Patriots' Team Needs to Fill in 2024 NFL Free Agency

The New England Patriots need to build the foundation for their new quarterback in NFL free agency.

The Patriots will likely select whomever is left between Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

If that is the case, they must work hard in free agency to bring in the best cast of players to help the rookie signal-caller thrive in 2024.

An upgrade is required at wide receiver for the Patriots to be competitive in Jerod Mayo's first season as head coach.

New additions at tight end may be mandatory as well if the Patriots can't convince Hunter Henry to return.

New England's new coaching staff also has to build up its offensive line. At least two-fifths of that unit could be new in 2024 if Trent Brown and Mike Onwenu both depart.

Wide Receiver

Cooper Neill/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 07: JuJu Smith-Schuster #7 of the New England Patriots runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on December 7, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

New England needs a big-name pass-catcher in place to work with the new quarterback.

The team has $77 million in projected salary cap space, per Spotrac, so it should use some of that cash to upgrade the current unit led by JuJu Smith-Schuster.

The wide receiver free-agent market began to take shape on Monday, when the Cincinnati Bengals opted to use the franchise tag on Tee Higgins.

Michael Pittman Jr., Mike Evans and Calvin Ridley are among the top free agents available at wide receiver.

All three players would be an upgrade over Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker, who at this stage in their careers are better off in supporting roles.

The only way New England can justify not signing a wide out in free agency is if it picks Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 3, but that would leave a big question mark at quarterback.

Tight End

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 17: Pharaoh Brown #86 and Hunter Henry #85 of the New England Patriots celebrate after Henry's receiving touchdown during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The Patriots would be wise to at least consider re-signing Henry.

The veteran tight end recorded 17 touchdowns in his three seasons with the Patriots.

Henry would be a terrific presence to have in the offense for a young quarterback to work with, whether it be Maye, Daniels or Bailey Zappe.

Henry's red-zone prowess should make him a coveted free agent, but the Patriots should not be afraid of being outbid with their abundance of salary cap space.

If Henry does not return, the Patriots should target Dalton Schultz or Noah Fant to be their starting tight end.

An established pass-catcher at the position would be ideal as Henry's replacement instead of a mid-to-late-round draft pick who may need time to adjust to the NFL.

Offensive Line

Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images

FOXBOROUGH, MA - OCTOBER 8: Mike Onwenu #71 of the New England Patriots and David Andrews #60 block against the New Orleans Saints during the game at Gillette Stadium on October 8, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.(Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

All of this talk about potential new offensive weapons is nice, but the Patriots' 2024 quarterback needs to be upright to complete passes to them.

The Patriots will likely rework their offensive line with Brown and Onwenu set to become free agents.

New England should at least try to pry Tyron Smith away from re-signing with the Dallas Cowboys.

Outside of Smith, the offensive tackle free-agent market is not as strong as it's been in recent years.

But if the Patriots are taking a quarterback at No. 3, they have to explore the offensive line free-agent markets because they will not have a chance to choose one of the elite O-line prospects unless they trade back into the first round.