DE Matthew Judon makes the Patriots pass-rush a stable group, however New England wants so as to add different proficient items to the push given that’s Judon coming off of a season-ending bicep tear in 2023.
Defensive deal with Chris Jones would have been a stellar possibility, however Kansas Metropolis agreed to an enormous five-year deal to re-sign Jones on Saturday. That leaves Jets free-agent DE Bryce Huff, Seahawks DT Leonard Williams, Dolphins DT Christian Wilkins and Vikings DE Danielle Hunter as the opposite high-priced candidates up entrance.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen believes Wilkins and the Patriots are match.
“I count on the Patriots to be energetic in free company, and Wilkins has the place versatility to align everywhere in the defensive entrance. In 2023, Wilkins had 9 sacks, 35 pressures and 68 tackles in Miami,” Bowen wrote. “He would pair properly with Christian Barmore to present first-year head coach Jerod Mayo two difference-makers on the defensive inside.”
Sustaining crew cohesiveness: With teaching adjustments and the retirement of 13-year crew captain Matthew Slater, the Patriots have had sufficient harm to crew continuity for the reason that common season ended.
To restrict additional hurt to the locker room, the Patriots should preserve key gamers who’ve expiring contracts. The crew took a step in the suitable path on Friday by agreeing with tight finish Hunter Henry – a crew captain – on a three-year deal, however key gamers like Onwneu, WR Kendrick Bourne and DE Josh Uche nonetheless have to be taken care of.
In response to a number of experiences, issues are trending in the suitable path with all three of these gamers.
Per MassLive’s Mark Daniels, the Patriots and Uche have “mutual” curiosity, making the possibilities of the 25-year-old returning excessive.
“I do [want to play for the Patriots], and I’ve expressed that,” Uche mentioned on NBC Sports activities Boston’s “Patriots Speak Podcast”. “And my household’s up right here. I’ve bought most of my household right here. I’ve turn into comfy with the blokes and the coaches.”
Daniels famous in a separate article that Onwenu was fascinated by returning to New England, regardless of heavy curiosity from different groups.
“Yeah, I wish to be again,” Onwenu mentioned. “I’ve been right here and I’ve loved my 4 years to this point. I can solely see higher issues forward.”
And in an interview with NFL Community’s Patrick Claybon, Bourne – who’s mulling a contract supply from the Patriots, in keeping with the Boston Herald – additionally expressed his want of returning to New England.
“I do. I do,” Bourne responded when requested if he would keep a Patriot. “It is one thing that has helped me in my profession… it is some place that they maintain a particular place in my coronary heart, so I might love to return.”