Walking into free agency with some of the most cap space to spend, the Patriots were expected to make big strides to improve their roster during the 2024 offseason, only to do the complete opposite in an attempt to save money and sign cheap players to short term contracts. It was a theory that may have sounded good in the new regime's mind, but the team has suffered the consequences all season long because of it.
They'll head into 2025 in the same situation, but they will have more money to spend this time. No matter who is signing free agents, whether it be Eliot Wolf or a new presumed general manager, there's no way they can go about free agency the same way again, especially when you have the most important position handled by having Drake Maye on the roster.
With that settled, they will need to present blank checks to the most desirable players to entice them into signing in New England instead of hoping to pick up talent via the waiver wire, which they did far too much of this past season.
That was the case when defensive end Yannick Ngakoue was waived by the Ravens earlier in the year, and despite the hype he had earlier this year, he didn't live up to expectations and the Patriots officially waived him on Tuesday.
Patriots are waiving veteran pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue today, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 31, 2024
With that decision, they have now created an even bigger need on their defensive line to address next spring.
The Patriots just created another significant roster hole that can't be ignored (again) ahead of next season
The Patriots have had a tough time finding dominant pass rushers over the last several years until Bill Belichick struck gold by signing free agent Matthew Judon. As soon as he joined the defense, he was a wrecking ball, and through his three-year stint in New England, he was a perennial Pro Bowler and sack leader each year.
Finding a solid number two guy to play alongside Judon has evaded the Patriots and it appears to be the case again this year, with Keion White becoming nearly non-existent and now the experiment with Ngakoue failing after just a few weeks.
It's also why they chose to trade Joshua Uche at the deadline in November, which has been proven to be the right move. He has been a healthy scratch for the Chiefs for most of his tenure there.
There is some optimism behind Anfernee Jennings, who has had some shining moments as a pass rusher but is not consistent enough to rely upon. So, the Patriots have to prioritize the position in free agency and the draft, along with wide receiver and offensive tackle, making their task list even longer and more crucial.