The Patriots need to make big moves during free agency
The New England Patriots are clearly the least talented team in the AFC East and need to make some big moves during free agency.
The legal tampering period begins on Monday and I certainly hope the Patriots plan on tampering with a ton of top talent in free agency. The Pats endured a brutal season in 2022, lead by an inept offense and a regressed Mac Jones.
Now that they have a real play-caller in the building in Bill O’Brien, there’s hope that the team’s offense will return to being a competent unit.
Couple that with Josh Allen still existing and the Jets seemingly close to landing Aaron Rodgers, and it’s easy to see why the Pats are at a huge disadvantage here. Well, the easiest way to turn this into an advantage is to sign and trade for him stud players during free agency.
If I were them, I’d work my tail off to try and make a play for and land Lamar Jackson. Jackson can be signed to offer sheets, but the Baltimore Ravens can agree to match the sheet. If not, Jackson would essentially be traded to that new team for the cost of two first round picks.
Another path the Pats could go down is to try to sign a big name free agent right tackle like Mike McGlinchey, Jawaan Taylor, or Kaleb McGary. This would be a huge get to solidify the right side of the offensive line alongside Mike Onwenu.
Next, the team could target a clear upgrade at wide receiver. This might come from swinging a trade for Brandin Cooks or DeAndre Hopkins. Odell Beckham Jr has been in the news recently and could be a solid signing.
The Pats could also try to take one of the top receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft with their first round pick.
If they could fix the offense, they could then turn their attention to the defense in bolstering their secondary with someone like Jessie Bates III, Vonn Bell, or James Bradberry.
Whatever moves they make, it’s clear that the Patriots are in a pickle in the AFC East.