The New England Patriots are expected to retool this offseason.

It’ll be difficult to get everything done over the next few weeks, however…

I’ve rattled my brain in trying to figure out by which means the organization will address each of its needs, though it’s easy to see them trading for a wide receiver (A.J. Brown or Brian Thomas Jr.), while the expectectation is that they’re going to run it back along the offensive line and in the secondary (Will Campbell and Jaylinn Hawkins).

It’s safe to say we can’t connect the dots until we see their approach free agency, though — where the focus should be on these four positions:

EDGE

The Patriots have gone on record in saying that their primary focus this offseason will be adding pass-rushers, with Mike Vrabel sharing that he’s doing more work on this draft class’ edge prospects than any other position and Eliot Wolf admitting that he’ll exhaust all options in trying to improve production.

I’ve taken those comments to mean that they aren’t just looking for one person to fortify the current group, but that they’re willing to give it a full makeover.

K’Lavon Chaisson is a free agent. Anfernee Jennings is the club’s most obvious cut candidate. Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson haven’t proven much of anything. New England’s best course of action would be to dish out some money to one (or two) of the many solid options during free agency, while also investing in the position during the early rounds of the draft.

Free Agents: Trey Hendrickson (Cincinnati Bengals), Odafe Oweh (Los Angeles Chargers), Boye Mafe (Seattle Seahawks), Khalil Mack (Los Angeles Chargers), Joseph Ossai (Cincinnati Bengals), Arnold Ebiketie (Atlanta Falcons), Al-Quadin Muhammad (Detroit Lions), Malcolm Koonce (Las Vegas Raiders)

Prediction: Jaelan Phillips (Philadelphia Eagles)

 

Jaelan Phillips breaks through for the sack!

DETvsPHI on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/f7jDLYG550

— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2025

 

TE

I’ve been saying it for years…

The Patriots can’t afford to keep kicking the can down the road at tight end, as the last time theyflirted with that concept they ended up employing the likes of Ryan Izzo, Dalton Keane, Devin Asiasi, Ben Watson, Matt LaCosse and Eric Tomlinson, and watched them combine for 55 total receptions across two seasons!

55!

Hunter Henry is entering the final year of his contract. Austin Hooper is a free agent. It’s time to double-dip here, as well.

Free Agents: Cade Otton (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Isaiah Likely (Baltimore Ravens), Chigoziem Okonkwo (Tennessee Titans), Charlie Kolar (Baltimore Ravens), Dallas Goedert (Philadelphia Eagles), Darren Waller (Miami Dolphins), David Njoku (Cleveland Browns)

Prediction: Charlie Kolar (Baltimore Ravens)

LB

Robert Spillane was really good when healthy. Jack Gibbens and Christian Elliss were decent when asked to fill in during his absences. Jahlani Tavai was fine.

New England’s ability to bring in someone who can bring an added layer of athleticism and that can play on all three downs would make things much easier on everybody, however. I wouldn’t expect them to make any big-money additions, but perhaps someone who is looking to prove his worth on a one-year deal?

Free Agents: Devin Lloyd (Jacksonville Jaguars), Kaden Elliss (Atlanta Falcons), Leo Chenal (Kansas City Chiefs), Nakobe Dean (Philadelphia Eagles), Quay Walker (Green Bay Packers), Devin Bush (Cleveland Browns)

Prediction: Quincy Williams (New York Jets)

 

sack No. 4 for the defense, courtesy of Quincy Williams

📺: #CLEvsNYJ on CBS | @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/R9dVRCuPut

— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 9, 2025

 

OL

Will Campbell-Jared Wilson-Garrett Bradbury-Mike Onwenu-Morgan Moses.

I don’t know about you, but it seems pretty unlikely that they run it back with that exact unit…

Campbell might be good enough to stick at left tackle. Onwenu is certainly good enough to keep his job at right guard. Moses and Bradbury are aging veterans who will eventually need to be placed, however. Wilson, for all of his ups and downs, played out of position as a rookie.

If you asked me what the unit will look like next season, I’d be willing to bet that Wilson replaces Bradbury and they ultimately find a new left guard while also drafting the long-term replacement for Moses. 

Free Agents: Tyler Linderbaum (Baltimore Ravens), Alijah Vera-Tucker (New York Jets), Jermaine Eluemunor (New York Giants), Zion Johnson (Los Angeles Chargers), Wyatt Teller (Cleveland Browns), Sean Rhyan (Green Bay Packers)

Prediction: Isaac Seumalo (Pittsburgh Steelers)

More NFL: Patriots Offseason Preview: Everything Team Must Address In 2026