The New England Patriots experienced an immediate turnaround this past season, going from four wins to 14 and a Super Bowl appearance. A big reason the team was able to do that was the franchise splurging in free agency last season.
Now, on the doorstep of this offseason’s free agency, the Patriots are hoping for another impactful year.
This free agency won’t look the same as last offseason, partly because New England has less cap space, but mainly because the team doesn’t have as many needs. However, the Patriots could identify a few really good moves that will help them improve, and some of those signings may not even cost much.
One player who should be on New England’s radar is linebacker Leo Chenal. After four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Chenal was recently named a top value free agency target by Brad Gagnon in a Bleacher Report piece.
Gagnon also highlighted New England as a potential landing spot, since it can use help at linebacker.
Patriots named as a landing spot for free agent linebacker Leo Chenal
The Bleacher Report writer laid out the pros and cons of Chenal. The good: he won’t turn 26 until October, and he has already established himself as one of the best run-stopping linebackers in the league.
The concerns: Chenal has a limited sample size, never playing more than 500 snaps in a season with the Chiefs, and also isn’t that fluid.
However, his projected contract is only two years for $11 million, and that’s great value for a linebacker who already has clear skill, with the potential to showcase even more with a bigger role. In four seasons in Kansas City, Chenal played in 65 games, recording 218 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, and one interception.
New England’s defense was a strength for the team on its run to a Super Bowl appearance, and there’s always room to get even better.
Adding Chenal into the fold would do just that. He would provide much-needed depth in the linebacker room and have an opportunity to develop into a real impact player for the Patriots.
If he can do that, on a likely team-friendly deal, he’d be a steal for New England.