When the green confetti fell on U.S. Bank Stadium, it become instantly clear what the Patriots needed to do this offseason — get better on defense.
There’s no sugarcoating it, the Patriots' lack of talent on the defensive side of the ball cost the franchise another Super Bowl. Although championships aren’t won in March, the Pats desperately need help in order to right the ship. With minimum cap space (around $22 million), it remains to be seen [...]
When the green confetti fell on U.S. Bank Stadium, it become instantly clear what the Patriots needed to do this offseason — get better on defense.
There’s no sugarcoating it, the Patriots' lack of talent on the defensive side of the ball cost the franchise another Super Bowl. Although championships aren’t won in March, the Pats desperately need help in order to right the ship. With minimum cap space (around $22 million), it remains to be seen what the team can do, but at the moment, they could use help all over the place.
The Super Bowl LII loss to the Philadelphia Eagles showed quite a few Patriots weaknesse. A big one was in the front seven. The Patriots weren’t able to generate a capable pass rush or stop the run. The team made a nice move last weekend by trading for run-stopping defensive tackle Danny Shelton, but that only helps in one area.
The Patriots need to upgrade their linebacker and defensive end units this offseason. At the moment, it looks like the free-agent linebacker group is more talented compared to the ends.
Philadelphia’s Nigel Bradham (88 tackles) would give the Pats an instant upgrade. The three-down linebacker is also solid in pass coverage, but his price tag may get too rich for Foxboro. Buffalo’s Preston Brown (144 tackles) would give the Patriots an upgrade at middle linebacker. It also wouldn’t be the first time the Pats grabbed someone from the Bills.
The next set of options could also help — Detroit’s Tahir Whitehead (110 tackles) and Tennessee’s Avery Williamson (92 tackles, three sacks). Williamson is said to be a great leader and would give the Pats a player who could set the edge against the run. Whitehead would also fit nicely along with Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy. The team could also bring back Marquis Flowers, who is already generating interest from multiple teams this week.
At defensive end, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Patriots look at players looking to sign short-term prove-it deals.
Alex Okafor fits that bill. He recorded 4.5 sacks in 10 games before a torn Achilles ended his season. The same could be said for Washington’s Trent Murphy, who missed last season with a torn ACL after a career-high nine sacks in 2016. Aaron Lynch made 12.5 sacks in his first two NFL seasons in San Francisco, but played only 14 games the last two years due to injuries and a substance abuse suspension. The Chargers’ Jeremiah Attaochu had six sacks in 2015, but only two since.
Defensive ends looking like they’re bound for increased roles include players like Denico Autry (five sacks in Oakland), Matt Longacre (5.5 sacks with the Rams) and Chris Smith (three sacks in Cinncinati). Someone like Adrian Clayborn (9.5 sacks with Atlanta) would fit the need, but coming off his best season, he may command too much money.
If the Patriots want to add a veteran on a short deal, players like Rams’ Connor Barwin (five sacks), Panthers’ Julius Peppers (11 sacks), Bears’ Lamarr Houston (four sacks) or Titans’ Erik Walden (four sacks) could work. The Patriots could also bring back James Harrison, who’s an unrestricted free agent.
The least surprising news about free agency will be when Malcolm Butler signs with another team. After not playing on defense in the Super Bowl, it’s also certain that the cornerback is gone. The Patriots could conceivably start Stephon Gilmore and Eric Rowe outside with Jonathan Jones as the slot cornerback. The team still needs more depth – money permitting.
Players like Jaguars’ Aaron Colvin and Rams’ Nickell Robey-Coleman would help the Patriots in the slot. Oakland’s T.J. Carrie has experience in the slot and adds value as a punt returner. Buffalo’s E.J. Gaines has experience both inside and out at cornerback. Chicago’s Prince Amukamara would give the Pats depth on the outside.
The safety position will be interesting to monitor. Patrick Chung enters this year in the final year of his deal. He and Devin McCourty turn 31 this season. Someone like Kenny Vaccaro is intriguing. He never lived up to this first-round billing with New Orleans, but has experience playing strong safety, in the box at linebacker and in the slot.
If the Pats want another versatile safety, 49ers’ Eric Reid, Rams’ Lamarcus Joyner and Packers’ Morgan Burnett fit that description, but all three represent the top safeties available in free agency.