Players the Patriots should avoid in free agency 2023
The New England Patriots have clear needs that they need to try and fill in the coming free agency period, but who are some players to stay away from? Taking risks in free agency is always, well, risky. However, that’s the nature of doing business in the NFL.
The Patriots will have a good bit of cap space to make some moves, and with Belichick likely not coaching much longer, it makes sense to see the Pats make some aggressive moves. There are a few players I think the team should stay away from.
Who are they?
Players the Patriots should avoid in free agency 2023
Emmanuel Moseley, CB, San Francisco 49ers
Emmanuel Moseley is at the end of a two year extension he signed with the San Francisco 49ers. He’s a very solid cornerback and still only 26 years old. He’d be a nice piece in the secondary for a few years to come, but not only does he struggle to stay healthy, but he’s not exactly the type of cornerback the team needs in my opinion.
Even though he could come as a cheaper option, I don’t think he fits the mold. I think what the Patriots need at this position is what they lost when JC Jackson left, and that’s a ballhawk.
He’s got four interceptions in five seasons and I think would get overshadowed in the secondary, so I don’t think this is an investment for them to make.
Kaleb McGary, RT, Atlanta Falcons
Kaleb McGary was a bit of a disaster in his first three seasons as an Atlanta Falcon after being selected in the first round in the 2019 NFL Draft, but broke out a bit in 2022 and did establish himself as a solid RT in the NFL.
He could fill that need that Isaiah Wynn failed to fill in 2022. Trent Brown naturally plays right tackle but was at left tackle this year. I do think there’s a scenario where they’d keep Brown at left tackle to see if he can find more consistency there since it’s a more valuable position than RT.
That’s where McGary would come in, but I’m not sure having one breakout season in which he was solid but nothing special would warrant spending big money to land him. If the Patriots want a right tackle, I think they should look elsewhere.
DJ Chark, WR, Detroit Lions
DJ Chark took a one year deal with the Detroit Lions and played in 11 games due to injury. He accumulated 502 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Chark has struggled to stay healthy during his career but does have a 1,000 yard season to his name.
The issue with Chark is just that. He’s got WR1 upside, has 4.3 speed and is 6’4″, but the injury concerns are too hard to ignore. I’d love if the Patriots took a swing on a FA wide receiver, and Chark kind of fits what they’re looking for, but the injuries should steer them in a different direction.