The New England Patriots have entered nearly every game this season knowing they were at a talent disadvantage.
Their plan has been for a massive overhaul of the roster this offseason. They’ll have more salary-cap space than any other team. And they’ll have at least a top-10 draft pick, likely even higher.
Let’s look at the additions that could arrive and bring some optimism to a team that needs it. Free agency doesn’t begin until mid-March, but here’s an early look at the top names to know for the Patriots.
Wide receiver
Let’s start with perhaps the most obvious position of need. Everyone who follows the Patriots knows Tee Higgins will be the big target at wide receiver this offseason. The Patriots have tried twice in the last year to land a top-end receiver (Calvin Ridley and Brandon Aiyuk) but struck out both times. Now, free agency almost feels like Higgins or bust for the Patriots, who have the money to spend and a bigger need at wide receiver than anyone.
Would the Patriots have to overpay to sign Higgins? Yes, probably. But the thinking is that while you’ve got Drake Maye on a cost-controlled rookie contract, you can overspend elsewhere to ensure he’s surrounded by the best talent possible. Brace yourself for a massive offer from the Patriots for Higgins, potentially around $28 million annually.
There are knocks on Higgins, like his durability and the fact that he’s only been a No. 2 receiver with the Bengals (a byproduct of playing next to Ja’Marr Chase). But with a terrible wide receiver situation, the Patriots have put themselves in a spot where they must be the high bidder on the best available receiver. In this free-agent class, that’s Higgins.
Still, it’s not a given he’d say yes, even if the Pats have the highest offer. If he signs elsewhere, there are no great options to pivot to. But there are reliable players. Chris Godwin, Amari Cooper, Stefon Diggs and DeAndre Hopkins would be in the next tier of free-agent receivers.
Godwin is the only one mentioned above still in his 20s (he’ll be 29 next season), so he’s probably the only one you’d want to give guaranteed money for multiple years.
Perhaps that ups the urgency of making sure they land Higgins even if they end up overpaying.
Go Further and read more
GO FURTHER
Patriots’ offseason priorities: A look at the team’s shopping list for free agency
