Top 50 upcoming FAs

[Huckleberry1]

At least he didn't draft Cole Strange over a future HOF guard like Tyler Smith.

What does that have to do with anything? You said Belichick wouldn't have passed up Lindebaum when that's exactly what he actually did.

 

[BobDigital]

This is such a weak FA class. The Pats assuming they cut Onwenu, which i think they should even though he has played well (cause he is not worth 25M), Will have the cash to pretty much sign 1 big add. Here is where I stand.

I don't want to spend on an RB.
WRs are so over paid right now. Particularly really good but not great ones.
Jaelan Phillip's injury history scares me.
I am not sure I want to tie my wagon to Oweh and he will demand a big contract.
A few other guys I feel are a pass for other reasons.
I want Tonga and investing in another DT at this point be wasting cash as only so many guys can play.
Also as long as we resign Gibbens I like our LB situation. Elliss has really stepped up in the 2nd half.

The guys I'd look to really explore are...

Hendrickson (I Know he's older and will be expensive, but this is going all in on the Maye window and he solves the DE situation immediately. We can let Chaisson walk and massively upgrade for the next 2 years.
Linderbaum at Center would be such a nice jump in quality at for the OL and him being there will be able to help the guard situation more than Bradbury could, plus we could part ways with Bradbury saving 6.2M.

Pretty much 1 of those 2 spots. If you want to give up on Campbell as OT and kick him inside maybe consider one of the high end OTs. You can only do 1 though as they only have the cash for 1 big contract.

I don't want to fill in depth on the back end. We need top end talent.

 

[Ross12]

This is such a weak FA class. The Pats assuming they cut Onwenu, which i think they should even though he has played well (cause he is not worth 25M), Will have the cash to pretty much sign 1 big add. Here is where I stand.

I don't want to spend on an RB.
WRs are so over paid right now. Particularly really good but not great ones.
Jaelan Phillip's injury history scares me.
I am not sure I want to tie my wagon to Oweh and he will demand a big contract.
A few other guys I feel are a pass for other reasons.
I want Tonga and investing in another DT at this point be wasting cash as only so many guys can play.
Also as long as we resign Gibbens I like our LB situation. Elliss has really stepped up in the 2nd half.

The guys I'd look to really explore are...

Hendrickson (I Know he's older and will be expensive, but this is going all in on the Maye window and he solves the DE situation immediately. We can let Chaisson walk and massively upgrade for the next 2 years.
Linderbaum at Center would be such a nice jump in quality at for the OL and him being there will be able to help the guard situation more than Bradbury could, plus we could part ways with Bradbury saving 6.2M.

Pretty much 1 of those 2 spots. If you want to give up on Campbell as OT and kick him inside maybe consider one of the high end OTs. You can only do 1 though as they only have the cash for 1 big contract.

I don't want to fill in depth on the back end. We need top end talent.

They will be able to do more than one big add. First year cap hits are small even on huge deals. They will have more than $40M in cap space. They’ll probably make more by redoing other deals. They can generate over $10M extra cap space just from converting Milton Williams’ 2026 salary into a signing bonus. His salary is already guaranteed anyway so there’s no downside.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

This is such a weak FA class. The Pats assuming they cut Onwenu, which i think they should even though he has played well (cause he is not worth 25M), Will have the cash to pretty much sign 1 big add. Here is where I stand.

He's a FA after 2026, so I could see them releasing him, but I think they might try to extend him in a way that would reduce that his pay for 2026.

 

[DaBruinz]

K Pitts and G Pickens are Tops at their Respective Positions.

NO. Absolutely NOT.

 

[DaBruinz]

In an interesting development, Chaisson has stated that he wasn't to STAY with the Pats. Whether or not that happens is al about the money.

Breakout Patriots LB K’Lavon Chaisson wants to re-sign with New England in free agency

K'Lavon Chaisson emerged as an unlikely star on an already loaded Patriots defense. His efforts will likely, literally, pay off in free agency.

www.boston.com

Patriots Edge Rusher Has Simple But Big Free Agency Outlook

The New England Patriots got a steal last offseason when they inked edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson to a one-year deal worth $3 million. Now, with the team soon to

www.si.com

 

[DaBruinz]

I think Hollins/Douglas/Kyle Williams/Chism are all guys you'd like to have 4th or lower on the WR depth chart. As of now, we need one of them to be #3. And that's not a killer at all. Look at how good we've been.

You don't spend a 2nd round pick on a guy and hope that he's just the 4th or 5h WR. That's just a ridiculous thought process.

