Free Agents Patriots Should Pursue After 2024 NFL Draft

The New England Patriots should have eyes on the free-agent market for most of the 2024 NFL season.

New England needs all the help it can get during its rebuilding year.

That help may arrive in the form of pre-training camp signings, or veterans who arrive as the regular season begins.

The Patriots do not have to worry about the quarterback position with Drake Maye in place, but he may need one or two more upgrades around him.

New England appears to be in good shape on defense, but as will be the case all season, it should not be 100 percent happy with its roster and always looking for upgrades to pick up as many wins as possible.

Cam Akers

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 23: Cam Akers #31 of the Minnesota Vikings is tackled by Javon Kinlaw #99 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 23, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 22-17. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

The Patriots have a fascinating running back room right now.

Rhamondre Stevenson is the clear No. 1 back and Antonio Gibson is likely the third-down pass-catcher out of the backfield.

There are a lot of questions after Stevenson and Gibson with Kevin Harris and JaMycal Hasty.

New England could use a consistent No. 2 rusher since Gibson is known more for his pass-catching abilities.

Cam Akers could be a solid in-between back to fill in between Stevenson and Gibson on the depth chart.

Akers showed some decent spurts with the Minnesota Vikings last season, but he now has to be considered a No. 2 back in the NFL after he lost his opportunity with the Los Angeles Rams.

You can never have too many running backs on a roster, and if Maye struggles early, the rushing attack will be asked to produce more, so adding one more free agent there may help.

Donovan Smith

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DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 29: Donovan Smith #79 of the Kansas City Chiefs lines up during an NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field At Mile High on October 29, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

The Patriots may need one more offensive lineman to feel secure about their protection for Maye.

Chukwuma Okorafor and Mike Onwenu are slated to be the starting offensive tackles, but if an injury occurs, the Patriots will be stuck in a tough situation.

Third-round pick Caedan Wallace may not be ready to step into a starting opportunity, especially as a pass-blocker for a rookie quarterback.

Donovan Smith could be added as insurance on the offensive line and as potential competition for Okorafor at left tackle.

Smith could sign a one-year deal similar to his time with the Kansas City Chiefs last season to help the Patriots make sure they have ample protection for their signal-caller of the future.

Adoree Jackson

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 31: Adoree' Jackson #22 of the New York Giants looks on during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium on December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Lawrence/Getty Images)

Adoree Jackson could intrigue the Patriots for two reasons.

Jackson can provide some extra depth at cornerback behind Jonathan Jones and Christian Gonzalez.

The Patriots could use Jackson in nickel and dime packages if they do not trust their current backups.

Jackson can also be utilized in the return game, which carries more weight in 2024 with the new kickoff rules.

Demario Douglas could handle those duties, but the Patriots need him to focus more on being one of the team's top wide receivers.

Jalen Reagor is also a return candidate, but he might not make the 53-man roster with so many wide receivers within the squad.

Jackson could come in as a