How to fix the offense through free agency
Tackle figures to be a major priority
Ready to move on from the 2022 season? Good. So are the Patriots. Starting next week, the Pats will begin to build their 2023 team by signing external free agents to fill the roster holes that doomed their latest campaign. Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft have already reshuffled the coaching staff, the other culprit behind the team’s second losing season in three years. The earliest the Patriots can reach a deal with an outside free agent is Monday at noon, the start of the NFL’s “legal tampering” period.
Here are the free-agent targets to know on offense:
Offensive tackle
The right tackle turnstile must stop.
Isaiah Wynn allowed six sacks in seven starts last season. His replacement, Conor McDermott, surrendered the second-most QB hits on the team and was at fault on eight hurries. The good news? There are several door stoppers on the open market.
Jacksonville’s Jawaan Taylor reportedly has garnered interest from several teams, as one of the NFL’s best pass-protecting right tackles. He finished with the 18th-highest pass-blocking grade among all tackles last season, per Pro Football Focus. Taylor could command an annual salary in the neighborhood of $17-18 million, according to ESPN.
Patriots director of player personnel Matt Groh recently said in an interview with the team’s web site that his front office will prioritize strong pass protectors at the position.
“Those guys, first and foremost, they have to be able to pass-protect and keep the quarterback upright,” Groh said. “Keep the pocket clean.”
The downside is Taylor’s run-blocking which is … terrible. He finished dead last by PFF’s run-blocking grades among offensive tackles. Such a deficiency could hurt the Patriots in high-leverage situations such as short-yardage and red-zone plays. However, Taylor would have the benefit of playing next to Mike Onwenu, one of the best guards in the league last season and a powerful road grader.
If the Patriots are willing to cut a blank check at the position, they might call former Ravens and
Chiefs offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. Brown is projected to command roughly $20 million annually, a steep price for a top-15 player at his position who rarely sniffs the top 10 and never the top five. He also would force Trent Brown to move back to the right side. But, he’s only 26, well-rounded and the best offensive tackle available.
The Pats could also pursue 49ers right tackle Mike McGlinchey or Atlanta’s Kaleb McGary. Both former first-round picks are considered better run-blockers than pass protectors. McGlinchey allowed nine pressures in San Francisco’s last two playoff games against the Cowboys and Eagles, but has shown some progress with his pass-blocking the past two seasons.
Other options include former Buccaneers left tackle Donovan Smith, who was released Tuesday, former Raiders and Patriots offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor, who’s coming off a career year, and one-time Titans firstround pick Taylor Lewan. Of note: the 31-year-old Lewan would carry major injury risk after suffering a torn ACL in 2020 and another season-ending knee injury last year. He’s played just 20 games the past three seasons.
Wide receiver
The best wideout on the free-agent market is a familiar face: Jakobi Meyers.
The 26-year-old Meyers has been the Patriots’ leading receiver for three years running, a credit to his hard work as a former college quarterback and a reflection of the team’s consistent lack of weapons. Meyers will reportedly command an annual salary between $12-$14 million with the potential to go higher.
If the Patriots re-sign Meyers, it will hinder — but not prevent — their ability to trade for a proven, highpriced No. 1 receiver via trade and fill their other roster holes. If Meyers walks, they will have one wideout under contract after next season in Tyquan Thornton. Therefore, it behooves the Pats to not only explore retaining Meyers but padding their depth with other free agents and/ or draft picks even in a down offseason for receiving talent. And if so, expect them to go bargain hunting, a staple of Belichick’s roster-building approach to the position.
Bargain hunting could still provide value though, if say Odell Beckham Jr. finds his old form after a missed season. Or, if oftinjured DJ Chark signs for $10 million per season as a 6-foot-4 field-stretcher who averaged 17.6 yards per catch down the stretch. Or, if Giants receivers Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton (46 catches, 724 yards, 2 TDs) can rebound from injury and an underwhelming season, respectively. Or if Colts slot weapon Parris Campbell can build off a career year (63 catches, 623 yards, 3 TDs) last season.
Running back
Should Damien Harris walk in free agency, the Patriots will have at best zero to one seat available in their running backs room. At worst, they’ll face three or four.
Because behind Rhamondre Stevenson, there is precious little depth. Stevenson wore down last year as a three-down player, who doubled as their leading receiver by total catches. He is expected to start again next season, but the thirddown job could be up for grabs pending the development of 2022 draft picks Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris.
If Strong, Harris and 30-year-old journeyman Ty Montgomery can’t claim it, Cincinnati’s Samaje Perine fits the mold. He earned one of PFF’s highest grades in pass protection last season and caught 38 passes. Perine also hasn’t fumbled since 2017.
Detroit’s Jamaal Williams could be another potential target, assuming the Pats don’t prefer to dip back into the draft. Williams, 27, is annually one of the best pass-blocking backs in the league, who also helped shape a rising Lions team last year.