LT Orlando Brown Jr. highlights potential free agents for Patriots

Free agency begins March 15 at 4 p.m. ET

Positional needs for New England Patriots: OT, FS, CB, WR, Interior OL, LB 

The Patriots must revamp their roster after an 8-9 season. New England ranks fifth in the NFL with $28,618,728 in effective cap space. That total could rise to as much as $87,406,021 in possible cap space should the team re-work contracts using the maximum restructure, per OverTheCap.com.  

Orlando Brown Jr., left tackle, Chiefs

The four-time Pro Bowler has had highs and lows in Kansas City after being traded from the Baltimore Ravens in 2021. A more optimal fit for him may be in New England -- if he hits the market. 

Brown Jr. had historically bad testing that caused him to drop in the 2018 NFL Draft, but he is a massive human (6-foot-8, 360 pounds) who would especially help the Patriots in the running game. New England loves big, physical tackles, so Brown Jr.'s size could be a huge asset.

Brown Jr. had a hard job in Kansas City, blocking for deep pockets and longer than he would have to in New England. Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes had a longer time to throw this season (2.89 seconds) than Patriots QB Mac Jones (2.69 seconds), per NextGenStats. 

Brown Jr. has been outspoken about his desire to play left tackle, but he can play right tackle, as he did in Baltimore. New England would have lineup decisions to make between him and current left tackle Trent Brown, who also has experience playing right tackle. 

Jawaan Taylor, right tackle, Jaguars

If offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn walks, Taylor could be a replacement. Jacksonville extended left tackle Cam Robinson, and with Walker Little still on a rookie deal, Taylor could hit the market. 

Taylor was an early second-round draft pick in 2019, reportedly falling due to medical concerns. But he has been durable in the pros at right tackle, playing more 1,000 snaps in all four seasons with the Jaguars. 

Taylor would be an upgrade over Wynn, who had eight penalties in nine games this season, per Pro Football Reference. 

Darius Slayton, wide receiver, Giants 

With Nelson Algholor potentially leaving, New England will be in the mix for another explosive playmaker. 

New England could use a prototypical "X" receiver or No. 1 option, but it would likely have to explore those via trade, considering the weaker free agency and draft classes this year. 

Slayton had more than 700 receiving yards in three of his four seasons. He had a down year in 2021, but Slayton posted a career high in yards per target (10.2) in 2022, when he had 724 yards receiving. 

If the Patriots value his downfield potential (he averages 15 yards/catch for his career) and don't view his skillset as overlapping with Tyquan Thornton's, this could make sense.