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.
T Trent Brown
At this point in the offseason, seeing Trent Brown on a list of players New England should consider bringing back would not have been predicted based on how his 2023 season ended. The offensive lineman had made it very clear he was ready to move on from the Patriots after his second stint, even after Belichick departed the team.
Addressing the left tackle was presumed to be one of the first positions Eliot Wolf would address once free agency began, but he has instead done the opposite, hence Brown's inclusion on this list.
Despite the issues he may come with, Brown continues to be one of the best left tackles in the league and was the best lineman on the Patriots for a stretch last season. Now that most desirable targets have already signed with new teams, there aren't many options remaining for Wolf to choose from or who would be upgrades over Brown. So, re-signing the nine-year veteran should still be considered.
It may be easier to get a deal done since reports haven't suggested many teams are knocking on his door to sign him. That could make a return to Foxboro more enticing for Brown if he intends to play in 2024. And it would be wise of the Patriots to lock down a left tackle before the draft, even if they plan to draft one.
CB Stephon Gilmore
Another familiar face that should be welcomed back this year is Stephon Gilmore. He was traded from the team in 2021 and continues to feel like the one that got away.
In the three and a half years since his departure, Gilmore's production hasn't wavered, making him even more impressive considering he's been on three different teams in three years and he's 33 years old.
Now that he's a free agent and can choose where to go, bringing him back to right a former wrong would be great not just for that but for a young and developing cornerback room. Gilmore would be a valuable teacher to guys like Christian Gonzalez and Marcus Jones, both of whom hope to have bounce-back seasons next year.
On top of that, Belichick tried to trade for him last year before being outbid by the Cowboys. Although the head coach is gone, he was clearly trying to bring him back because he's still just as talented. And to make it even better, Gilmore stated his desire to return to New England one day. What better time than now?
WR Hunter Renfrow
He's certainly not at the top of the list of receivers who would be exciting to sign with the Patriots, but the team has been previously interested in signing Hunter Renfrow, who was released by the Raiders and is now testing the free agent market.
The slot receiver has had an up-and-down career thus far, recording career-low numbers during the 2023 season. Most of that could be blamed on the chaos surrounding the quarterback position and Jakobi Meyers's arrival bumping him down the depth chart, though.
Throughout his time in Las Vegas, he's been a consistently productive member of the offense, and there's no reason to believe his performance has declined. He could be an interesting addition to the Patriots' young offense, giving them a proven slot player to allow others to be used elsewhere.
EDGE Chase Young
Before he officially became a free agent, the Patriots were the rumored favorite to sign Chase Young this offseason. Now that he's available, they could do that and boost their pass rush with a young player who is a former Defensive Rookie of the Year winner.
Since that season in 2020, injuries have kept him sidelined more than on the field, which has significantly deteriorated his value. The once-promising defensive player is now in a position to prove himself and revert to who he once was, and he could easily do that in New England.
The Patriots have needed another consistent pass rusher alongside Matthew Judon for the last three years. Adding a 24-year-old Young to the lineup could be the boost they have been looking for while also giving him the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the league.
Signing Young now would give the defense a young and developing player who could flourish in their system and live up to the hype he received as a rookie. He might be a bit more expensive than some would like, but bringing in a former second-overall pick with all the potential in the world on a long-term contract seems like a no-brainer.