Calvin Ridley? Tyron Smith? Patriots Still Waiting for Splash Signing
The New England Patriots have been busy re-signing their own thus far during the NFL's free agency frenzy, but have yet to secure necessary noticeable upgrades.
Receiver Kendrick Bourne and tight end Hunter Henry will return as legitimate complementary pieces within the Patriots' passing game, but game-changing WR1 talent is lacking. Highly-coveted free agent offensive lineman Michael Onwenu signed an extension, likely fitting in as the starting right tackle while a void remains on the left side.
The good news for New England is there are still multiple top-tier options available on the market as the new league year kicks off. Meanwhile the Patriots have approximately $57 million in salary cap space to spend.
LT Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys
It appears as if Smith's impressive 13-year run in Dallas is done, making the 33-year-old bookend one of the most-wanted free agents available.
Smith, who made 13 starts in 2023, has been bothered by injury over the past few seasons but ranks as the fourth-best player in this year's free agent class according to NFL.com. He has started 161 regular season games with Dallas.
Cred: Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini
WR Calvin Ridley, Jacksonville Jaguars
Multiple reports claim that Ridley's decision will come down to leaving for New England or remaining in Jacksonville.
The 6-1 Ridley, who was drafted No. 26 overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2018, started all 17 games for the Jaguars this past season. The 29-year-old receiver made 76 catches for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns.
WR Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers
The wide receiver pool received a nice addition on Wednesday as the Chargers reportedly released Williams. The former first-round draft pick tore his ACL in Week 4 this past season possesses intriguing size and speed and has two 1,000-yard receiving seasons under his belt.
The NFL.com Top 101 Free Agents ranks Williams at No. 12 overall.
