4 free agents the New England Patriots must chase this coming offseason

New England needs to go after quarterback Kirk Cousins

Much of potentially signing Cousins is based on whether Bill Belichick comes back or not. As Belichick is an aging coach, his window to start winning again will not be open for long. If Belichick is allowed another season in New England, the team has no reason not to be aggressive in helping close out his career on a high note. The team has loads to spend, plus draft capital, so the options to add good players are numerous.

Cousins will be 36 years old in Week 1 of the 2024 season and coming off an Achilles injury. He should be fine to start next year, however. After all, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers could return soon, and he suffered his Achilles injury in Week 1 of this season. But Cousins' experience is going to be the calm in the storm of the Patriots offensive rebuild. Plus, adding Cousins doesn't mean the team cannot also draft a quarterback early in the draft.

Cousins has always been fairly accurate in his career and maintains good arm strength. He also has become turnover-adverse over his career, as his interception percentage is only 1.8 percent in 3,081 pass attempts over six years with Minnesota. He led the NFL in game-winning drives in 2022 with eight, and his career quarterback rating is 98.2. He is an outstanding quarterback who could also help teach a rookie quarterback the ropes (or maybe even Mac Jones!).

Because Cousins is aging and coming off injury, Pro Football Focus (subscription required) projects his salary to only be in the $60 million over two years. That's nothing for an NFL quarterback in today's game, and two years with Cousins in New England would be perfect.

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