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2025 free agency preview: Top players at each position of need for Patriots originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
It’s no secret that the New England Patriots have a ton of roster weaknesses to upgrade before the 2025 NFL season.
The 2025 NFL Draft obviously will provide a great opportunity for the Patriots to address some of these roster concerns, but a meaningful part of this process needs to come in free agency.
The Patriots are projected to have the most salary cap space of all 32 teams next offseason — well over $100 million, per OverTheCap.
It’s very important for the Patriots to surround quarterback Drake Maye with as much talent on offense as possible. Maye looks like the real deal in his rookie campaign, but he won’t reach his full potential without better weapons at the skill positions and a stronger offensive line.
The defense can’t be forgotten, either. Finding another top-tier cornerback to play alongside Christian Gonzalez should be a priority, too, as well as adding a formidable edge rusher who can consistently pressure the opposing quarterback.
Which players at these positions can become free agents in March? Here’s a rundown of the best who could be available.
Wide receivers
Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
Higgins is a legit No. 1 wideout and will be 26 years old in Week 1 of the 2025 season, so he’s right in the sweet spot of his career.
Here is part of what our Patriots insider Phil Perry wrote about Higgins in his five-point plan to fix New England’s offense over the offseason:
“The Bengals may be willing to let Higgins walk this offseason if they have no designs on paying him and Ja’Marr Chase top-of-the-market deals. With $118 million in effective cap space, the Patriots may be able to swoop in and offer Higgins more than anyone else. If they have any trepidation about Higgins not being a true ‘No. 1,’ they may be comforted by the fact that in five games without Chase since 2022, Higgins racked up 31 catches for 511 yards and six touchdowns.”
The…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/2025-free-agency-preview-top-154458010.html
Author : NBC Sports Boston
Publish date : 2024-12-08 15:46:00
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