Patriots 'Best Fits' in NFL Free Agency?
Low on wins and flush with cap space, it's set to be a busy offseason for the New England Patriots.
With that in mind, the latest from Matt Bowen of ESPN ranked the top 50 free agents set to hit the market this spring as well as their primary fits should they go elsewhere. Two of those listed are best-suited in New England from that lens, including fifth-ranked division rival Christian Wilkins, currently stationed with Miami.
"Wilkins has the position versatility to align all over the defensive front," Bowen writes. "In 2023, Wilkins had nine sacks, 35 pressures and 68 tackles in Miami. He would pair nicely with Christian Barmore to give first-year head coach Jerod Mayo two difference-makers on the defensive interior."
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Defense was actually one of the Patriots' primary strengths last season, even with headliners like Matthew Judon forced to miss a majority of the year. Breakouts from Barmore and others helped New England at least linger in games despite the shortcomings of a sputtering offense, one that's set to still be finding itself despite the relative promise of a new quarterback residing under center.
Bowen's list accounts for both probabilities, giving the potential new passer both revamped defensive insurance and some extra protection.
Coming in at 30th on the list is current Cincinnati Bengal Jonah Williams, who be called upon to bolster the outside protections now that both Trent Brown and Mike Onwenu both hitting the market (Onwenu and Brown come in at 26th and 41st respectively on Bowen's list). Williams has been a mainstay among Bengals blockers since coming over as the 11th overall pick in the 2019 draft out of Alabama.
"Despite his lack of upper-tier power and length, Williams wins with technique, gaining depth to create blocking angles and pass-set lines," Bowen notes. "He'd start at the right tackle spot for New England."
As it stands, New England will be able to have its pick of the free agent litter, set to work with over $69.5 million in cap space. That's the second-best budget in the NFL at the moment, behind the $73 million-plus in the Washington Commanders' wallet.
