Much of the conversation about the Patriots' most likely moves in free agency has centered on the offense. Still, there are some weaknesses on defense that will need to be addressed, including at linebacker. Although they upgraded the position last offseason, injuries and inconsistency remain problems, and they'll need to address them to compete again this fall.
There are some free agent options they can explore, with one player set to hit the market for the first time in his career that might pique Mike Vrabel's interest, as he reportedly called the Seahawks about his availability before the trade deadline last season.
Boye Mafe became a household name in Seattle since he was drafted in the second round of the 2022 Draft, and Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer revealed the Patriots were interested in acquiring him this past season, likely due to the injuries to players like Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane.
A deal wasn't reached, of course, and there might be some better free agents they'll consider signing instead, but there's room to believe that Mafe will be a name they revisit in a few weeks.
The Patriots might be a leading contender in the Boye Mafe sweepstakes this offseason
Looking at the Patriots' biggest needs ahead of the 2026 season, improving their defensive line will be among the most dire.
They clearly have an impressive 1-2 punch in Christian Barmore and Milton Williams, and as long as Barmore's personal issues don't become bigger, the duo will continue to bring the pressure to opposing quarterbacks this fall.
They need help keeping that going and instilling fear in their opponents; bringing in someone like Mafe could potentially help accomplish that.
Although his stats aren't the most impressive from the 2025 season, recording 31 combined tackles, four for a loss, four quarterback hits, five passes defended, one forced fumble, and two sacks, he has had more impressive seasons over the last four years to prove that he can be more productive and disruptive, which is exactly what the Patriots need.
If they can get the kind of performance he showed in 2023 specifically, then they'll be adding a superstar in the making to their defense.
This will be their chance to get Mafe in the door if they feel he is the right fit, but it could become a fight to sign him if he is interested in returning to the Seahawks, with whom he just won a Super Bowl.