New England Patriots Offseason Preview: Reloading for Another Run
The Patriots came within arm’s reach of the ultimate prize, only to fall short on the biggest stage. But don’t let the Super Bowl loss cloud what was a stunning turnaround season in Foxborough.
After back-to-back four-win campaigns, New England exploded for 14 wins under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel and nearly rode quarterback Drake Maye’s breakout to a championship. Now comes the hard part: sustaining success - and taking that final step.
With $37.7 million in projected cap space and a league-high 11 draft picks, the Patriots are well-positioned to reload. But there are key areas that need attention if they want to get back to the Super Bowl - and finish the job.
Top Offseason Needs
1. Edge Rusher: Time to Bring the Heat
The Patriots’ pass rush was their Achilles’ heel all year, and it cost them dearly in the Super Bowl. They finished tied for 22nd in sacks (35) and ranked just 24th in pressure rate (20.3%). Against Seattle, they managed to sack Sam Darnold only once - not nearly enough against a quarterback who thrives when comfortable.
Last offseason, New England dipped into free agency to bring in Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson. Landry, reuniting with Vrabel from their Titans days, led the team with 8.5 sacks.
Chaisson was a pleasant surprise, tallying 7.5 sacks on a budget deal. Both were solid additions, but if they’re your top two pass rushers, you’re probably a piece short.
Ideally, Landry and Chaisson become your second and third options. That means the Patriots need to swing big - either in the draft or free agency - for a true game-wrecker off the edge. Someone who can consistently collapse the pocket and tilt the field in big moments.
2. Wide Receiver: Depth Isn’t Enough
Drake Maye nearly won MVP in just his second season - and he did it without a true No. 1 wideout. That’s a testament to his talent and poise, but it also highlights a glaring need. Seattle’s defense clamped down in the Super Bowl, exposing a Patriots receiving corps that lacked a true gamebreaker.
The group isn’t devoid of talent. Veteran Stefon Diggs is still in the mix, rookie Kyle Williams showed promise, and tight end Hunter Henry remains a reliable target.
But there’s no one in that room who keeps defensive coordinators up at night. That has to change.
New England doesn’t need to overhaul the room - they just need to find that guy. Whether it’s through the draft or a savvy trade, adding a top-tier receiver could be the missing piece that unlocks another level for this offense.
3. Tackle: Protecting Maye’s Blind Side
Rookie left tackle Will Campbell had a rough outing in the Super Bowl, but let’s not forget - for most of the season, he held his own. Rookie tackles rarely shine from Day 1, and Campbell’s year was encouraging overall. The Patriots still believe he can be a long-term answer on the left side, but they’ll want some insurance just in case.
On the right side, veteran Morgan Moses was steady, but he turns 35 this year and has just two years left on his deal. It’s time to start thinking about a succession plan. Whether that’s a developmental tackle in the mid-rounds or a free-agent swing, the Patriots need to shore up the edges of their offensive line.
There’s also a chance to upgrade the interior. Third-rounder Jared Wilson showed flashes, and if the Patriots bring in a top-tier guard or center, it could allow Wilson to slide to center - a position he worked at during training camp - or provide a boost over Garrett Bradbury.
Bottom line: Maye is the franchise. Keeping him upright has to be a top priority.
Notable Free Agents
The Patriots don’t face a mass exodus, but there are some names to watch. K’Lavon Chaisson is a candidate to return after a strong year. Veteran tight end Austin Hooper and safety Jaylinn Hawkins are also hitting the market, along with depth pieces like DT Khyiris Tonga and tackles Vederian Lowe and Thayer Munford.
Linebacker Jack Gibbens is a restricted free agent and could return on a team-friendly deal.
The Big Question: Can They Run It Back?
This wasn’t supposed to happen - not yet. Vegas pegged the Patriots for 8.5 wins heading into 2025, and after two brutal seasons, even that felt optimistic.
But Vrabel brought a new energy, and Maye made the leap. Suddenly, New England had a top-three offense and a top-five scoring defense.
That’s not a fluke - that’s a formula.
The Patriots nailed free agency last year, with nearly every signing contributing in a meaningful way. They raised the floor of the roster dramatically.
But now comes the challenge of raising the ceiling. Because as good as Maye was, and as sharp as Vrabel proved to be, they still got outclassed by Seattle when it mattered most.
This team is close - closer than anyone expected. But they’re not there yet.
To get over the hump, they need more firepower on both sides of the ball. Another edge rusher.
A true No. 1 receiver. Long-term answers on the offensive line.
The core is in place. The quarterback is real.
The coach is legit. Now it’s about stacking talent and sustaining momentum.
If the Patriots can hit on even half their offseason moves the way they did last year, they won’t just be back in the playoff picture - they’ll be right back in the Super Bowl hunt.