The improvements needed for the Patriots' defense this offseason have primarily gone under the radar due to the tremendous upgrades the offense needs now that they have their franchise quarterback in Drake Maye. The offense was seemingly pushed to the backburner in last year's free agency, so they're at the top of the board under Mike Vrabel.
However, because the defense has been significantly underwhelming and the new head coach is a former linebacker, big changes will inevitably be coming to the defensive roster, and for good reason.
There is an expectation that there will be some turnover on defense, especially at the linebacker position, which we've already seen with the release of Sione Takitaki last week. That puts the Patriots in a good spot to sign quality talent in free agency, which is why they are one of the teams considered the best fit for perhaps the most desirable player set to hit the free agent market next month.
Eagles' rising star linebacker Zack Baun was impressive with his Super Bowl earlier this month and quickly placed himself atop the leaderboard for the player who will have teams knocking down his door to sign once free agency begins. Fortunately for New England, they are among the best-suited teams to land him.
The Patriots should do all that they can to sign Zack Baun in free agency
Because of his rising star power during the 2024 season, Baun enters free agency this year as a player who will inevitably earn a large contract for more than just being a great player. It will also be due to how many teams will want to sign him, especially after he recorded seven combined tackles, a quarterback hit, and an interception.
The Patriots have a deep wallet this offseason, so that shouldn't be a problem for them, which is just one reason for Tyler Brooke of The 33rd Team naming New England one of the best fits for Baun.
"Along with money to spend, the Patriots need an infusion of talent just about everywhere. Drake Maye has quickly established himself as the quarterback of the future, and cornerback Christian Gonzalez was a second-team All-Pro. Outside of those two, however, it's unclear who else on the roster can be considered a franchise player.
A leader in the middle of the defense could do this Patriots team a lot of good, and a player like Baun feels like the perfect culture fit for new head coach Mike Vrabel, who knows a thing or two about becoming a star linebacker after being overlooked as a third-round pick."
Baun certainly fits the mold of player that Vrabel has typically liked at linebacker in the past, skyrocketing him to the top of the list of players he will inevitably be interested in signing. The Patriots' current linebacker group is underwhelming, so adding Baun into the mix would immediately make an impact.
Not only would he bring the production and experience the team desperately needs right now, but he is also an established veteran who could be a powerful locker room presence for a team expected to rely heavily on building their roster through the draft.
That makes Baun more invaluable to the Patriots in their current state, and he is a player for whom it makes sense to write a blank check. Adding him to the roster sends a sign to the rest of the league about what the Patriots are trying to accomplish with their roster moving forward. It could also make them a more desirable place to play for in the future, which is something they also really need after the last few years.