The New England Patriots have a lot of work to do to fix their roster.
It of course starts at quarterback, where they’re rumored to be targeting one with the No. 3 pick in the draft. It even goes beyond wide receiver and tackle, two obvious spots where infusions of talent are needed. But even with those positions filled, the Patriots still wouldn’t be done rebuilding.
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In addition to receiver, the Patriots need multiple tight ends, as they have none under contract for 2024. They could also use more depth at running back to help fill out the offense, and even a few specific pieces on defense. That’s what we’re going to cover here. These players may not be stars or perfect pieces, but they would fill certain needs the Pats still have.
Check out these five free agents-to-be and how they would fit on the rebuilding Patriots’ roster…
TE Noah Fant
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 31: Noah Fant #87 of the Seattle Seahawks runs for a first down during the third quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lumen Field on December 31, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
Re-signing Hunter Henry seems like a sensible move for the Patriots to replenish their tight end depth chart. But Noah Fant would represent a bigger, more athletic option, perhaps with some untapped upside.
And Fant hasn’t exactly put up the kind of numbers that would price him out of New England: he caught just 32 balls for 414 yards in his contract year. So, he’d make for an affordable gamble to add to the Patriots’ tight end room.
RB Antonio Gibson
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 05: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Commanders runs the ball after a catch during the first half in the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Patriots fans may be familiar with Antonio Gibson after he and the Washington Commanders marched into Foxboro and won in Week 9. Gibson averaged 5.7 yards a carry, caught 5-of-5 targets, and made three kick returns at a 24-yard clip.
His versatility popped off the field that day, and it would be a strong addition to the Patriots’ offensive backfield. They should seek a guy to complement Rhamondre Stevenson in the weekly gameplans, and Gibson could accomplish that in a number of ways, mainly as an impact pass-catching back.
OLB Leonard Floyd
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Leonard Floyd #56 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Josh Uche is likely off to find a new team that will play him more than the Patriots did. But even so, the Pats could use a situational pass rusher who understands and accepts that he’ll mostly only make the field in obvious situations to get after the quarterback.
Leonard Floyd was productive for the Bills in 2023, racking up 10.5 sacks and 19 quarterback hits despite only playing 54 percent of snaps. Floyd won’t be a scrap heap addition, but he should cost significantly less than the top-of-market edge defenders.
CB Adoree’ Jackson
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 15: Adoree’ Jackson #22 of the New York Giants reacts after a fourth down stop during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The Patriots’ cornerback depth chart is sneakily in flux. J.C. Jackson might not hang around, Jonathan Jones is entering a contract year, and the rest are question marks, as the team looks to bolster the room behind young stud Christian Gonzalez.
Adoree’ Jackson seems like a solid signing as a complementary corner and a guy with experience playing both inside and outside. If the Patriots still love versatility and smarts as much as they did under Bill Belichick, Jackson would make for a good addition.
FS Jordan Fuller
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 21: Jordan Fuller #4 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with his teammates after intercepting a pass thrown by Derek Carr #4 of the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter of the game at SoFi Stadium on December 21, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Jordan Fuller excels as a deep safety, and made three interceptions plus eight pass breakups in that role for the Rams in 2023. The Patriots, meanwhile, miss Devin McCourty, as their safeties are all better suited to playing closer to the line of scrimmage.
In Fuller, they could add a true free safety who could make a needed impact defending against big plays. And he plays a position that doesn’t typically cost much.
