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.
So before the fun begins, let’s get into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag.
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’t seem to be Vrabel’s way. – 1stStateSoxFan
There’s 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’d be interested in the Ravens “other” 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.
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.
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’t really much else in free agency. I am discounting Pickens. There also doesn’t seem much in the draft at #31. What do we do? – bdou5549
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.
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’t seem like he’ll hit the open market. The rest of the free agent market is unimpressive. Then, the Patriots will miss the top wideouts drafting 31st overall.
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’s Denzel Boston, Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr., or Texas A&M’s 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.
Looking forward to next season, who on the roster from last year that didn’t make a big impact do you see possibly becoming an impact player on next season’s team?I think of guys like Chism, Swinson, Farmer who didn’t play a whole lot coming into larger/more consistent roles. – LandenPatz1
Speaking of that internal development — and we’ll see how the wide receiver position ultimately shakes out — 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.
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.
We’ll 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’s deep ball away.
When free agency opens, who should the patriots reach out to first? I would be happy with David Edward’s from the Bills to help our line and have a veteran presence next to Cambell. – jpd985
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’s Isaac Seumalo are the two top options. The wild card is Jets’ 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.
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’d look at any of those three.
Are there any guys on other teams who might be surprise cuts due to the size of their contracts that might become available? – slunkywontergreen
Getting back to tight ends who can play in-line, Cole Kmet projects as a cut in Chicago after Colston Loveland’s emergence last season. While Chicago played a ton of 12 personnel under Ben Johnson, releasing Kmet saves them $8.4 million.
The other name I’d 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.
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’re 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
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.
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.
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’s OK if he’s worth it – Smonze
As teams like the Dallas Cowboys have taught us, it’s always better — from a financial and personal side of things — 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.
That’s all for this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you’d 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 and @PatsPulpit as well.