Will Patriots go “hog wild” in free agency? Christopher Price weighs in on Toucher & Hardy
During this morning’s Toucher & Hardy radio program, Fred asked Christopher Price if he believes the New England Patriots will go on a spending spree in free agency, given their ample cap space. Christopher Price responded that he doesn’t think they will go “hog wild,” but rather target specific players like Bobby Wagner, pointing out the importance of culture change and cost-effectiveness. He highlighted the team’s likely strategy of spending selectively and extending contracts for current players, contrasting it with their previous big-spending approach.
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TRANSCRIPT:
Fred Toucher: They have all this cap space and everyone’s all riled up about it. Do you think they’re going to go “hog wild” in free agency this year?
Christopher Price: No, I don’t think they’re going to go “hog wild” in free agency this year. I do think they’re going to target very specific guys, or they should go after players like Bobby Wagner. He might not be overwhelming in terms of production, but they talk a lot about changing the culture and wanting a different feel for the team. He’s a well-respected veteran and probably cost-effective. They might have to overcome some obstacles to bring him in. But for someone like that, I always go back to what Sean McVay did when he came in with the Rams. One of his first signings was Andrew Whitworth, which was good, you know, but he spoke more about the type of player they were looking for. I think they’re going to spend, but they’re not going to go hog-wild. They’re going to target a very specific group of guys and bring some of their own players back. I know they’re making it a priority in the early stages to put together extensions for guys like Christian Barmore. But I don’t think they’re going to spend like they did a couple of years ago with Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, you know, spending all that cash.
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Nick Gemelli is a Producer on Toucher & Hardy and contributor for 985thesportshub.com. Follow Nick at @NickGemelli on Twitter.
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How will Eliot Wolf 'weaponize the offense' in New England?
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 28: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks to pass against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
“I think it’s a really good year for quarterbacks,” Wolf said when asked about this class. “Like any position, we’re going to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and determine who fits for us.”
Wolf added that an important part of making that determination will be getting to know the quarterbacks as players. The Patriots are expected to meet with all three top quarterbacks in the draft – USC’s Caleb Williams, UNC’s Drake Maye, and LSU’s Jayden Daniels – and Wolf added they could have additional pre-draft meetings as well.
Despite having not met any of the top quarterbacks in person though, Wolf said part of the reason he likes this class is what he sees in their mental makeup. “One thing about the quarterbacks in this draft specifically that I’m excited about – they all look like they’re really tough guys,” Wolf explained.
Does this all point to the Patriots taking a quarterback in the first round to being the “weaponization” of the Patriots’ offense? Wolf highlighted the value of taking a quarterback with the team’s first pick league-wide.
“When you look throughout the league, most of the quarterbacks are first-rounders,” Wolf noted. “I think the league-wide understanding of how important that position is and how important it is to have somebody there that can help you win games and get over the hump has changed league-wide.”
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 23: Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on September 23, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Wolf didn’t just talk about the quarterbacks at the top of the draft though. He was also asked about Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who is also projected to be a top five pick.
“He’s a good player. There’s obviously a lot of strengths to his game” Wolf replied. “He can translate to any offense in the NFL.”
The one position of need Wolf wasn’t asked about – as it relates to the draft – was offensive tackle. However he did address the position internally, calling pending free agent Michael Onwenu a “cornerstone” and adding that “it’s no secret we want to keep him.”
Talking about “weaponizing” the offense is one thing, but doing it is another. Patriots fans won’t have to wait long to start seeing Wolf’s vision take shape. The Combine usually marks the start of regular free agency rumors, leading up to the start of the legal tampering period on March 11. From there, it’s about another month and a half until the NFL Draft.
