Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox recently made a to-do list three items long for each NFL team, and the Patriots' list, thankfully, saw no items that seem all that difficult to accomplish. Number one and two saw in-house organization prioritized: introducing McDaniels's offense and preparing for the inevitable competition that occurs in camp, particularly at WR and across the OL.
The third item on the list is an addition at edge rusher. The Patriots recorded a league-low 28 sacks last year and were one of just four teams that dipped under two per game.
They made their fair share of additions to remedy the issue: Milton Williams and Harold Landry were signed in free agency, and fourth and fifth-round selections were used on Joshua Farmer and Bradyn Swinson, a pair of highly regarded picks.
Currently, the edge rushers are lacking rather than the defensive line. The aforementioned Landry and Swinson will contribute alongside Anfernee Jennings and former Raider K'Lavon Chaisson. It's not a bad group, but it isn't one that inspires.
At this point, the team can afford to avoid making a major addition due to the pressure the trio of Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, and Keion White is sure to generate from the interior.
Free agency is the best option for the Patriots to add a pass rusher
Nonetheless, the options in free agency at edge defender aren't bad. Za'Darius Smith and Jadeveon Clowney are mentioned by Knox as players to look out for as potential options. Both have made three Pro Bowls and have a Second Team All-Pro to their name. Smith totaled nine sacks across his time with the Browns and Lions last year, while his 5.5 sacks with the Panthers further indicate that his run-stopping acumen is his defining trait, rather than his elite pass rush.
Both have spent time with Mike Vrabel. For Smith, it was nine games in Cleveland during which Vrabel was a consultant. Clowney spent 2020 with the Titans, but didn't record a sack in his eight games. Smith could offer situational pass rushing, and Clowney would have a role on first and second down as an edge setter.
Either way, they would both improve the edge rushing group and would be worthy running mates to Landry and Jennings.
Unless a T.J. Watt becomes available by some miracle, it appears that free agency is the best option for the Patriots to make an addition to their defense. Whether it's Smith as a pure pass rusher or Clowney to funnel backs into the grasp of Williams or Barmore, the Patriots would be lucky to add one of these former Pro-Bowlers to their club.