Besides the consistent need for a superstar wide receiver, the Patriots also need a game-changing pass rusher this offseason, and that has been a massive void on their defense since they traded Matthew Judon in 2024.
While they made necessary moves last year to improve the group that they had, they still didn't sign anyone who recorded double-digit sacks during the season, with Harold Landry III recording a team-high 8.5 and K'Lavon Chaisson right behind him with 7.5 sacks.
It has prompted analysts to suggest Mike Vrabel and Co. will prioritize the position in the draft and possibly pursue a blockbuster trade for someone like Maxx Crosby. But if that doesn't happen, they'll have to explore other options, despite the top free agents not looking like they'll move the needle too much.
Regardless, they'll need to add someone, and these are a few players to keep an eye on, according to Justin Leger of NBC Sports Boston.
There are a few under-the-radar pass rushers for the Patriots to consider in free agency
Odafe Oweh
After being traded to the Chargers by the Ravens in October, Odafe Oweh became an absolute powerhouse against opposing quarterbacks, as he paired well with veteran Khalil Mack.
In just 12 games in LA, he recorded 28 combined tackles, eight for a loss, 13 quarterback hits, and 7.5 sacks. Had he been able to play an entire season with the Chargers, it's easy to imagine how much more impressive he likely would have been.
Oweh might be the best option for the Patriots to sign of the pending free agency class, if the Chargers actually let him hit the market, based on his potential. He has been consistent thus far in his career and proved he can accomplish that no matter what team he's on, and that's the kind of player Vrabel will love.
Khalil Mack
Although Mike Vrabel has made it clear that he wants to build a roster with young talent from free agency and the draft, there might be plenty of reason to consider signing an established veteran like Khalil Mack to fill a position of need.
The 35-year-old has been a force on every defense he's been a part of, and is only a couple of seasons removed from recording a 17-sack season for the LA Chargers. While he hasn't replicated that over the last two years, he would immediately become the Patriots' most dominant pass rusher and would have plenty of opportunities to bring that spark to Foxboro.
They would certainly need that, rather than the six sacks he recorded last season. That would still be helpful for their defense, but not the kind of production they're likely looking for.
Regardless, Mack has proven to be a consistent performer and would be a great mentor to bring in for their budding defense.
Boye Mafe
Because reports indicate that the Patriots called Seattle about Boye Mafe ahead of last year's trade deadline, it's inevitable that he will be on this year's shortlist of pass rushers they'll, at the very least, inquire about.
The 27-year-old has never been the most dominant pass rusher in the league, but he's been consistent over the last four years, and could be an asset to the Patriots' defensive line for years to come.
He had a less-than-ideal 2025 season, recording just 31 combined tackles and two sacks, which might make him easier to sign, but his pressure rate is impressive and would pair well with Christian Barmore and Milton Williams, who became one of the most dominant defensive tackle duos in the league.
At the same time, however, he's not the difference-maker their defense needs, so he couldn't be the only pass rusher they sign.
Trey Hendrickson
Because he's expected to hit free agency this offseason, there's a chance the Patriots could finally get their hands on Trey Hendrickson after analysts connected him to the team for the last two years.
There's a chance the Bengals will franchise tag him, but that doesn't make him unavailable to trade for, and that could be a good idea for the Patriots to pursue if they want a game-wrecking force on their defensive line.
Although Hendrickson dealt with injuries for much of the 2025 season, playing in just seven games, he's still a highly sought-after defender who would make their defense much more frightening. He's just one year removed from recording 46 combined tackles, 19 for a loss, 36 quarterback hits, six passes defended, two forced fumbles, and a league-high 17.5 sacks.
If he's healthy and ready to go for the 2026 season, there's no reason for the Patriots to sit on their hands.