The start of the 2026 offseason has been a bit unexciting for New England Patriots fans compared to recent years, mostly because they only signed two players on the first day of the legal tampering period. Although they were stellar signings, they weren't what anyone had been hoping for, and those who were at the top of the list signed elsewhere.
Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf did make some releases, however, including the understandable yet somewhat surprising decision to move on from linebacker Jahlani Tavai. That position was considered one of the weaker parts of the defense last year and should be a priority in free agency, so now they have created even more of a need with Tavai on the outs.
With top names like Devin Lloyd and Quay Walker now off the table, the Patriots will need to look into some other players, and lucky for them, the Broncos just gave them someone to seriously consider: Dre Greenlaw.
It was an unexpected call for Denver to make on the veteran, but their loss can become New England's gain.
Patriots' next linebacker might have just fallen into their lap thanks to the Broncos
Although he comes with some injury concerns, as he has only suited up for 10 games over the last two seasons, Greenlaw is a good fit for the kind of defender Vrabel wants to have on the Patriots' defense.
Not only is he a physical player, but he is also a reliable player who has proven he can be a threat to opposing quarterbacks during his tenure with the 49ers, paired up alongside Fred Warner. He fits the size Vrabel prefers in his linebackers, too, and the Patriots have a void they need to fill with proven talent.
Greenlaw's experience in the league, but especially in Super Bowl runs, makes him a no-brainer to consider signing. If the Patriots want to replicate what they accomplished last year, bringing in solid voices to the locker room who can back up what they're saying will be crucial.
But the linebacker brings even more than that when his season isn't plagued by an injury. In 2023, he logged 120 combined tackles, five for a loss, four quarterback hits, four passes defended, and 1.5 sacks. He's consistent and can bring the physicality the Patriots want from their defense.
With the available linebackers dwindling, Vrabel and Co. should strongly consider Greenlaw before it's too late. It's assumed he won't be a free agent for long, so unless they have another player in mind, they need to speak with his agent as soon as possible.