There's no doubt that the Patriots' roster needs a lot of work coming off a second consecutive 4-13 season. Mike Vrabel and Robert Kraft have a lot of constructing to do, but the Patriots have the tools in a high amount of salary cap space and draft capital to get it done.
Vrabel cannot afford to make any mistakes. Fans are restless. They want a contending team again. The focus is undoubtedly on upgrading the offense, particularly at wide receiver and along the offensive line.
But the defense can't be ignored, and some 2025 free agents who once called Foxboro home could very well be back if the Patriots choose to give them a call. That includes someone who was traded in last season's training camp.
3 former Patriots who could re-sign with the team in 2025 free agency
1. LB Matthew Judon
Does this sound unlikely? Yes. Is Matthew Judon worth a phone call? Yes. He was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in a contract dispute last summer. Judon only had 5 1/2 sacks and 25 tackles in Atlanta last season, and at 32, he is on the back nine of his career.
The Patriots would be well-suited not to hand out huge contracts to players on the wrong side of 30, but a Judon reunion could be worth it on a one or two-year deal.
2. WR Nelson Agholor
Nelson Agholor's first go-around in New England didn't work out, as he was one of the notable signings in the 2021 free-agency spending spree by Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft. But he was buried in Baltimore's depth chart last season, recording only 14 catches for 231 yards and two touchdowns.
He's only 31 years old, and the Patriots' wide receiver room sorely needs upgrading. Agholor is a potential depth piece who could return on a short contract.
3. CB Stephon Gilmore
Stephon Gilmore is not the shutdown corner he was when he was voted the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, but he's absolutely worth bringing back. A veteran presence in the secondary like former Patriot would provide the young, talented Christian Gonzalez with an excellent locker-room presence.
He is coming off a 2024 where he recorded just one interception and nine pass breakups in Minnesota, but he's another guy worth kicking the tires on, likely on a two or three-year deal.