BUT, our offense has had some struggles lately against the better defenses. You look at how they're playing us... they don't respect our receivers. They don't respect their ability to separate. Defenses are playing us with an attitude that Maye will make some throws that they can't defend, but our receivers won't consistently win downfield. So instead of playing us to cover, they're putting more guys in the box and blitzing more creatively. Despite Maye's downfield passing ability, we faced loaded boxes at a very high rate this year. That has downstream impacts on our pass pro and run game.

The offense has struggled because of the O-line. Not because of the receivers. And god forbid that Youngsters like Williams and Chism have growing pains.

So looking at it all, I don't think we have much need for "depth" type WRs. There's not much need for us to sign ho-hum middle of the road guys there. We have plenty. But if there was an opportunity to add a guy who could push safeties back some and open things up underneath, that's something we could of course benefit from.

Douglas is in the last year of his deal and nothing against him but he's pretty expendable if we added a guy like Pierce. We could move him for a late pick or whatever. You have a main 3 WR set of Pierce/Diggs/Boutte. Hollins/Williams/Chism are your depth guys. Remember, Diggs is going to be 33 next year and his contract is set up year to year. There's little doubt he'll be on the team next year, but in 2027 he's got a $26M cap number for his age 34 season with only $4M dead money if released. If I had to bet, I'd say he's off the team for 2027. Hollins is also going into his age 33 season next year and 34 in 2027.

People had the same attitude when the Pats have Edelman, Amendola and Hogan. Then there was injuries and people were whining about the WR depth. You can only have so many people on the roster.

Not sure where you're getting your Contract info, but it's inaccurate. Diggs contract is not set up "year-to-year". Diggs is here for next year unless the Pats designate him as a June 1st cut. Which would be very bad considering the Veteran presence he brings.

2027 is 2 years from now. Maybe you haven't been paying attention, but the PLAN is for Williams to take over from Diggs on the outside.

I like the idea of a long term receiving group of Pierce/Boutte outside with Kyle Williams/Chism rotating in the slot. I think Pierce fits really well and addresses a deficiency we currently have. So I'd pursue him for sure. If it's too much, we can survive with what we have. Not a "need" but I think Pierce could be one of the best fits/values for us in the FA market.

Does Pierce BLOCK well? Does Pierce have the ability to learn the play-book? You might be able to answer the first, but you won't be able to answer the 2nd. So how can you say that Pierce "fits really well". FIT is about personality and attitude as much as it is about learning the play-book. Wanna know who Pierce reminds me of? Donald Hayes. Not sure if you know who he is.. Maybe look him up.

 

[DaBruinz]

Because Diggs and Barefoot turn 34 in 2027. Not saying WR's can't be productive @ 33 but @ 34 all bets are off. Having a Guy this Year for that inevitable situation is prudent. That's why I would roll the dice on the injured Chris Bell I were them. We wouldn't need him this year so we can let Him Heal completely and have him ready for 2027.

No. What you're ignoring is that you'd be taking away snaps from the younger receivers such as Boutte, Williams, Douglas, and Chism. As is typical. You're all about the SHINY and not about the TEAM.

 

[DaBruinz]

I saw K Chaisson getting around Garrett Bolles one the Best LT's in the game. Yeah K Chaisson is very good and i worth keeping. Unless you're planning on being our new Edge Rusher DB #55??

You really need to do a better job READING. I said I expected Chaisson to be signed away. I didn't say that the Pats wouldn't try and keep him. However, I also don't expect the Pats to break the bank for Chaisson. I fully expect someone to over-pay for him. I can see another team offering him 15-18M AAV and that's just too steep.

The Pats have Ponder, Jennings, Swinson and Landry under contract. I expect Landry to retire with the Pats designating him as a June 1st retirement to spread the hit and free up money. Ponder and Jennings I expect will be in the rotation at Edge.

I already mentioned two players I wanted the Pats to look at for EDGE. I also expect an EDGE player to be added in the 1st two rounds of the Draft along with a LB capable of covering TE / RB.

I'd argue that Tristan Wirfs is the best LT in the league. Not Bolles. Though Bolles is certainly top 5.

 

[DaBruinz]

This is such a weak FA class. The Pats assuming they cut Onwenu, which i think they should even though he has played well (cause he is not worth 25M), Will have the cash to pretty much sign 1 big add. Here is where I stand.

This free agency class has some good, hard-nosed players in it. Some who might have the attitude that Vrabel & Co are looking for. Players like Linderbaum , McGovern and Edwards along the IOL. I mentioned others at EDGE and LB who may be possibilities.

