The entirety of the Patriots' roster needs improvements and because of that, new head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters they new regime planned to be aggressive in free agency. After the first day of the legal tampering period, they certainly lived up to that objective, at least on the defensive side of the ball.
It was a day well spent, though, as signing guys like standout defensive tackle Milton Williams and cornerback Carlton Davis are tremendous upgrades and immediately make the team much better. That makes it difficult to be disappointed with the lack of offensive signings because the defense needed massive improvements, as well.
But there is still plenty of room to improve the roster around Drake Maye, even with some of the remaining unsigned free agents.
One of the more surprising moves of the legal tampering period was the 49ers' decision to release 9-time Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk. He's one of the few players in the league still playing that position and playing it well, something the Patriots used to utilize under Bill Belichick.
Former teammate Kendrick Bourne is advocating for the Patriots to sign him once he becomes a free agent at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, and there's no reason for Vrabel not to seriously consider it.
Kendrick Bourne wants to see the Patriots pursue Kyle Juszczyk once he becomes a free agent
After the news broke about the 49ers' intentions to release one of their superstar players, Bourne took to Twitter/X to let it be known he wants to see the Patriots make a move for the fullback. It's not the first time that the receiver has played recruiter for New England since signing with the team in 2021 and it likely won't be the last.
Although it could be argued he's advocating for his former teammate, the Patriots signing Juszczyk would be a solid move and prove Vrabel's words about wanting to surround Drake Maye with quality talent that will inevitably help him grow and develop into an even better quarterback.
Statistically speaking, Juszczyk won't jump off the page and impress you. However, he's been a sneaky weapon for the 49ers over the past eight years and has consistently been one of the most reliable pieces of their offense, no matter what quarterback was under center. His blocking abilities are also notable, and certainly something the Patriots would benefit from with a questionable offensive line thus far.
The fullback position used to be a mainstay on the Patriots roster and because of Vrabel and Josh McDaniels' history with the team during that time, it would make sense if they'd like to revisit bringing it back to the offense, even more so since the last fullback the team had eventually signed with the Raiders when McDaniels was the head coach. So clearly, he appreciates the output of a fullback.
On top of that, it's not often that a player of Juszczyk's caliber becomes available, making it even more sensible that the Patriots at least inquire about getting him in New England.