“Why is Kraft still cheap when spending money? Mayo going back on his spending money comments worries me.” ~ @508zdot
The Patriots are nearing the beginning of the 2024 free agency period with just over $100M in cap space. The organization will have key free agents to retain but should have a somewhat generous amount of money left over.
Over the last week, we’ve already seen many potential free agents get the franchise tag, preventing them from hitting the open market. Bengals receiver Tee Higgins and Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed are a couple of notable names. In addition to the wide receiver market, there’s a solid chance Michael Pittman Jr. will be franchise-tagged, and Mike Evans is searching for a Super Bowl-contending team, per his agent. That would leave Calvin Ridley and Marquise Brown as the top options for New England.
Jerod Mayo falling back on his ‘burn some cash’ quote could simply be a precautionary measure, thinking back to the 2021 off-season when New England gave generous deals to some free agents who were not worth the money they received. As the 2024 free agent class continues to deplete, there won’t be as many “worthy” options as some may have expected.
It’s hard to imagine New England not spending some money on outside free agents, but they should refrain from forcing themselves into unnecessary spending that would lead to bad contracts.
“Who do you think the Pats free agency, or maybe trade “splash” will be? ~ @GP_CC3
According to MassLive, the Patriots are interested in bringing in “at least one elite defender” who can start immediately. Before he received the franchise tag, I would have listed Chiefs CB L’Jarius Sneed as a major signing, which would pair Sneed with standout 2023 first-round pick Christian Gonzalez.
Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano of ESPN reported early Sunday morning that Dolphins DT Christian Wilkins may reach the free agent market on March 11th. Wilkins will be an expensive addition, with a projected market value of $22.1M per year listed on Pro Football Focus (PFF). Still, it’s difficult to hate the thought of Wilkins and current DT Christian Barmore terrorizing opposing offensive lines together.
A prominent threat on the edge, opposite Matthew Judon, will be a defensive need, with Josh Uche likely hitting the open market. Luckily for New England, as of now, there is a plethora of players who are set to hit the market and can do just that. Jaguars EDGE Josh Allen is a 2x pro bowl option to pair with former pro bowler Matthew Judon. If New England is looking for a cheaper option, Jets EDGE Bryce Huff, who has a projected market value of $16.7M per year, would fit that mold.
Regarding a potential trade, it’s hard to imagine New England would be willing to send a significant amount of draft capital in a deal as the organization begins its first genuine rebuild in decades.
“What do you think is the most likely outcome: Commanders take Jayden Daniels at No. 2 and Pats get Drake Maye, or Commanders Maye at No. 2 and Pats get Daniels? ~ @vincestake
Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported Saturday morning that Drake Maye seems like the likely option for Washington at the No. 2 pick. “There’s a belief by rival team executives the Washington Commanders are high on Maye and that he should remain the favorite as the second pick.”
In addition, according to Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, “the Patriots plan to draft a quarterback at No. 3 overall.”
Based on both reports and assuming Drake Maye is ultimately drafted by Washington at No. 2, all signs point toward New England targeting Jayden Daniels with their selection. Not to mention, a top-three QB prospect projected to be drafted within the first ten picks would be difficult to pass on, given the uncertainty of the future. New England cannot bank on another top-five draft selection in 2025.
“With the difficulty and expense of getting high-impact WRs, does that make this draft more important to come out with early and often in this draft?” ~ @cue_stephen
New England has many, many holes to fill and will need to address every position on the offensive side of the ball this off-season. Determining how they should approach the draft at a specific position is difficult to do without knowing who the organization will sign in free agency.
If New England significantly addresses wide receiver by signing a Calvin Ridley or Hollywood Brown and throwing some extra money at a Noah Brown, then receiver won’t be as big of a need as it currently is.
Therefore, maybe the team will end up settling for an offensive tackle in round two instead of a receiver, and it’s less important to draft one early.
If New England does not significantly address wide receiver in free agency, then it will be more important to find a fit early in the draft.
However, drafting receivers often will be important either way. Not only are this year’s draft prospects at the position one of the best bundles we’ve seen in recent years, but the amount of depth in this class is absurd. Notable names, including UCF’s Javon Baker and WKU’s Malachi Corley, could be available in the third round.
Double-dipping at wide receiver in this year’s draft could benefit New England, which has struggled to acquire receiver talent for years.
