The New England Patriots are entering a pivotal offseason, with key decisions looming, particularly around re-signing their free agents. Six players are set to become unrestricted free agents, and the team will need to address contracts for contributors like Jack Gibbens, Alex Austin, and Jack Westover if they want them back in the fold.
Among the unrestricted free agents, K'Lavon Chaisson stands out. After a breakout year with 7.5 sacks and an 11.5% pass rush win rate, plus three additional sacks in the playoffs, Chaisson is poised for a significant payday. Projections for his next contract vary, with estimates ranging from $10 million to as high as $18 million per season.
Despite Chaisson's impressive performance, the Patriots face a pressing need to bolster their edge rush. The team ranked 22nd in sacks during the regular season, with much of their playoff pressure coming from the interior or blitzes. While re-signing Chaisson would provide a solid baseline, his earlier inconsistency raises questions about whether he can elevate the team's pass rush to the next level.
There's a buzz around the Patriots potentially targeting an offensive lineman or edge defender in the first round of the draft. In a recent mock draft by Cody Williams, the Patriots are predicted to pick Oklahoma's edge defender R Mason Thomas with the 31st overall selection.
Thomas could be just what New England needs. Over the past two seasons, he has tallied 15.5 sacks and forced three fumbles. Despite a quad injury that limited him to nine games this year, Thomas managed a 20.3% pressure rate on 191 pass-rush snaps, ranking 16th nationally.
The Patriots are particularly in need of a boost on the edge. While Milton Williams and Christian Barmore form a formidable interior duo, the edge has been a work in progress.
Harold Landry's injury woes and Anfernee Jennings' limited impact highlight the need for reinforcements. Elijah Ponder shows promise but isn't ready for a full-time role.
Adding a dynamic player like Thomas could be a game-changer for new defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr.
Beyond the first round, Williams projects the Patriots to select Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter and Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II in the second and third rounds. Trotter, a standout in the SEC, amassed 84 tackles and earned a high run defense grade. Brazzell, a towering deep threat at 6-foot-5, excelled in big-play situations.
While the potential draft picks of Thomas, Trotter, and Brazzell present a high-risk, high-reward scenario, they could provide the Patriots with the spark needed to make another Super Bowl run in 2026.