Characterizing the Patriots’ biggest offseason needs for 2025
What are the New England Patriots’ biggest needs heading into the 2025 offseason? Taking a look at the different categories each position falls into.
Most of the conversation around the New England Patriots so far this offseason has revolved around the team filling out its coaching staff. However with all three coordinator spots now filled, more attention can turn to the more pressing matter – improving the roster.
Roster talent was the Patriots’ biggest issue last year. Across the board, at multiple positions on both sides of the ball, players were biggest asked to play much bigger roles than they realistically should have.
Given the numerous needs the team has, they likely won’t be able to address every single one to the extent that it needs to be addressed in just one offseason. So, what should they prioritize over the next three months?
Instead of ranking the needs positionally like we usually do, this year we’ll break them into categories based on just how pressing those needs are and how much the team should invest in those positions (keep in mind these are projections, not predictions). Let’s get started with the lowest level…
Not really a need

These are positions that the Patriots appear to be set at for 2025. Unless current players leave, there’s no reason to make any major investment here.
Quarterback: The Patriots clearly have their starting quarterback of the future in Drake Maye. Meanwhile, Joe Milton’s performance in the season finale should make the team comfortable enough to make him the backup. Maybe the Patriots add another quarterback or two just to have the depth for the offseason program, but pending trading Milton that should be it.
Punter: Bryce Baringer had a bit of a mid-season dip in 2024 but overall it was a solid sophomore year for the 2023 sixth-round pick. The punter position is taken care of.
Long snapper: Joe Cardona had arguably a career year in 2024, as a first-time team captain. He’ll turn 33 in April so the need for a long snapper is coming, but unless Cardona retires the position is in good hands for next year.
Looking ahead

These are positions that aren’t significant needs for the 2025 season, but project to be bigger needs in a year or two for various reasons. It might make sense for the team to make somewhat of an investment to get ahead of things at a couple of these positions, but they might not have the ability to address them all properly while still prioritizing the upcoming season.
Running back: Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson return at the top of the depth chart. Having signed a contract extension last offseason Stevenson will likely at least still be in tandem with Gibson, but he’ll need to prove throughout the season he belongs in that role. In such a deep running back class, the Patriots may want to find a ‘next man up’ at the position on Day 3 for either Stevenson or Gibson if he leaves when his current contract expires. The team could also look for more of a true passing-down back if that role is going to return under Josh McDaniels.
Center: David Andrews said he plans to return in 2025, so this isn’t an immediate need. At the same time Andrews is year-to-year at this point, and the Patriots could benefit from having his replacement spend a year or two learning directly from him before taking over. That replacement could already be on the roster in Cole Strange or Ben Brown, but both have their ifs. Adding another player – especially a draft pick on a rookie contract with multiple years of team control – would make sense.
Tight end: Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper both were good in 2024, and justify being a 1-2 tight end duo in 2025 (assuming Hooper doesn’t leave in free agency). However, both are over 30 and not signed long-term. Adding a young tight end, especially via the draft, to develop behind the duo and ideally eventually become the starter would be good foresight at a position that traditionally takes a little longer to develop. If Hooper leaves in free agency, the urgency to add a tight end could bump up – especially if McDaniels plans on using two tight end sets regularly as he has in the past.
Rotational/depth players needed

