The 2020 season will bring in a new era for the New England Patriots.
Without Tom Brady suiting up in Foxborough, a new identity will have to be formed. It all begins with Bill Belichick and how he decides to construct the team. He’s appearing to build a run-heavy offensive team that relies on solid defense and special teams. Unfortunately for Belichick, he lost some key defensive players who anchored the unit in 2019.
The Patriots had a quiet free agency and went to the NFL draft to fill the necessary holes. They managed to plug some of these holes with talented rookies — but that’s what they still are, rookies. Another issue the Patriots ran into this offseason is the lack of cap space — currently carrying less than $1 million to pay out. There are numerous solutions and ways to create cap space, but Belichick will have to get creative.
Given the idea New England can free up some finances — here are 9 available free agents the team could look into to solidify the 53-man roster.
Cam Newton, QB
Cam Newton is one of the most controversial free agents on the market right now. The former MVP is 31-years-old and coming off shoulder and foot injuries that sidelined him for 16 games over the past two seasons. He’s by far the most talented free agent in the group, but injury concerns have kept him on the market.
The Patriots are going forward with Jarrett Stidham right now and he would be the cheaper option. But, Newton would be more equipped for the magnitude of replacing Brady and New England is the betting favorite to land him. Anything can happen before the NFL season begins, and Newton to the Patriots isn’t the most unrealistic possibility.
Mike Daniels, DL
The biggest weakness on New England’s historically good defense last season was the defensive line. Opposing teams began exposing the weakness and realized the best opportunities came on the ground. Danny Shelton took off in free agency, leaving Lawrence Guy and Adam Butler to pick up the slack. The Patriots also have Byron Cowart and added Beau Allen in free agency, but they could use some help still.
Mike Daniels, 31, only played nine games last year with the Detroit Lions because of an arm injury. He’s been extremely reliable his entire career and is in a scenario where the Patriots could have contract leverage — due to his age and recent injury. Daniels is a run-stuffing starter who could provide some much-needed value in the trenches.
Taylor Gabriel, WR
The Patriots’ receiving corps isn’t going to help maximize Stidham’s potential. Julian Edelman will be 34-years-old next season, with Mohamed Sanu and N’Keal Harry as the next options. They desperately need a speedy slot receiver and Taylor Gabriel would fit that mold.
Gabriel, 29, has six years of NFL experience and averages close to 500 yards per season. He only played in nine games with the Chicago Bears last season, but he finished off with 29 catches, 353 yards and four touchdowns. Given the fact he’s still a free agent, it’s very possible the Patriots could snag him on a team-friendly deal.
Everson Griffin, DE
The Patriots lost a majority of their pass-rush production with the departures of Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy this offseason. They drafted Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings to fill some holes, with second-year stud Chase Winovich prepared to make an impact. But, they still need a reliable veteran to help fill some voids on the defense.
Everson Griffen, 32, is in the perfect scenario to sign a short-term deal with the Patriots. He’s been durable all 10 seasons he’s played and is coming off a Pro Bowl year where he recorded eight sacks. The Patriots would have to make some cap moves to reel him in, but his age would give them leverage.
Charles Clay, TE
The Patriots haven’t found an answer at tight end since losing Rob Gronkowski to free agency at the end of the 2018 season. Matt LaCosse and Ryan Izzo attempted to produce last season, but that didn’t work out. Belichick drafted Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene this year and they both could be contributors by the start of the season.
They’re missing a veteran guy to lead the group and come up in crucial moments. Charles Clay, 31, could come in on a cheaper contract and fill that hole. He’s been extremely durable over his nine NFL seasons and finished last season with 18 catches for 237 yards and a touchdown. The addition of Clay would solidify an up and coming tight end group for New England.
Damon Harrison, DL
As aforementioned, the Patriots could use one more veteran guy to clog up the defensive line. Damon Harrison, 31, would be a higher-priced guy that could change the complexion of New England’s defensive line. He’s a run-stuffing threat that was under the tutelage of Matt Patricia last season.
Harrison began his career with the New York Jets and Belichick has plenty familiarity with his game.
Chris Hogan, WR
The Patriots’ running back corps is in tact, the tight ends are in decent shape and the offensive line will be top-tier if healthy. The wide receiver group needs some serious help and Josh McDaniels could work with a familiar face in Chris Hogan.
Hogan, 32, had an unsuccessful stint with the Carolina Panthers last season. His most productive years came in New England — and the team needs a reliable deep threat. The Patriots could pull off a team-friendly contract with Hogan, if he’s willing to come back.
Nigel Bradham, LB
The Patriots currently have Dont’a Hightower, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Uche, Jennings, John Simon and Brandon Copeland at linebacker. Hightower is the only reliable starter out of that group and the Patriots featured one of the best linebacker corps in the league last season.
Nigel Bradham, 30, was released by the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason and could make a major impact for the Patriots. He’s an open field tackler who has a leadership presence on and off the field. Bradham’s one of the best linebackers available and would be an immediate starter.
Nick Folk, K
The Patriots released Stephen Gostkowski this offseason and drafted Justin Rohrwasser in the fifth round. They will head into the season for the first time since 1996 without a kicker name Adam Vinatieri or Gostkowski slated as the starter. Rohrwasser is an under-the-radar kicker out of Marshall and the Patriots seem to trust him already with the starting role.
Nick Folk took over after Gostkowski went down last season and was a solid replacement. The Patriots released him after the season, but he could still give Rohrwasser competition in the offseason at the least. The Patriots could benefit from at least carrying two kickers until the season begins — especially one with NFL experience.
