cutting or trading Herry wpuld free up $9.2 M, effectively off-setting Hockenson for 2026.

I feeling like Pierce, Hockenson, AVT and Oweh would give the Pats 4 significant upgrades. Younger and better.

A FA RB could be restructuring.

There could be other opportunities. I feel like the team can be flexible, and see where the values fall. They should be aggressive, but there is no need to panic or overspend for any one player. There will be a feeding frenzy in some cases, while other good players will be largely ignored.

A Gonzalez extension is obviously a priority, but shouldn't affect his 2026 cap hit.

Total FA iincluding Hockenson): $65M

Remaining cap space: Roughly $23-25M, depending on Hockenson/Henry. Another $10 or so can easily be trimmed, not including restructurings.


3. 2026 Draft

1(31). Max Iheanachor, RT. Alternatives: Caleb Lomu, Blake Miller

2(63). Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE. Alternatives: Malachi Lawrence, Gabe Jacas, Derrick Moore, Keyron Crawford

3(95). Kyle Louis, LB. Jake Golday or Jacob Rodriguez would be awesome, but won't last

4(125). Sam Roush, TE. Alternatives: Eli Raridon, Oscar Delp

4(131). VJ Payne, S. Alternatives: Zakee Wheatley, Genesis Smith

5(170). Josh Farmer, IOL. Alternatives: Billy Schrauth, Micah Morris

6. CJ Demmings, CB. Alternatives: Ephesians Prysock

6. Eli Heidenreich, WR. Alternatives: Cyrus Allen

6. Adam Randall, RB. Alternatives: Jam Miller

6. Kaleb Proctor, DT. Alternatives: Skyler Gill-Howard, Albert Regis

7. BPA, or trade chip


4. Projected Roster

QB(2): Drake Maye, Tommy DeVito
RB(4): TreVeyon Henderson, Rhamondre Stevenson, Lan Larison, Adam Randall
WR(6): Alec Pierce, Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams, Mack Hollins, Eli Heidenreich, Efton Chism
TE/FB(3): TJ Hockenson/Hunter Henry, Sam Roush, Brock Lampe
OT(4): Will Campbell, Morgan Moses, Max Iheanachor, Verderian Lowe/Thayer Mumford/Jedrick Wills
IOL(5): Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson, Mike Onwenu, Ben Brown, Josh Farmer

DT(5): Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Josh Farmer, Corey Durden, Leonard Taylor/rookie
EDGE(6): Odafe Oweh, Harold Landry, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Sam Williams, Elijah Ponder, Bradyn Swinson
LB(4): Robert Spillane, Kyle Louis, Jesse Luketa, Marte Mapu/Jahlani Tavai/Chad Muma
S(4): Craig Woodson, Jaylin Hawkins, VJ Payne, Dell Pettus
CB(6): Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, CJ Demmings, Robert Woods, Marcellus Dial/Kobe Minor

K: Andy Borregales
P: Bryce Baringer
LS: Julian Ashby
ST: Brendan Schooler

I think we'd be very competitive in 2026 with that roster. Rebuild 90% complete. should be finished by 2027.

Updating:

Starting cap space = $40M (as of last week, before Diggs, Bradbury and DeVito moves).

1. Cut/trade:

✓ WR Stephon Diggs - $16.3M
✓ OC Garrett Bradbury - $5.7M
- LB Christian Ellis - $5M
- EDGE Anfernee Jennings - $3.7M
- QB Josh Dobbs - $3.7M
- WR DeMario Douglas - $3.6M
Subtotal: $38M

Potential:
- IOL Mike Onwenu - $17.5M
- TE Hunter Henry - $9.2M
Subtotal: $26.7M

Onwenu and Henry are assets. They can be kept for 2026, even extended. But I do not see them as long-term fixtures, so they are expendable. The Pats could always sign a short-term stopgap replacement as well (e.g., Joel Bitonio for Onwenu).

