4 bold predictions for the Patriots' 2024 offseason
By Matt Sidney
Bold prediction: The Patriots prioritize cornerbacks with their free agency money
With a projected $73M in cap space, the Patriots have a lot of money to throw at some of the top players in free agency. I expect, with a defensive-minded head coach like Jerod Mayo, the Patriots will utilize a chunk of it going after defensive players.
In all fairness to Jonathan Jones, J.C. Jackson and Myles Bryant, the Patriots can use an upgrade or two in their cornerback room. 2023 first-round pick, Christian Gonzalez got hurt before we could truly see how special of a player he is. Now that he'll be back and healthy for the 2024-25 season, at least one cornerback position should be occupied.
Teams can never have too many good cornerbacks, and luckily for the Patriots, there are several in this upcoming free-agent class. Jaylon Johnson, L'Jarius Sneed, and Kendall Fuller round out the top three cornerbacks available in this year's FA group. All three will be an upgrade over anyone the Patriots currently have on their roster.
With about $73 million projected in cap space, expect the Patriots to use this money to bring in a lockdown corner for the defense. Jaylon Johnson would cost the team a pretty penny, but he would be worth it. Working alongside Gonzalez, the two young corners could form a dynamic that would consistently frustrate opposing offenses.
Expect to see at least one of Johnson, Sneed or Fuller in a Patriots uniform this upcoming season.