Musket Fire
FanSided

Patriots must prioritize two key positions during the 2025 offseason

By Ryan McLaughlin

Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) runs with the ball while Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross (20) defends during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) runs with the ball while Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross (20) defends during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images / Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit

There's no doubt the Patriots have found their quarterback of the future in Drake Maye, which is arguably the most critical position in all of professional sports, no less in a win-or-you're-a-failure sports hotbed such as Boston/New England.

But when you look at the rest of New England's roster, especially offensively, it's clear this team needs some major upgrades this offseason. Maye (1,696 passing yards, 11 touchdowns) has been a clear bright spot in an otherwise forgettable 3-10 season. Maye is driving an offensive equivalent to a Toyota Corolla with 125,000 miles on it, and that's going to get you nowhere fast in today's NFL.

With the focus in New England clearly shifting to playing out the string and where the upgrades need to happen over the spring and summer of 2025, let's look at the offense's biggest offseason shopping and drafting needs.

The Patriots need to prioritize two positions during the offseason

1. Wide receiver

It would be easy to put the offensive line in this spot - particularly left tackle - but you can have Bruce Armstrong and John Hannah blocking for you and it won't matter without receivers who can create separation. And the Patriots don't have that guy that opposing defensive coordinators say "hey, we've got to make sure this guy is covered at all times."

The best receiver in free agency this offseason is going to be Tee Higgins. The Patriots are going to have a projected $132 million in salary cap space this offseason, so Higgins, who is going to command a large contract, is certainly affordable. If Colorado's Travis Hunter is available in the draft, there's an option as well.

Rookie receives Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker have been underwhelming at best, and Kendrick Bourne and Demario Douglas are WR2's and WR3's at best. The Patriots need to at least try to back up the Brinks truck for a guy like Higgins.

2. Left tackle

The Patriots' beleaguered offensive line has been a model of inconsistency all year. It wouldn't be shocking if New England winds up with a top-three pick in in 2025 draft and trades down for the best interior lineman, with signs pointing to LSU's Will Campbell. The team has pondered experimenting with Cole Strange at center once he's healthy, which isn't a bad idea given David Andrews is under contract through the 2025 season and is on the back nine of his career.

This is clearly a critical offseason for the Patriots that cannot be screwed up. They have their quarterback. Now, they just need a team around him to be able to contend again.

More Patriots news and analysis:

feed

Home/Patriots Roster