5 free agents the Patriots could still sign before the 2024 season
By Rhys Knott
The Krafts have approached this offseason like an ownership group that is asset-rich but cash-poor. According to OverTheCap.com the Patriots currently have 79 players on the active roster and $54 million of cap space.
They’re allowed to have 90 players on the roster during preseason. After signing 16 undrafted free agents to go with their draft picks, there’s a serious lack of experience in New England right now.
But some free agents are available who could fix that and, more importantly, help develop all the youngsters in training camp.
OLB Tyus Bowser
The Patriots' defense ranked fifth in QB hurries for the 2023 season, but without Matthew Judon, they were unable to convert hurries into sacks, a measure they ranked 27th.
If Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf want to bring in some help for their sack leader, his teammate from his Ravens days, Tyus Bowser, is still available.
During their four seasons together in Baltimore, the duo combined for 41 sacks. Judon has made 32 sacks in the 33 games he has started in New England, which equates to 25% of the team’s total sacks since he arrived in 2021.
Judon only played four games in 2023 due to a season-ending injury against the Cowboys, but just three Patriots players recorded more sacks than him despite his absence: Deatrich Wise Jr. and Ja’Whaun Bentley each had 4.5, and Christian Barmore recorded 8.5.
Judon needs some help and 28-year-old Bowser would certainly provide that.
Bowser is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 250 lbs. He fits the Patriots defense perfectly and recorded nine sacks in his last 21 starts. Like Judon, Bowser suffered a season injury in 2023, tearing his Achilles tendon, leading to a subsequent knee issue.
However, he told CBS that he anticipates playing this season. If teams are concerned about his health, he may be available at a reduced price.