Effective available cap space $78-104.7M ($61M and change as of today, with Onwenu, Henry, Ellis, Jennings, Dobbs and Douglas on the roster)


2. UFA/re-signings

✓ QB Tommy DeVito - $3M (2/$7M)
- WR Alec Pierce - $15M (4/$102M)
- EDGE Odafeh Oweh - $13M (4/$88M)
- IOL Alijah Vera-Tucker- $8M (3/$40M)
- S Bryan Cook - $8M (3/$40M)
- EDGE Sam Williams - $4M (1/$4M)
- 3rd OT Verderian Lowe, Thayer Mumford, or Jedrick Wills - $6M (3/$20)

Re-signing K'Lavon Chaisson is an option, but not at $15M+ AAV, so I've opted for a cheaper complementary EDGE. Boye Mafe also too expensive. Guys like Kwity Paye or Arnold Ebiketie could be options as well, if the price is within reason, or a veteran stopgap.

I feeling like Pierce, Oweh, AVT and Cook would give the Pats 4 significant upgrades. Younger and better.

A FA RB could be restructuring.

There could be other opportunities. I feel like the team can be flexible, and see where the values fall. They should be aggressive, but there is no need to panic or overspend for any one player. There will be a feeding frenzy in some cases, while other good players will be largely ignored.

A Gonzalez extension is obviously a priority, but shouldn't affect his 2026 cap hit.

Total FA: $58M

Remaining cap space: Roughly $20M. Another $10M or so can easily be trimmed, not including restructurings.


3. 2026 Draft

1(31). Max Iheanachor, RT. Alternatives: Caleb Lomu, Blake Miller

2(63). Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE. Alternatives: Malachi Lawrence, Gabe Jacas, Derrick Moore, Keyron Crawford

3(95). Kyle Louis, LB. Jake Golday or Jacob Rodriguez would be awesome, but won't last

4(125). Sam Roush, TE. Alternatives: Eli Raridon, Oscar Delp

4(131). VJ Payne, S. Alternatives: Zakee Wheatley, Genesis Smith

5(170). Josh Farmer, IOL. Alternatives: Billy Schrauth, Micah Morris

6. CJ Demmings, CB. Alternatives: Ephesians Prysock

6. Eli Heidenreich, WR. Alternatives: Cyrus Allen

6. Adam Randall, RB. Alternatives: Jam Miller

6. Demonte Capehart, DT. Alternatives: Kaleb Proctor, Skyler Gill-Howard, Albert Regis

7. BPA, or trade chip


4. Projected Roster

QB(2): Drake Maye, Tommy DeVito
RB(4): TreVeyon Henderson, Rhamondre Stevenson, Lan Larison, Adam Randall
WR(6): Alec Pierce, Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams, Mack Hollins, Eli Heidenreich, Efton Chism
TE/FB(3): Hunter Henry, Sam Roush, Brock Lampe
OT(4): Will Campbell, Morgan Moses, Max Iheanachor, Verderian Lowe/Thayer Mumford/Jedrick Wills
IOL(5): Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson, Mike Onwenu, Ben Brown, Josh Farmer

DT(5): Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Josh Farmer, Corey Durden, Leonard Taylor/rookie
EDGE(6): Odafe Oweh, Harold Landry, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Sam Williams, Elijah Ponder, Bradyn Swinson
LB(4): Robert Spillane, Kyle Louis, 2 from Jesse Luketa/Marte Mapu/Jahlani Tavai/Chad Muma
S(4): Craig Woodson, Bryan Cook, VJ Payne, Dell Pettus
CB(6): Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, CJ Demmings, Robert Woods, Marcellus Dial/Kobe Minor

K: Andy Borregales
P: Bryce Baringer
LS: Julian Ashby
ST: Brendan Schooler

 

[mayoclinic]

Thinking about the above and Manx's need list, I would prioritize 6 FA signings:

WR1: Alec Pierce as my overwhelming preference

EDGE1: Odafe Oweh > Jaelan Phillips > Boye Mafe

EDGE2: Low-cost.

IOL: AVT or Joel Bitonio. Tyler Linderbaum a long shot.

S: Bryan Cook > Kevin Byard > Jaylin Hawkins

Backup LT: Low cost.

That would leave RT, EDGE3, TE2, S3, CB depth, NT, backup MLB and RB depth to address through the draft, or down the road.