The Patriots have made impressive strides to improve their team from top to bottom, starting with Robert Kraft's decision to hire Mike Vrabel to succeed Jerod Mayo. The former Titans' head coach assembled a talented coaching staff and then helped build an upgraded roster alongside Eliot Wolf, who was in a position to rectify last offseason's mistakes in the free agency and draft class.
Even with all the moves they made for the roster, they head into training camp later this month with around $60 million in cap space left to spend. There is plenty to suggest they should, especially with some high-profile holdouts going on across the league and some of the top-name free agents still available, which also means other teams could be in on some of those players.
That could create a nightmare scenario within the division, as some new projections have the Dolphins making a big signing to build an even more intimidating offense. As if receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle weren't enough weaponry for Tua Tagovailoa, multiple analysts suggest they sign veteran Keenan Allen to round out the receiving corps.
After the season the longtime Charger had with the Bears last year, it would be a scary announcement for the Patriots if Allen moves to South Beach for the 2025 season.
The Patriots better hope the Dolphins pass on signing more offensive talent
As one of the top remaining free agents ahead of training camp, many analysts are projecting where a player like Allen might wind up for the season ahead, assuming he will inevitably be signed. ESPN's Aaron Schatz suggested the Dolphins, citing his addition to round out an already loaded receiving corps as a reason for Miami's interest.
“That makes Miami the perfect landing spot for a seasoned veteran slot receiver like Allen. Hill and Waddle would give Allen a ton of room to work with underneath, giving quarterback Tua Tagovailoa a nice security blanket.”
Unfortunately for New England, Schatz isn't the only one suggesting the Dolphins make that move, as Athlon Sports' Nelson Hubbell believes the same.
“Bringing an elite route runner into the slot like Allen offers even more versatility for head coach Mike McDaniel on offense.”
Although these are just suggestions for what the Dolphins should do before the season begins, they could spark some interest in the team or even reflect what these analysts have heard regarding their interest in Allen. While it wouldn't be the end of the world if the receiver signed with Miami, it would make the Patriots' matchups with them much more difficult, especially when playing in Hard Rock Stadium.
New England's secondary appears more equipped to handle the challenge this year than they would have in 2024, but it would be less stressful to see Allen sign with a team that needs more talent in their wide receiver room instead, with the best suggestion being a team the Patriots maybe don't play this fall.