The New England Patriots were free agency’s biggest spender last offseason, and by some margin. Those free agent additions have paid off in a big way, as New England sits atop the AFC East with an 11-3 record.
Offensively, Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and Morgan Moses have helped bolster their firepower with Drake Maye leading the charge, while Milton Williams, Harold Landry, and Robert Spillane were the notable additions on defense. Carlton Davis also inked a $20 million-per-year deal.
Aside from their marquee additions, under-the-radar signings have also been excellent. Khyiris Tonga and K’Lavon Chaisson have been stout against the run and have put pressure on the quarterback, while Jack Gibbens has been a sound rotational linebacker. Center Garrett Bradbury hasn’t allowed a sack or been penalized in nearly 900 snaps.
The Patriots will be looking to add even further reinforcements to a team that has already overachieved. While they’ll still have the playoffs and plenty of time after that to straighten out their free agency big board, there are already a handful of players poised to hit the market that New England should have their eyes on.
The Patriots have the chance to further improve in free agencyTE David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
Njoku was a player named as a potential trade deadline addition for the Patriots, but free agency may make even more sense. Austin Hooper has a strong 2024, but he’s had only 16 catches this year despite playing more than 50% of snaps in ten games.
He’s also only had three catches in the last month and a half. It’s clear New England likes utilizing two tight end sets, and they’ll need an upgrade over Hooper if they want to elevate their offense.
Njoku will likely be allowed to walk on account of rookie Harold Fannin’s production. He’ll turn 30 during the summer and is in the midst of a down year, but that shouldn’t scare the Patriots away. He’d be an excellent seam threat with his speed and athleticism, and would be an incredible complement to Hunter Henry in 12 personnel.
WR Brandon Aiyuk*, San Francisco 49ers
Aiyuk isn’t technically a free agent at the end of the year, but there’s almost zero chance he’ll be on the Niners’ roster next year. HC Kyle Shanahan recently said he hasn’t seen Aiyuk in a month, and he’s had just 374 yards since signing a $30 million-a-year deal after the 2023 season.
He was originally dealing with an ACL tear, but it seems there is some real animosity between the parties. It seems unlikely anyone would take on his current contract, so a release is likely in order.
The Patriots need star power at receiver, not depth. Stefon Diggs was a nice addition, and the room is deep without a doubt: Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Pop Douglas, and Kyle Williams offer stability. Adding a playmaker on the outside is the priority, and Aiyuk has all the talent in the world.
If he is available and can pass a physical, he’d make an excellent prove-it deal receiver.
ED Khalil Mack, L.A. Chargers
Mack has been one of the league’s best pass rushers since entering the league from the University of Buffalo in 2014. He was named DPOY in 2016 before being traded to Chicago for a bundle of picks. He slowed down towards the end of his Chicago contract and was traded to the Chargers. He turns 35 in February, but he’s exactly the type of player New England needs.
The Patriots rank 20th in the league in sacks per game, and K’Lavon Chaisson looks poised for a big contract. As I’ve mentioned, paying Chaisson seems more likely to set the Patriots back than help them. Mack would be an excellent option as a designated pass rusher on a one-year deal.
Mack could sign with New England and help them make a Super Bowl push in 2026 while likely making around $15 million. A one-year deal wouldn’t come with long-term cap implications, so the Patriots should jump on the opportunity to add a QB hunter.
SAF Ifeatu Melifonwu, Miami Dolphins
If this name sounds familiar, it may be because you remember Obi Melifonwu, an ex-Connecticut Husky and Patriot. Obi played two games for New England but primarily spent time on the practice squad from 2018-2020. Ifeatu has similar elite athleticism.
The Boston-born safety is 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds and runs a 4.48 40-yard dash.
The Patriots have struggled to cover tight ends immensely this year, and Melifonwu could be their answer to that issue. In 372 snaps with Miami, he has a 62.1 overall PFF grade and a 62.4 coverage grade.
A third-round pick from Syracuse, originally in Detroit, he had his best-ever season in 2023, when he also played the most snaps of his career (535). He finished the year with an 82.1 PFF grade, allowing a 61.5% completion rate on 26 targets, and nabbed two interceptions.
He moved all around defensively, playing 43% of his snaps as a deep safety, 31% in the box, and 21% in the slot. The Patriots need versatility and depth, and when factoring in Melifonwu’s build, which is perfect for covering tight ends, he’s a no-brainer.
There is still plenty of season left, and the Patriots will have plenty of time to order their free agency big board, but this free agency class promises to be a great opportunity for New England to add to an already established roster.