The Patriots' 2025 offseason will primarily be spent trying to improve a mostly underwhelming roster, particularly on offense now that it's clear they have their quarterback. But the defense cannot and will not be neglected, as the group greatly underperformed last season, and a defensive-minded head coach will not be okay with that.
With Mike Vrabel calling the shots now, it's expected he will prioritize the trenches and hope to make the defense a dominant force again, much like it was when he was a member of the team. There will be a few great options for the Patriots to consider in free agency and the draft, especially since they have a league-high cap space to use and the No. 4 overall pick.
However, some other players might enter the mix, whether via trade or becoming a cap casualty, which is the latest rumor surrounding at least one intriguing name that New England should most definitely consider over the next few weeks.
NFL insider suggests the Chargers could cut DE Joey Bosa during free agency this year
With free agency right around the corner, there is a lot of speculation about what players might become available and who will not make it to the free agent market.
We've already heard about receivers Cooper Kupp and Deebo Samuel being told they will be traded, and the Patriots got the disappointing news of Tee Higgins being franchise-tagged instead of testing free agency for the first time in his career.
The latest intel from NFL insider Dan Graziano has added a new name that the Patriots should monitor on defense, however, as he claims the Chargers could be looking to cut defensive end Joey Bosa this offseason.
Despite once being considered one of the best edge rushers in the league, Bosa has been plagued with injuries throughout his career and is now believed to be the frontrunner to be cut from the Chargers this year. This is not all due to what some might feel is an average performance from 2024, though, and it's primarily due to the cap the team will save by cutting him.
That creates an opportunity for the Patriots to get a proven pass rusher who will not only be a solid mentor for a guy like Keion White, but also the likely incoming rookie. On top of that, he would be an immediate upgrade on the defensive line, as he has consistently been a wrecking ball on opposing quarterbacks, even if his stats don't jump off the paper.
The Patriots need all the help they can get at the position, especially since trading Matthew Judon last offseason and Joshua Uche before the trade deadline. The loss of Ja'Whaun Bentley for the year due to injury certainly didn't help either, so a guy like Bosa, who recorded five sacks and 13 quarterback hits in 2024, would be a significant help.
He won't be cheap and might not be the best option available, but the Patriots can't afford to pass on top-name players much longer. At the very least, Bosa should be a guy they entertain signing if he becomes available, even more so with the uncertainty of who their options might be in free agency and who of the incoming rookie class might fall to them in the first or second rounds.