A report in ftw.usatoday.com has added drama to the Patriots' offseason. If accurate and the Patriots sign two additions, it may alter the team's approach to the draft. ftw.usatoday.com predicts two key free agents, wide receiver Amari Cooper and left tackle Cam Robinson, will sign with the Patriots. They commented,
"The Patriots need to get reliable receivers for quarterback Drake Maye, and Cooper still has gas left in the tank. He'd be a good option for an offense trying to establish a new identity..."
"Speaking of the New England offense, the team needs a left tackle, and Robinson is the best one available. He could slide right in and give the Patriots solid play to keep Maye upright."
Let's explore how these signings might impact the team and their approach to the April NFL draft. In one case, they'd have noteworthy consequences and could significantly change the overall direction the Patriots take, especially at the top of the draft. In the other, not so much.
Patriots signing Cam Robinson will impact their left tackle draft strategy
Free agent left tackle Cam Robinson, is an immediate upgrade over any other option the Patriots have at the position in 2025. The 6'6", 335-pound Viking is a bona fide, NFL-capable left tackle. He'd immediately start on the left, protecting Drake Maye's blind side, dramatically upgrading the O-line.
Although a 10-year veteran with a lot of miles on the tires, Robinson is still just 29 years old. He'll fit the deficient left side of the Patriots offensive line like a proverbial glove. As Pro Football Focus' (PFF) second-rated free agent tackle, he has NFL credibility galore.
Here's what PFF had to say about the big Vikings' left tackle,
"Robinson was part of a Jaguars team that had a dismal start to 2024. But individually, he was a reliable option at left tackle before being acquired by the Vikings at the trade deadline. His 95.1 pass-blocking efficiency rating this regular season was the worst mark of his career, but if anything, that's a testament to his play over the past four years."
Robinson was always a solid left tackle option, and unquestionably, he's the best remaining free agent for any team needing a left tackle. No team needs one more than the Patriots. Hopefully, they have enough cap space available to sign him.
Robinson starts Day One, immediately solves a glaring need, and allows the team to draft tackle options later than with their first or even top two or three picks. It's a match made in NFL heaven. If the cap space is there or can be freed up by trades, releases, etc., it's a no-brainer. Pay whatever it takes and sign Cam Robinson.
Patriots signing Amari Cooper as their No. 2 receiver might make sense
Should Amari Cooper be signed by the Patriots, they could also fill another need, their No. 2 wide receiver, at least on a short-term basis. The team has neither a No. 1 nor a No. 2 receiver. Cooper was a former No. 1 receiver, though his production has fallen off a cliff the past three seasons, two due to injuries.
If he checks out physically—a huge "if"—he'll likely slot into the No. 2 wide receiver spot. Due to his injury history, he has to be a much less costly option for the Patriots. If not, the team should pass. He's not worth a big investment.
Conversely, a healthy Cooper on a one-year "show me" deal might work. He'd provide an experienced hand to help school the young Patriots' wide receiver room and contribute a decent number of catches. His signing would be risky, and no amount of starry-eyed thoughts of the Cooper of yesteryear will change that fact. But on the cheap, he's worth the gamble if he's healthy now.
Adding Cooper is not as significant as the Robinson addition would be, not by a longshot. Yet, the Patriots' receiver room is so deficient that if he's signed on a cheap, heavily incentivized contract, it may be worth the risk. He'd be helpful, but his signing won't significantly alter the Patriots' need for two long-term top receivers. It might just delay signing or drafting one for a year or so.
The Patriots should sign Cam Robinson. Amari Copper is a risk, but if he checks out medically, he may be worth a flyer. Robinson's signing could significantly alter the Patriots' draft plans, while Cooper's may alter them somewhat. The verdict here is: go all-out to sign Robinson. And, if it's not costly, take a flyer on Cooper. Robinson is a lock upgrade. Cooper may be one. Go for it.