For much of the offseason, the clearest holes on the Patriots' roster have been beyond apparent, and now that the regular season is less than two weeks away, they're running out of time to address those weaknesses properly to put their team in the best position possible to succeed.
There will inevitably be problem areas on any team, but their defense, the star of the show during their impressive 2025 run, might be the most problematic, particularly at linebacker and as a pass rusher.
With Harold Landry sidelined for the entire summer and Dre'Mont Jones making little noise since joining the team, concerns are starting to boil over regarding how the defensive line will fare this upcoming season.
That should lead the higher-ups in Foxboro to consider signing a veteran like LB Bobby Wagner, who is still a free agent despite coming off a memorable year with the Commanders.
The 10-time Pro Bowler has bounced around the league since initially leaving Seattle, but it hasn't derailed his production on the field, and the Patriots could seriously use his experience and veteran leadership in the locker room.
At this point, they can't avoid addressing their weak linebacker room, and while Wagner isn't a long-term solution, he certainly elevates the roster to a more competitive level and would strip away plenty of concerns ahead of their Super Bowl rematch.
There are too many reasons for the Patriots to seriously consider signing Bobby Wagner
Over the past few years, the Patriots' linebacker roster has been more questionable than most would like, and now, heading into the upcoming season without players like K'Lavon Chaisson, Jahlani Tavai, and Anfernee Jennings, they're even more vulnerable than they were just one year ago.
That's particularly true with Landry continuing to rehabilitate from offseason surgery and no clear return date set.
It opens the door wide open for Wagner to walk in and immediately take over, joining up with Spillane and Christian Elliss to boost their production from some of their most key defensive figures on the roster.
The 36-year-old hasn't shown an ounce of slowing down despite his age, as he recorded one of the best seasons of his 14-year career in 2025. Through 17 games, he made 162 combined tackles, 8 for a loss, 9 quarterback hits, 2 interceptions, 4 passes defended, and 4.5 sacks.
Wagner hasn't missed a game since the 2021 season, which is significant given the Patriots' injured roster, and he can bring his immense expertise to the defense in a way they haven't had in years, especially in the playoffs.
Because they're about to embark on a brutal schedule, they could use a player like Wagner in more ways than just his output on the football field. That could become even more valuable in the long run, and that alone is worth asking about his interest in signing with the team.
There are risks, of course, including his age and the fact that he hasn't been training with a team at all this offseason. But the Patriots aren't in a position to play it safe or be content with what they have when a player like Wagner is still available.
He could easily become one of the most important pieces of their defensive efforts this fall, providing insurance to a weaker group, especially if their main star, Landry, is unable to suit up for Week 1.
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