Andrew Buller-Russ
The New England Patriots know the task at hand this offseason after finishing with a 4-13 record for the second year in a row. Unlike last offseason, the Patriots enter this stage knowing who their franchise quarterback is. Now they just need to help Drake Maye reach his full potential.
Some might think that plan could involve pursuing a receiver who many believe is the best free agent available, especially considering the Patriots have the NFL’s most cap space. Yet, that’s not what’s believed to be in the cards.
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New England Patriots ‘out on’ Tee Higgins, focusing on offensive, defensive lines
The New England Patriots don’t have an established No. 1 receiver who’s earned the right to be one of Drake Maye’s first read on any given passing play. That could change this offseason, but it likely won’t involve Tee Higgins coming to New England.
According to The Athletic’s Chad Graff, the Patriots are “out on” Higgins and will instead focus on upgrading the offensive and defensive lines.
New England’s blueprint for the offseason does not include pursuing Higgins. As the Patriots are reshaped in Mike Vrabel’s likeness, they want to prioritize building through the offensive and defensive lines and will make that goal No. 1 of this offseason. So expect their biggest free-agent signings to come in the trenches — not at wide receiver.
The Athletic on New England Patriots’ free agency plans
Graff suggests that if the offseason “goes as planned” the Patriots’ offensive and defensive lines will be “dramatically transformed over the next two months.”
That has to be music to the ears of Patriots fans after New England allowed the NFL’s fifth-most sacks last season and recorded the fewest in the league. If the Patriots do indeed significantly upgrade in the trenches, there’s no way they win just four games or less for the third season in a row.
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