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Three free agents to help the New England Patriots right now

By Lou Scataglia

Aug 26, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick enters the field before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick enters the field before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 10: Dee Ford #55 and CEO Jed York of the San Francisco 49ers in the locker room after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 17-10. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 10: Dee Ford #55 and CEO Jed York of the San Francisco 49ers in the locker room after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 17-10. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /

Three free agents the Patriots should sign

Dee Ford, OLB

The Patriots should add some more juice to their pass rush unit, because why not?  If the offense cannot get clicking, the team is going to have to rely on their defense more to win and close out games.  Boosting the unit overall should be a priority throughout the season, and just because players are still free agents, doesn’t mean they can’t help.

Dee Ford, 31, was drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Auburn.  He broke out in year three with 10 sacks and 17 QB hits, then again in year five with 13 sacks, 29 QB hits, and a Pro Bowl nod.

He was then signed by the San Francisco 49ers to begin the 2019 season, but only appeared in 18 games in his three years with the team.  He notched 6.5 sacks in 2021, which was a nice number, but only played in one game in 2020 and six games in 2021.

He was released from the team and is now a free agent.  Ford has four years of playoff experience with the Chiefs and 49ers, so the veteran leadership is likely there.  Dee Ford wouldn’t have to take on a big load for the Patriots, so perhaps he could be more effective in a reserve role.

The New England Patriots do have a good roster.  It’s got good depth at a few positions and will win more games this year.  However, they are clearly not on the tier of some of the top teams in the conference, and even though there aren’t many big-name free agents left, there are some who could provide a small boost for the team.

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