Patriots' Last-Minute Guide to 2023 NFL Free Agency
From 2003-19, the New England Patriots missed the playoffs only once. Over the past three seasons (from 2020-22), they've missed the postseason twice. And each of those times, they finished below .500, which included going 8-9 last season.
How do the Pats get back on track and return to being a perennial playoff contender? They'll be trying to figure that out this offseason as they look to construct a roster that can produce better results during the 2023 NFL campaign.
Free agency is set to begin Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, with the legal tampering period starting 48 hours prior to that on Monday. It will be an opportunity for New England to negotiate with players and try to fill the holes on its roster so that it can take a step forward next season.
Here's a last-minute free-agency guide for the Patriots with the 2023 offseason about to ramp up within the next few days.
Cap Situation
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2023 NFL Cap: $224.8 million
Cap Space: $30.9 million, per Over The Cap
The Patriots are in a good place financially, as they should be able to make some significant moves in free agency, should they choose to do so. They may even end up with more available cap space if they cut some contracts over the next few weeks.
New England is one of only eight NFL teams with more than $30 million in available cap space at the moment. So that could help them land some of the better free agents that they could potentially pursue this week.
Notable Free Agents
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- WR Nelson Agholor
- RB Damien Harris
- CB Jonathan Jones
- WR Jakobi Meyers
- OT Isaiah Wynn
Meyers was the Patriots' leading receiver last season, as he recorded 804 yards and six touchdowns. Agholor provided depth for the unit, which will be lacking a bit of talent if neither of these playmakers returns.
Harris' time in New England could be nearing an end. Rhamondre Stevenson broke out as the clear top back for the Pats last season. It's possible Harris returns for depth, but the 26-year-old could potentially get better opportunities elsewhere.
Jones is the most notable defensive free agent for New England. The 29-year-old cornerback is coming off a 2022 season in which he set career highs in starts (16), interceptions (four) and forced fumbles (three).
Biggest Needs and Potential Targets
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Wide Receiver
The Pats' receiving corps already wasn't that strong, and now they could potentially lose Meyers and Agholor in free agency. They need to find a true No. 1 offensive playmaker who can help quarterback Mac Jones produce better results moving forward.
However, the free-agent WR market isn't too talented this offseason. New England could still try to target somebody like Allen Lazard or JuJu Smith-Schuster, though.
Offensive Tackle
New England needs a strong right tackle to help protect Jones, as they currently have a gaping hole on that side of the offensive line. There are quite a few noteworthy players on the free-agent market who could fill that spot for the Pats.
If they're willing to spend big, they could try to sign Orlando Brown Jr., a four-time Pro Bowler who is still only 26. He would upgrade New England's offensive front in a major way.
Cornerback
The Patriots may need to acquire a starting cornerback if they don't bring back Jones. They're set on one side with Jalen Mills, but they'll have to find somebody to fill the spot on the other side of their defense.
James Bradberry and Jamel Dean are the top free-agent options. Will New England be willing to spend the amount likely necessary to sign either? If not, they could consider more affordable CBs on the market.
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