5 quality free agents the Patriots can still target after first wave of signings
The first wave of free agency has passed, and the Patriots were far more underwhelming than most were hoping for.
There was a sense of optimism that this year would be different from how a typical offseason was run under Bill Belichick, especially since he was no longer the head coach or GM, and the new regime implied that significant moves would be made to improve the team on multiple occasions.
That hasn't been the case so far. It's disappointing nearly every fan, and it does not look like much will happen in the next several weeks heading into the draft.
However, there are still some intriguing free agents available that they could sign; none necessarily game-changers the team needs, but they could be solid additions to the roster regardless.
5 free agents the Patriots can still target after first wave of signings
S Justin Simmons
Although the defense isn't the part of the team needing an overhaul, some of the moves that the Patriots have made in free agency so far make a few positions in need of addressing, one of which is the secondary.
With the releases of Myles Bryant, J.C. Jackson, and Jalen Mills, the roster looks thin in that area and could benefit from signing a guy like Justin Simmons. He would join safeties Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers and could potentially form the best group at the position in the league.
Simmons was considered the top safety free agent available this offseason besides Dugger, and because of the influx of players being released in free agency, he has flown under the radar through the first wave of signings.
The career-long Bronco put together another impressive season in 2023, earning his second Pro Bowl selection and fourth Second Team All-Pro honors. Simmons recorded 70 combined tackles, three interceptions returned for 39 yards, eight passes defended, and two forced fumbles.
His size and speed continue to be his best attributes, especially at the position, and his natural instincts make him one of the best safeties in the NFL. Pairing him with Dugger and Peppers would bring back the lights-out secondary that the Patriots have long been known for.
Signing Simmons might not be the cheapest, regardless of his age, but with the Patriots' remaining cap space, there would be enough reason to invest in a trusted veteran who was only cut for cap savings and not a decline in performance.