Onwenu isn't being PAID $25M. That's his Cap hit. They are different things. They could Sign Onwenu to an extension and cut that $26M down.

I don't want to fill in depth on the back end. We need top end talent.

Every team NEEDS top end talent. You have to pick and choose HOW you're going to add that talent based on what's available.
The Pats currently have 50 players under contract. They also have a bunch of draft picks. I'm sure that Vrabel / Wolf will try and trade around and add future picks, but they already found issues trying to trade during last year's draft and at the Deadline. It will get tougher because of the success they've had.

Most people agree that they need to add at EDGE, LB, and Interior O-Line. A depth CB or maybe a developmental one to replace Austin and eventually Davis could be added in the draft. Someone who can play both Outside and the Slot and has some size (5'11-6'1)

The Pats have 2 RBs in Larison and Jennings who they seem to like. Larison could be an eventual Gibson replacement provided he comes back healthy. Jennings showed decently in both the run game and the 2 Kick returns that he did. A RB in the middle of the draft who they could bring along may be in order depending on Larison. Having quality depth at RB is something that this year has proven is needed due to the injuries. The Pats actually had 6 RBs on the IR at one point. Gibson, Larison, Deneric Prince and Jennings from the pro roster with Corbin and Reynolds on the PR-IR. Deneric Prince was injured his 1st day of practice with the team.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I expect Landry to retire with the Pats designating him as a June 1st retirement to spread the hit and free up money. Ponder and Jennings I expect will be in the rotation at Edge.

They can release him if he plans to retire, as they did with Edelman, and process that as a post-June 1 cut [which, as a reminder, provides no actual relief until June 2].

The other "money-saving" option is to declare him in breach of contract and demand repayment of the remaining signing bonus in his contract.

 

[Toofy]

Belichick had the opportunity to draft Lindebaum but traded down to 29 and drafted Cole Strange. Massive **** up.

In hindsight the butterfly effect works . If we had more better drafts we might have got some some wins for last 2 years and be like steelers and never got Maye .

Belichick strategy of poor drafts works

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

K Pitts and G Pickens are Tops at their Respective Positions.

I doubt they would be assessed as culture fits for Vrabel

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Because Diggs and Barefoot turn 34 in 2027. Not saying WR's can't be productive @ 33 but @ 34 all bets are off. Having a Guy this Year for that inevitable situation is prudent. That's why I would roll the dice on the injured Chris Bell I were them. We wouldn't need him this year so we can let Him Heal completely and have him ready for 2027.

That was my idea. I remember when I told you that Hollins would be great last Spring. Now you are even stealing my draft Bell at the end of R2 suggestion? You rewrite my idea like you are drafting a novel?

 

[PatsFan2]

That was my idea. I remember when I told you that Hollins would be great last Spring. Now you are even stealing my draft Bell at the end of R2 suggestion? You rewrite my idea like you are drafting a novel?

 

[Huckleberry1]

I have no idea why anyone wants Isaiah Likely, he had more fumbles than touchdowns this season.

 

[WhatJustHappened]

This is such a weak FA class. The Pats assuming they cut Onwenu, which i think they should even though he has played well (cause he is not worth 25M), Will have the cash to pretty much sign 1 big add. Here is where I stand.

I don't want to spend on an RB.
WRs are so over paid right now. Particularly really good but not great ones.
Jaelan Phillip's injury history scares me.
I am not sure I want to tie my wagon to Oweh and he will demand a big contract.
A few other guys I feel are a pass for other reasons.
I want Tonga and investing in another DT at this point be wasting cash as only so many guys can play.
Also as long as we resign Gibbens I like our LB situation. Elliss has really stepped up in the 2nd half.

The guys I'd look to really explore are...

Hendrickson (I Know he's older and will be expensive, but this is going all in on the Maye window and he solves the DE situation immediately. We can let Chaisson walk and massively upgrade for the next 2 years.
Linderbaum at Center would be such a nice jump in quality at for the OL and him being there will be able to help the guard situation more than Bradbury could, plus we could part ways with Bradbury saving 6.2M.

Pretty much 1 of those 2 spots. If you want to give up on Campbell as OT and kick him inside maybe consider one of the high end OTs. You can only do 1 though as they only have the cash for 1 big contract.

I don't want to fill in depth on the back end. We need top end talent.

I see Onwenu getting an extension for less $. We'll see.

 

[BTTA]

The other "money-saving" option is to declare him in breach of contract and demand repayment of the remaining signing bonus in his contract.

