Patriots: 3 free agents Pats should overspend for in 2021

2. Yannick Ngakoue

The Patriots have no excuse not to sign a stud pass rusher this offseason.

As previously mentioned, the Patriots desperately need to revamp their defensive line this offseason, and a great way to start would be to sign arguably the best pass rusher available. We hear the arguments for Jadeveon Clowney, but he’s grossly overrated and way too injury prone for our liking. He has zero sacks in eight games with Tennessee, and we’re not afraid to acknowledge that he isn’t nearly as great as some analysts make him out to be, often double-teamed and erased (which would be the case in NE).

Ngakoue, on the other hand, is the walking definition of consistent. He’s been excellent again this season despite bouncing around to two teams early on, compiling 13 tackles, five sacks, seven QB hits and two forced fumbles across eight games.

What’s more impressive is the fact that the former Pro Bowler has registered at least eight sacks in every season since entering the league as a third-round pick back in 2016. Ngakoue might not garner national recognition as one of the most dominant defensive ends in the NFL, but he is undoubtedly in the conversation.

Taking those numbers into consideration, the 25-year-old beast will likely be looking to become one of the wealthiest players at his position in free agency. The Patriots have the requisite cap space (and then some) to make that happen, and they should stop at nothing to land his signature once March rolls around.