The New England Patriots, for a number of reasons, have taken a much more modest approach to free agency this offseason as opposed to the uncharacteristically aggressive spending spree of last offseason. At the 2022 NFL League Meetings Monday morning Patriots coach Bill Belichick admitted the team spent a lot last year and those players are still under contract, a sign that the team expects more from their investments last year, and isn’t inclined to make big splashes this offseason.
The Pats have been linked to or rumored to have been interested in several marquis free agents who ultimately joined other teams over the past few weeks. Whether some of that was posturing, an effort to drive prices up for other teams or legitimate interest that ultimately didn’t come to fruition we may never know. What we do know is there are needs aplenty of the Patriots heading into 2022, and still plenty of talent available as free agency enters the second wave. There are still some Pro Bowl caliber players seeking top dollar out there, like receiver Jarvis Landry. The Patriots are more likely to be looking for some value lays who can come in on short money, short deals, add to the team and then cash in elsewhere. You know, the new definition of The Patriot Way.
We learned Monday morning that versatile safety Jabril Peppers was taking a free agency visit. with the team. Here are a few other players who could be a fit and lend some immediate impact to the 2022 Patriots:
BOBBY WAGNER - The veteran linebacker, released by the Seahawks a few weeks back, still has plenty of gas left in the tank and was playing at or near his usual All-Pro level. The Super Bowl champion Rams have been rumored to be in on Wagners services, now that they lost Von Miller to Buffalo. And reports Monday have the Ravens bidding for Wagner, too. While the Patriots are looking to get younger and more explosive on defense a player of Wagner’s talent and experience would be an ideal addition, especially since we know Belichick is quite the fan.
TREY FLOWERS - The former Detroit Lion, and Patriot, would represent both a welcome reunion and homecoming as well as depth and experience on the edge. Flowers played for the Patriots from 2015-2018 then cashed in with the Lions, then coached by now Patriots special assistant Matt Patricia. Flowers made bank ($54 million over three seasons) in the Motor City, but if he’s still looking for a payday it likely isn’t in Foxborough. If he’s looking for a scheme fit and someplace to reboot his career after two injury marred seasons? There’s no place like home.
JERICK MCKINNON - While running back seems to be one of the positions the Patriots are deepest and strongest at they did host versatile Buccaneers back Leonard Fournette recently before he re-signed in Tampa. McKinnon, who wouldn’t cost nearly what Fournette ultimately did and experienced a bit of a renaissance in the postseason with Kansas City, could be used in both the running and passing game. The Pats did recently re-sign veteran third down back James White, but White is coming off a season where he missed al but two-plus games, so McKinnon could lend depth, versatility and playmaking ability at a reasonable price.
AKIEM HICKS - The veteran defensive lineman was released by the Bears recently, the team he signed with in free agency following a short but impactful stint with the Patriots in 2015. Belichick was rumored to have made a last minute effort to retain Hicks, but ultimately Hicks chose the Bears. Perhaps another stop in New England to lend some veteran skill and rotational depth to the line, playing once again for a coach who’s a fan, would be of interest to the 32 year old. The Cowboys are currently considered frontrunners for his services. Should Hicks sign elsewhere perhaps Eddie Goldman, another defensive tackle released by the Bears, would be worth a look.
TRAI TURNER - Guard suddenly went from position of depth to position of need quickly in Foxborough following the loss of Ted Karras to Cincinnati and the trade of Shaq Mason to Tampa. Turner, just a few years removed from the pro Bowl, struggled a bit in Pittsburgh last season, but could be a bargain priced veteran addition brought in to compete for the available guard spot while the team drafts and develops the starter of the future.
KYLE FULLER - Cornerback is an obvious position of need for the Patriots. Sure, the homecoming of Malcolm Butler is a nice story, and he might play well in the zone scheme likely to be deployed by the Pats in 2022, but there’s still a need for youth, speed and experience to hep defend against the strengthening attacks across the AFC. Out of a sea of names like Patrick Peterson, AJ Bouye, Janoris Jenkins and Trae Waynes, all of whom likely are looking bigger paydays, Fuller seems the best fit with the Patriots. He wouldn’t command top dollar and can play both outside and the slot. While he didn’t have a season to remember in 2021 in Denver perhaps joining the Patriots in their secondary in transition would be solid landing spot. Fuller, too, is only a few years removed from a Pro Bowl campaign, and there’s no place likely Foxborough for discount priced gridiron rebirths!
KEELAN COLE - The free agent receiver pool is considerably thinner than it was a few weeks back. The headliner now is Odell Beckham, Jr. a name everyone wants for the Pats after we saw what he was capable of when motivated and used correctly with the Super Bowl champion Rams. But Beckham is coming off his second ACL injury, leaving his return date uncertain. Plus who knows what his interest is, despite Matthew Judon’s best recruiting efforts. Jarvis Landry wants the moon, and he won’t get it in New England. Will Fuller has elite outside speed but is hurt all the time/too often (take your pick). And while not the sexiest name Keelan Cole, who played a complimentary role with the struggling Jets last season, could be a - stop me if you’ve heard this before - cost effective valuable veteran addition to the Patriots receiver room. Cole averaged 16 yards per reception in 2021 and has some punt and kickoff return experience as well. The Patriots figure to invest in the receiver position in the draft, still the Kentucky Wesleyan grad and former Jaguar could be a short term asset for Mac Jones and company.
