Three free agents the Patriots can still sign this year
The free agency period is about over as most teams are focusing towards the 2023 NFL Draft, but the Patriots should still sign these three players. The Pats did some work in free agency this year, retaining quite a few of their own players and bringing in some players from the outside.
Their offensive skill players did improve a bit, and their defense has stayed mostly in tact from the previous season. The main waves of free agency are essentially over, but there are still some quality names left on the market that the team should consider signing.
The focus for most teams is now the 2023 NFL Draft, but whether they are signed now or after the draft, there are some players that can still help the Pats compete in 2023.
Three free agents the Patriots can still sign this year
Odell Beckham, Jr
Honestly, why not at this point? Odell Beckham Jr is about 13 months out from tearing his ACL in last year’s Super Bowl and obviously did not play in the 2022 season. He’s probably as 100% as an NFL player can be, and the Pats could use his services.
He’s a good blocker and a great route runner. He’s also got exceptional hands and could still provide production that others can’t. I’m not sure how I feel about bringing in another aging wide receiver, but pairing OBJ with JuJu Smith-Schuster and perhaps a rookie draft pick at the position could be a productive unit.
Donovan Smith
The long-time Buccaneers left tackle and former teammate of Tom Brady was cut this year. He’s durable, having hardly missed time in the NFL, and has been a quality starter since he entered the league in 2015. He’s not 30 years old yet and could slide in as a week on starter on the left side while the Patriots groom a long-term replacement.
Smith is probably going to come cheap as he did not have the greatest 2022 season, but maybe a change of scenery has a benefit for the 6’6″ veteran.
Marcus Peters
The New England Patriots did re-sign Jonathan Jones this offseason on a two year deal, which was a smart move, but they still need help in the secondary. Peters is probably the best cornerback on the market, and like Smith, could slide in and start while the Pats groom a long-term replacement on the outside.