The Patriots have many roster holes to address this offseason, and most of the focus has remained on the offense. While it's fair to want to improve the weaker side of the team, especially when you have a quarterback like Drake Maye ready to lead, the defense is just as essential to improve, and they made that very clear throughout the 2024 season.
The main position that analysts and fans have honed in on defensively has been pass rushers, which has been a consistent weakness of the group over the past few years. They picked up some steam with the addition of Matthew Judon in 2021, but his season-ending injury in 2023 eventually led to him being traded last offseason.
That left all the work on Ja'Whaun Bentley and second-year EDGE Keion White to take over the job, only for the veteran to suffer a season-ending injury early in the season, creating an inescapable hole for White. It made it even more apparent that the Patriots need to address the position in free agency or the draft, which is why Penn State's Abdul Carter has been a favorite with the fourth overall pick.
But then came the news of Myles Garrett wanting a trade out of Cleveland last week, creating a big opportunity for New England to get an immediate game-changer. Unfortunately, they're not in a position that intrigues Garrett at the moment, so they're probably out of the running. However, they might be able to sign a different dominant option in free agency instead.
Assuming Myles Garrett won't be traded to the Patriots, they could sign Josh Sweat in free agency instead
Plenty of players have been mentioned as great candidates for the Patriots to sign this offseason, especially since they are projected to have around $120 million in cap space to utilize. Many of the names listed could be considered dream signings, with only a few that are likely realistic.
Even so, a name like Josh Sweat, now a Super Bowl champion with the Eagles, is one to follow, even more so after his standout performance against a tough Chiefs offense on Sunday. He is set to become a free agent this offseason and will garner a lot of attention, and the Patriots have the means to give him a big payday if that is something he is looking for.
The 27-year-old has spent his entire career with the Eagles, and it's probably fair to assume that, ideally, he would like to return if they will have him. Given how dominant the defense was against the Patrick Mahomes-led offense, it's also hard to imagine that GM Howie Roseman would be unwilling to offer him a new contract to ensure he stays on the team.
However, with an estimated $18 million in cap space available, a lot of restructuring would need to be done to afford Sweat's return, which might not seem as likely given the other players set to become free agents along with him. In that case, the Patriots could make an offer he can't refuse.
After seeing his impressive performance in Super Bowl LIX, where he recorded six combined tackles, two tackles for a loss, three quarterback hits, and 2.5 sacks, it's hard to argue that he wouldn't be a significant addition to the Patriots roster.
Looking at his full 2024 season stats is even more mind-blowing, as he recorded 41 combined tackles, nine tackles for a loss, 15 quarterback hits, two passes defended, and eight sacks, nearly all of which blow every Patriots defender out of the water.
Adding him to their defensive lineup would be an automatic game-changer and put the defense back on the map, especially if they can add more defensive linemen through the draft or free agency. Sweat won't be cheap, but he'd be worth it, and hopefully, the new regime led by Mike Vrabel will be willing to make that kind of an offer for a player of his caliber.
Josh Sweat had the game of his life in Super Bowl LIX 💪
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) February 10, 2025
✅ Most Sacks in a game (2.5)
✅ T-Most Pressures in a game (8) https://t.co/ZsML7Nj4nB pic.twitter.com/Cx11x6MrQe