These are positions where the Patriots don’t need a clearly defined starter, but definitely need to bolster the room as a whole. That could be with players who will play a rotational role or compete for a job, or simply just adding more depth.
Guard: The Patriots have used a lot of draft capital on the guard position over the past few years. Despite that, they remain without a clear-cut starter at left guard. Given those recent investments and all of their other needs it may make sense to just give the guards on the roster one more shot at winning the job, but another mid-level investment player – especially adding a veteran to what is currently a young group – could help.
Defensive tackle: Davon Godchaux and Christian Barmore are slated to return for the Patriots, but there isn’t much defensive tackle depth on the team beyond those two. In particular, adding another nose tackle to help against the run would be a smart move. If Christian Barmore can’t return, this becomes a more pressing need.
Inside linebacker: Getting Ja’Whaun Bentley back will be a huge boost for this group, but his presence alone won’t be enough. In particular, the team could use a specialized athletic third-down linebacker who can help in coverage and rush the passer.
Outside linebacker: On the outside, things are similar. Anfernee Jennings and Jahlani Tavai are both still under contract, but once again the Patriots could use another third down specialist (keep reading for more on that later).
Cornerback: In particular, boundary cornerback. The Patriots need somebody to play opposite Christian Gonzalez on the outside. There are a few contenders for that spot already on the roster like Isaiah Bolden and Alex Austin but adding a more established veteran would elevate the room as a whole. A bigger cornerback would be preferential after the Patriots struggled against bigger receivers last year. In the slot, a backup behind Marcus Jones is also a need.
Fullback: Mike Vrabel hinted last week that the fullback position could be making its return to the Patriots’ offense. With the hire of McDaniels that seems even more likely. That means the team is going to need to add a fullback unless they plan on converting one of their current players (Jaheim Bell?) to handle that role.
Definitive starters needed

These are positions where the Patriots need to find a player who can come in and start right away. They don’t need to be complete game-breakers, but should be foundational pieces.
Defensive end: Keion White returns as one of the Patriots’ defensive ends, after playing the fourth-most snaps of any Patriots defensive player last year. Who will play opposite him though is wide open. Deatrich Wise is one of the few veterans who wasn’t extended last year and is now a pending free agent. The Patriots could very well be looking for a replacement.
Safety: Really, free safety. The Patriots have been searching for somebody to patrol the back end of their defense ever since Devin McCourty retired. For the most part their plan to this point has been moving box safeties back there, but that hasn’t worked and has seemingly had a negative impact on players like Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers. Adding a true free safety will help the Patriots’ defense be more efficient as a whole, and should provide a boost to Dugger and/or Peppers as well by letting them return to their natural positions full-time.
Kicker: Joey Slye is a pending free agent, meaning Parker Romo (on a futures contract) is the only kicker the Patriots have in the fold for 2025. Whether it’s re-signing Slye, finding another starter, or setting up a competition like last year the Patriots need to do something to address the position.
Impact players needed

If the Patriots want to be significantly improved in 2025, they need to make significant improvements at these positions. These additions need to be home run signings or draft picks to get this team turned around as quick as possible.
Pass rusher: We already singled out defensive ends and outside linebackers, which are both needs in their own rights. That being said, the team’s inability to pressure the quarterback last year was a major issue. On top of those depth and situational needs though, the Patriots have to find somebody who will draw attention and they can build their pass rush plans around. It’ll take more than one player to fix, but whether it’s a defensive end or outside linebacker the offseason has to include a primary pass rush threat to replace Matthew Judon.
Wide receiver: It’s been how many years of this being one of the Patriots’ primary offseason needs? The Patriots have to find a receiver who will force opponents to dictate coverage his way while still being able to win and make plays. If they can do that, not only will that player provide significant production but he’ll open up more opportunities for other players on offense. Ideally, this will be a true outside ‘X’ receiver who can be a big play threat. A reliable chain-moving slot receiver will also be needed to fit McDaniels’ scheme.
Given the Patriots’ recent history of wide receiver development, it might make the most sense to get one or both of those players through the veteran market, via either free agency or a trade.
Offensive tackle: Tackle in another position that has become an annual need for the Patriots, but last year’s tackle play hit a new low. At left tackle there really aren’t any in-house options that have starting caliber upside, so that should be an external addition. On the right side the Patriots could give Caedan Wallace another look after an injury significantly limited his playing time as a rookie, but finding an established veteran as a secondary option incase he doesn’t work out would be smart. Backups are also needed at both positions.