11 free agents to watch for the Patriots defense in 2021

Author Matt Dolloff

February 18th, 2021 2:21 PM

The Patriots are set to have among the most cap space in the NFL in the 2021 offseason, giving them plenty of room to sign free agents on both offense and defense. And while quarterback is the most important question to answer, Bill Belichick also has plenty of work to do on the other side of the ball.

Fortunately, the Pats have more than enough cap space to add a quarterback and still make a significant free-agent signing on defense. Last time they ranked this highly in cap space, Belichick pounced on Stephon Gilmore for a big-money contract in 2017. So there’s a chance Belichick goes for one of the bigger names.

If Gilmore stays in New England, the Patriots are still well-stocked in the secondary. But the defensive front-seven could certainly use an immediate infusion of talent. So defensive line and linebacker are where most of the below unrestricted free agents will land.

We stopped short of names like Von Miller, Shaq Barrett, etc. But there are a few big names on this list, despite being home-run swings. These free agents range from instant difference-makers to dependable veterans and reclamation projects. Belichick can afford to sign any of them, and may need to go big if he wants to get the Patriots right back into contention in 2021.

11 free agents to watch for the Patriots defense

• LB Matt Judon

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  If Belichick wants to make a splash and instantly add impact talent to his linebacker room, Judon fits the bill. He amassed six sacks and 21 quarterback hits last season, despite playing in only 14 games. Judon may prove too expensive, because it’s likely that Belichick would have to outbid everyone else. But there are few better ways for the Patriots to make an immediate, substantial talent upgrade in the front-seven. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

• DE Shelby Harris

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  Since his stats have never jumped off the page, Harris may enter free agency underrated and undervalued. Perfect time for the Patriots to pounce. They could offer Harris a competitive contract without breaking the bank. And Harris would give the defensive line an instant playmaker who can defend both the run and the pass. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

• DT Kawann Short

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  One kind of free agent Bill Belichick should still be able to attract is an established veteran whose stock has fallen and who needs to get his career back on track. Short has missed 27 games over the past two seasons with shoulder troubles, but from 2014-18 he was one of the more disruptive defensive tackles in football. If all he can find is a one-year deal, his best bet may be to re-establish himself under Belichick’s coaching then go get paid again in 2022.
• LB Eric Wilson

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  Wilson has gone from undrafted to every-down linebacker over his first four years with the Vikings. The hard work is about to pay off for the 26-year-old, who should command a solid long-term deal. He won’t cost as much as the Lavonte Davids of the world and his best football may still be ahead of him. (Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

• LB De’Vondre Campbell

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  Campbell started his career as an outside linebacker but has since transitioned inside. He’s coming off one of his better seasons with the Cardinals, starting all 16 games and posting 99 total tackles (seven for loss). He’d be an instant upgrade to the Patriots’ run defense. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

• DE Derek Wolfe

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  We had Wolfe as a candidate to sign with the Patriots in 2020. He signed with Denver, while the Pats opted for Beau Allen. Wolfe is again on the open market and likely won’t get more than a one-year deal. He could end up like Allen did, or he could be a solid interior lineman in the Pats’ 3-4 looks. Wolfe is a better fit for roles they’ve tried with Deatrich Wise and Lawrence Guy in recent years. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
• DE Trent Murphy

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  Here’s an opportunity for Belichick to poach a nice player from the enemy. Murphy has the kind of size Belichick has loved at defensive end in the past (6-foot-6, 260 pounds). He managed eight combined sacks and QB hits in 2020, despite playing just 10 games and 32 percent of defensive snaps. He’d be a useful piece for a defensive line that has lacked a player of his type in recent years. (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

• DE Solomon Thomas

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  This is a former third overall pick in the NFL Draft, so the upside is still there for the 25-year-old Thomas. But the Niners struggled to find a fit for him over his first four years and he never gained traction, leaving him with the dreaded “bust” label - in San Francisco, anyway. But for the Patriots, Thomas would represent a perfect opportunity to reshape him into something that works at the NFL level, and they’s do it for small money. (Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• DB Desmond King

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  This list focuses more on the front-seven, but King is an interesting option for the secondary - and special teams. His versatility as a returner would be attractive to Belichick. He’s already brought in one versatile defensive back from the Chargers, why not another? (Harry How/Getty Images)

MORE: Stephon Gilmore a “name to watch” on trade market

We’ll continue to keep you updated on everything going on in the Patriots’ offseason. Keep checking back at 985TheSportsHub.com for more coverage.

We talked a lot about the Patriots’ prospects in free agency this year in a recent episode of the SideLines podcast with myself and Ty Anderson. You can listen below. Just to 47:32.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays.

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Author Matt Dolloff

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