The offseason is set to pick up for the New England Patriots as the NFL Combine begins next week. Besides getting testing data and meeting with prospects, the NFL world coming together in Indianapolis can light a flame to the trade and upcoming free agent market.<\/p>\n
So before the fun begins, let\u2019s get into this week\u2019s #PostPulpit Mailbag.<\/p>\n
Put on your GM hat, Brian. Address an area of need by signing on the cheap a player you think was misused\/underdeveloped by their first team. This can either be a FA signing or reclamation project on a player with an option (like dealing a late round, future round pick). You can say that doesn\u2019t seem to be Vrabel\u2019s way. – 1stStateSoxFan<\/p>\n
There\u2019s lots of online talk about signing a tight end in free agency and I do think the position needs multiple additions. But instead of looking in the Kyle Pitts or Isaiah Likely group, I\u2019d be interested in the Ravens \u201cother\u201d tight end Charlie Kolar. Kolar is one of the best blocking tight ends in football and has some pass catching potential up the seam and after the catch. His 6-foot-6 frame would make him a friendly target for Drake Maye.<\/p>\n
While the top of the market names are enticing, Hunter Henry will be back next season and the Patriots need to find someone to play in-line next to him. Their inability to run the ball out of 12 personnel hurt them last season led to teams just matching those groups in nickel, hence taking away advantageous passing matchups of tight ends lined up on linebackers. That then led to the increase of six O-line groups. Adding a tight end with some blocking ability would help fix that.<\/p>\n
How does the wide receiver room shake out, especially considering a decision has to be made on Diggs by March 13th? How likely is a trade for AJ Brown or another WR of similar talents? I expect the Colts resign Pierce and there isn\u2019t really much else in free agency. I am discounting Pickens. There also doesn\u2019t seem much in the draft at #31. What do we do? – bdou5549<\/p>\n
This is the biggest question of the offseason to me and one that has many layers to it (which means my answer might flip-flop based on the day). The group exceeded expectations last season but the playoffs, and especially the Super Bowl, showed they could still use the alpha atop the depth chart.<\/p>\n
The problem is who is that alpha? Philadelphia may be in no rush to trade A.J. Brown due to a near $50 million cap hit that comes with it. George Pickens is a tremendous talent but will likely receive the franchise tag. Alec Pierce (probably my favorite option) doesn\u2019t seem like he\u2019ll hit the open market. The rest of the free agent market is unimpressive. Then, the Patriots will miss the top wideouts drafting 31st overall.<\/p>\n
Where things currently stand, I would look to bring back Stefon Diggs and upgrade next to him. That could still be via the 31st overall pick such as Washington\u2019s Denzel Boston, Indiana\u2019s Omar Cooper Jr., or Texas A&M\u2019s KC Concepcion, who profiles similarly to Diggs. If not, maybe another wide receiver shakes loose on the trade market or you have to bank on internal development from your younger players and upgrade another position like tight end.<\/p>\n
Looking forward to next season, who on the roster from last year that didn\u2019t make a big impact do you see possibly becoming an impact player on next season\u2019s team? I think of guys like Chism, Swinson, Farmer who didn\u2019t play a whole lot coming into larger\/more consistent roles. – LandenPatz1<\/p>\n
Speaking of that internal development \u2014 and we\u2019ll see how the wide receiver position ultimately shakes out \u2014 but Kyle Williams would be the choice here for me. Due to a group of veterans (that were playing well) ahead of him, Williams was buried on the depth chart which led to a minimal first-year role and shaky in-game chemistry with Drake Maye. But, the flashes were there with his ability to get open and strike big plays with his speed.<\/p>\n
If New England moves off of Diggs, I think Williams could thrive with that route tree and YAC ability moving to the inside. Still, he should be able to make more of an impact either way with his versatile.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ll also always continue to use for Efton Chism III snaps, and do wonder if his work in the run game and ability to uncover underneath could become more of a factor if teams home in on taking Maye\u2019s deep ball away.<\/p>\n
When free agency opens, who should the patriots reach out to first? I would be happy with David Edward\u2019s from the Bills to help our line and have a veteran presence next to Cambell. – jpd985<\/p>\n
If New England does plan on moving Jared Wilson back to center, I do like the idea of adding a veteran guard in free agency. David Edwards and Pittsburgh\u2019s Isaac Seumalo are the two top options. The wild card is Jets\u2019 guard Alijah Vera-Tucker. The former first-round pick is still just 26 years old and was one of the best guards in football in 2024. But, he missed all of last season with a torn triceps which marked the third season-ending injury of his career.<\/p>\n
Outside of guard, New England should see if they can upgrade along the edge in a deep free agent class. Trey Hendrickson is on the older side, but Odafe Oweh, Jaelan Phillips, and Boye Mafe all project as upgrades up front. I\u2019d look at any of those three.<\/p>\n
Are there any guys on other teams who might be surprise cuts due to the size of their contracts that might become available? – slunkywontergreen<\/p>\n
Getting back to tight ends who can play in-line, Cole Kmet projects as a cut in Chicago after Colston Loveland\u2019s emergence last season. While Chicago played a ton of 12 personnel under Ben Johnson, releasing Kmet saves them $8.4 million.<\/p>\n
The other name I\u2019d watch is Michael Pittman Jr. in Indianapolis. If the Colts opt to re-sign Alec Pierce, they could then release Pittman and save $24 million. Pittman would then become one of the better wide receivers on the open market.<\/p>\n
So, is there any chance that we will see more of Marcus Bryant and Bradyn Swinson next year? I remember being impressed with both as late round picks, though I realize that they\u2019re probably longer shots to make the team\/make an impact as later round players. And yet, they both play positions of need for the Pats and have good measurables, so it would be nice to see them have a second-year leap to a place where they can compete for playing time. Have there been any rumors of either through the year that might give us a better understanding of their chances? – Loiosh<\/p>\n
As someone who was a fan of Swinson in the pre-draft process last year, there is still some hope there that he can take a step as a pass rusher. In a draft class this year that projects deep at edge, however, he could get pushed further down the depth chart.<\/p>\n
When it comes to Bryant, it feels like the team revealed their cards this season after they brought back Thayer Munford off the Browns practice squad and kicked Bryant to the inactive list for the rest of the season. Perhaps he takes a developmental step in the offseason, but I could see them adding another tackle earlier in the draft this year with a higher ceiling.<\/p>\n
Why should New England extend Gonzo instead of picking up his 5th year ?? Picking up the 5th year is better business. May have to pay him more in 2 years but it\u2019s OK if he\u2019s worth it – Smonze<\/p>\n
As teams like the Dallas Cowboys have taught us, it\u2019s always better \u2014 from a financial and personal side of things \u2014 to get these done early. Plus, Seattle is in the same boat this offseason with cornerback Devon Witherspoon, so whatever team gets a deal done first will likely get the better terms.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s all for this week\u2019s #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you\u2019d liked to be answered next week, submit them online in our weekly submission post or on Twitter using #PostPulpit. Make sure to be following @iambrianhines<\/a> and @PatsPulpit<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n