??

 

[patsinthesnow]

Few thoughts:

• Onwenu has played like a top 5 RG and has been dominant the last 6 games. He’s going nowhere. He’ll be extended and they’ll save $10-15M in cap space.

• Diggs is at 54.2 YPG including the playoffs. He has a $26M cap hit and they save $16.8M releasing him. I don’t think it’s a given he’s back depending on who’s available in the trade market.

• There are two paths they could explore to make their OL one of the best in the NFL.

LT Walker
LG Campbell
C Wilson
RG Onwenu
RT Moses

LT Campbell
LG Wilson
C Lindebaum
RG Onwenu
RT Moses

Rasheed Walker is a good LT & will be 26 years old. If they think Campbell can be an all-pro LG they should consider signing him. Him & Lindebaum will both cost $20M+ AAV.

• They should spend big on Hendrickson or Phillips while Maye is on his rookie contract. EDGE is their one weakness on defense & they’d be arguably the #1 defense with either of them.

The pats are set up as well as anyone. Their FAs are a 30-40% snap 30 year old NT, a 29 year old S & an EDGE who’s benefitted playing next to Williams & Barmore. They can get to $50M+ in cap space easily with an Onwenu extension & releasing Gibson, Tavai, etc. From there it’s being aggressive and making a splash move in the trenches and exploring if an upgrade over Diggs is possible via trade. A.J Brown’s ability to play X would make Boutte a better player.

 

[Rob0729]

Here are potential offseason targets that I think:

Potential Trades

Maxx Crosby - Elliot Wolf said they inquired about him before the trade deadline, but the Raiders were asking for three first rounders. The Raiders have pretty much backed themselves into a corner to trade him and they won't be getting anywhere close to three first round picks in the offseason. Probably a first and second round pick.

AJ Brown - He is a legitimate #1. The Eagles basically have to trade him (although it might not be until the summer). He and Vrabel reportedly like each other. Brown is a huge Pats fan. His trade compensation probably won't be that much (maybe a third rounder).

Players to resign
K'Lavon Chaisson - Bring him back as long as his price doesn't get too high.
Kyris Tonga - Solid NT and can be used in the running game.

Jaylinn Hawkins - Been an underrated safety this year.

Jack Gibbens - Solid role player who can start if necessary. RFA. So he isn't going anywhere.

Free Agents (these are all potential free agents to sign, not asking to sign all of them)
Alec Pierce - Pair the best deep ball threat of 2025 with the best deep ball passer of 2025.

Tyler Linderbaum - The Ravens can't franchise him because all o-linemen are grouped together and he would be getting elite LT money. So unless they get a deal done with him before free agency, he is guaranteed to hit the market.

Odafe Oweh - We saw how good of a pass rusher he can be. He underperformed in Baltimore (other than one year). So I do worry that he might just be flourishing in a system suited for him in LA. The Chargers have a ton of cash. So I think they resign him anyway.

Mike Evans - Would consider him if he is willing to take a value deal. Elite when healthy, but age and injuries could be the end of him.

Isiah Likely - Not as high on him as others are on this board. But he is that versatile TE that can be used in many different positions and formations that McDaniels likes. What the Pats wanted Jonnu Smith to be.

Bryan Cook - The Pats may be in the market for a safety. This guy can do most things.


Jauan Jennings - The guy was on the verge of breaking out last year. Injuries to him and others hurt his production this year.

Zion Johnson - a young guard with a lot of versatility. Could replace Owenu if they cannot renegotiate his contract.

Connor McGovern - Another solid guard. Signing him would hurt the Bills.

Chig Okonkwo - Big bodied TE. Young. Played for Vrabel. Can be used as FB. Has been a solid receiver with great run after the catch ability. I would put him as the odds on favorite to be signed if the the Pats sign a TE.

Branden Smith - When healthy, an All Pro RT. The problem is the "when healthy". The Colts will move on because they have already found his replacement. It will depend on how much money he is asking. He would be an upgrade from Moses (who also was an injury risk). He is 30, but still could get 2-3 years out of him while developing his replacement.

Rasheed Walker - A solid LT. This would allow the Pats to move Campbell inside where he has All Pro potential and Wilson to center which is his more natural position.

Reed Blankenship - He is a good scheme fit as a split safety since he can cover half the field well and does defense the run.

Rico Dowdle - Could be the Antonio Gibson replacement. Solid runner and receiver. Will draw less interest than other RBs since the Pats are not necessarily looking for a lead back.