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Three free agents Patriots should sign after 2023 NFL Draft

By Lou Scataglia

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 18: Deatrich Wise #91 of the New England Patriots sacks Carson Wentz #2 of the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 18: Deatrich Wise #91 of the New England Patriots sacks Carson Wentz #2 of the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The 2023 NFL Draft is over, and the New England Patriots hit on a couple of their needs, but should still sign these free agents.  There should be another small wave of free agency after the draft, where teams usually like to get up to 90 signed players and shore up the remaining holes on their roster.

I was a bit surprised to see the team draft wide receivers, but not until the late rounds and also was shocked to see them not take an offensive tackle.

They should consider signing three free agents that can each help the team in their own way.

Three free agents Patriots should sign after 2023 NFL Draft

Carson Wentz, QB

The team should bring in Carson Wentz as a reclamation project for Bill O’Brien, who does have a track record of solid quarterback development.  Wentz would be a high-ceiling project and might be able to give the Pats a legit option for the future or even in 2023 if Mac Jones fizzles out as the potential long-term answer.

I think he’s better than both Jones and Zappe, personally, and would come very cheap as well.

Donovan Smith, LT

Donovan Smith was drafted in 2015 and is somehow not even 30 years old yet.  He was cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after eight solid seasons.  He’s started 124 regular season games and has never played less than 13 in a season.  His 2022 season was a bit rough, but I don’t blame that on Smith.

The entire Bucs’ offense took a giant step back, and being that the Patriots did not target a tackle during the draft, Smith could be a nice option for a year or two if they’d want to get better than Trent Brown and Riley Reiff.

Jarvis Landry, WR

Unless the Patriots can somehow pull off a trade for DeAndre Hopkins, they aren’t going to do much to improve their WR room between now and the beginning of the season.  They should take a look at Jarvis Landry as a solid veteran leader and someone who might be able to provide a spark to the offense.

Signing an aging veteran WR might not be exactly what the Patriots’ fanbase wants to hear, but he’s the best option left on the market if the team does not feel totally confident in their room after the draft.

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