The legal tampering period begins on Monday, and the Patriots are expected to make some big moves with their league-high cap space and (hopefully) have a similar first few days to Bill Belichick's 2021 spending spree. They began that over the weekend by signing free agent linebacker Harold Landry, who played for Mike Vrabel in Tennessee, and re-signing tight end Austin Hooper.
They are already connected to a list of other players who would be good fits for the roster, especially offensively, and there is some optimism that they'll get those deals done sooner rather than later. But there is also reason to pay attention to what's happening around the league, as much of it will dictate what happens in the draft.
With the fourth overall pick, the Patriots are in a good position to take one of the best players of the incoming class, but who that might be becomes more mysterious by the day. They have long been connected to two players in particular, Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter and Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter, both of whom would be significant upgrades.
However, doubt has grown about their chances of falling into the Patriots' laps in recent weeks due to the teams picking ahead of them. All three (Titans, Browns, and Giants) need a quarterback, yet which will pick one is uncertain. That just got a bit more problematic for the Patriots, as Vrabel's former team is reportedly interested in a pair of free agents.
Titans' interest in signing Mac Jones could have a significant impact on the Patriots draft
Hours before the legal tampering period was set to begin, new reports indicated that the Titans were looking into quarterback Zach Wilson and Mac Jones.
As the team with the first overall pick in next month's draft, they could have their choice of 2025 prospects, but it looks like they might be passing on that opportunity to sign a free agent instead and use their coveted selection on another game-changing player, likely Abdul Carter.
Two names I’ve heard around Titans interest: Zach Wilson and Mac Jones
— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) March 10, 2025
This is not the news the Patriots want to see because it would inevitably lead to one of their favorite rookies almost certainly being off the board immediately. Because the Titans have already made some big moves, including the release of Landry, it seems increasingly likely that they're really looking into Carter.
Carter's cryptic tweet made that even more apparent, suggesting that he already knows he will be the first pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.
If that is the inevitable future, Hunter is a potential pick for New England. But the Giants and Browns are also looking into veteran quarterbacks and could choose to pass on one of the incoming rookies, as well, which is even more bad news for the Patriots.
With that possible fate, it might be best for them to trade back and acquire more picks instead.