Seconds after the clock struck 12 on March 10th, all 32 NFL Teams set their sights on the next part of the 2025 offseason: Free agency. With teams looking to add to their rosters before the draft and many players looking to join new teams, it is always a frenzy out of the gate and this year was no exception.
After finishing the 2024 season with 4-13, the Patriots’ fans demanded change, and change is what they got. The team started the offseason by hiring a slew of different coaches, highlighted by the hiring of Mike Vrabel as the head coach. Before becoming a coach, Vrabel played 8 seasons for the Patriots (2001-2008) before becoming the head coach of the Tennessee Titans in 2018. In addition to hiring a head coach, Josh Mcdaniels will be returning to the Patriots for his third stint as the offensive coordinator.
Although the coaching staff is important, fans were more focused on how the Patriots would use the over $125 million in cap space for free agency.
The Patriots started the day by bringing in Linebacker Harold Landry III. Signing a three-year $43.5 million deal, Landry III reunited with his former head coach and defensive coordinator. The Patriots ranked last in the league in sacks which the Patriots look to change with this signing. In addition to Landry III, the Patriots brought in Milton Williams, a defensive tackle. Previously winning a Superbowl in Philadelphia with the Eagles, the Patriots opened the checkbook, making Williams the highest-paid player on the team with the four-year, $104 million deal. Junior Dylan Vale feels this was the most crucial move in the offseason because “he’s young and a great interior pass rusher, exactly what the Patriots needed.”
The Patriots did not stop there on the defensive side of the ball. By signing Cornerback Carlton Davis III to a three-year $60 million contract and linebacker Robert Spillane to a three-year, $37 million contract, the Patriots showed their commitment to stopping the opposing air attack. Pairing Davis III and Gonzales give the Patriots a top one-two defensive back combo in the league.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Patriots did not have the same intensity. Missing many of the top-rated linemen, they signed veteran center Garrett Bradbury and left tackle Morgan Moses. Both players had down years in 2024 and are not long-term solutions to the ongoing problem.
On a side note, smaller moves like signing former Bills receiver Mack Hollins, former Raiders Safety Marcus Epps, and resigning Austin Hooper further add to the depth of the team.
To look on the bright side, the Patriots still have over $81 million in cap space to spend on players this offseason. Ownership hopes to use their extra money to put together a competitive roster that can compete with the Bills in a race for an AFC East title.
In addition to the money, the NFL Draft is a month away. After the disappointing season, the Patriots have the 4th overall pick. When asked, Senior Brendan Engel hopes that the Patriots draft Travis Hunter because “he’s genuinely sensational and would do wonders for the franchise.” Being a very rare two-way player, Travis Hunter is elite at both the wide receiver and defensive back position. If drafted, it will be interesting to see how Mike Vrabel and the Patriots decide to use him.
The Patriots will be fun to watch either way next season but putting together a competitive roster is what the fanbase deserves after missing the playoffs for three straight years.
