Offseason In Review: New England Patriots

While the Patriots planned for years to have Jerod Mayo replace Bill Belichick as head coach, the former All-Pro linebacker only lasted a season as the franchise leader. Expectations were tempered heading into the 2024 campaign; Mayo still managed to disappoint during his lone season on the sideline.

Reports cited a lack of preparation, discipline, and development (especially on the defensive side of the ball). Robert Kraft later acknowledged his mistake to automatically hand Mayo the job, as no other HC candidates (due to a clause in Mayo’s contract that circumvented the Rooney Rule) were interviewed, and the Patriots owner was now set to hire his second coach in a post-Belichick era.

While the organization engaged in a faux coaching search that featured names like Ben Johnson, Byron Leftwich, and Pep Hamilton, Mike Vrabel always appeared to be the lead candidate for the job. A former fan favorite in New England, Vrabel had a relatively successful coaching stint in Tennessee, where he guided the Titans to three playoff appearances and four winning records.

The Titans fell to seven wins in 2022 before a six-win showing in 2023, and with rumblings of a power struggle in the front office, Vrabel was ousted following a six-year stint as Titans head coach. He spent the 2024 campaign as a consultant for the Browns, and he entered the 2025 offseason as one of the top HC candidates on the market.

He landed in the logical spot in New England, where he may have full roster control. The Patriots retained front office leader Eliot Wolf (while pairing him with notable executives like Cowden), although it remains to be seen who has the definitive final decision in New England.

For what it’s worth, the organization has been quick to move on from some of Wolf’s 2024 moves. The executive handed out a number of extensions during the 2024 offseason, and in addition to efforts to move off the Kyle Dugger and Anfernee Jennings investments, the Patriots have already said goodbye to extension recipients like Jabrill Peppers, Davon Godchaux, Kendrick Bourne, and David Andrews.

Wolf’s 2024 draft is also looking like a disaster. While he appeared to hit on third-overall pick Drake Maye, the only other draft pick currently on the active roster is offensive lineman Caedan Wallace, who is penciled in for a backup role. Second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk was firmly on the roster bubble before landing on season-ending IR, and the team moved on from fourth-round OL Layden Robinson and WR Javon Baker.

While Wolf surely had a say in the team’s quick pivot off the 2024 draft class, the Pats’ 2025 roster makeup also may be an indication of who’s actually running the show in New England. Besides potentially crafting the roster, Vrabel was also tasked with rebuilding his coaching staff. On offense, he brought in old friend Josh McDaniels, who is now preparing for his third stint with the Patriots.

McDaniels failed as a head coach with the Broncos and Raiders, but he’s still regarded as one of the league’s top offensive minds. His ability to squeeze out Mac Jones‘ only serviceable professional season (coupled with his obvious success coaching Tom Brady) has led to optimism about his ability to develop Maye. At the very least, McDaniels should provide an upgrade over the carousel of OCs the team has turned to since McDaniels’ last departure following the 2021 campaign (a grouping that’s included Matt Patricia/Joe Judge, Bill O’Brien, and Alex Van Pelt).

Brought in as DC, Terrell Williams spent six years coaching alongside Vrabel in Tennessee. He spent the 2024 campaign coaching the Lions’ defensive line. Williams dealt with some health issues through the offseason and preseason, putting some focus on Zak Kuhr, who was called on to temporarily take his place. It appears Williams will be set for the start of the 2025 campaign, but the frequent offseason health updates means this is at least a story to watch.

Free agency additions:

• Milton Williams, DT. Four years, $104MM ($63MM guaranteed)
• Carlton Davis, CB. Three years, $60MM ($34.5MM guaranteed)
• Harold Landry, LB. Three years, $43.5MM ($26MM guaranteed)
• Stefon Diggs, WR. Three years, $63.5MM ($22.6MM guaranteed)
• Robert Spillane, LB. Three years, $37.5MM ($20.6MM guaranteed)
• Morgan Moses, OT. Three years, $24MM ($11MM guaranteed)
• Garrett Bradbury, C. Two years, $12MM ($3.8MM guaranteed)
• Josh Dobbs, QB. Two years, $8MM ($3.8MM guaranteed)
• Mack Hollins, WR. Two years, $8.4MM ($3.5MM guaranteed)
• K’Lavon Chaisson, LB. One year, $5MM ($1.5MM guaranteed)
• Jack Gibbens, LB. One year, $1.3MM ($309K guaranteed)

The Patriots took advantage of their league-leading cap space to help shore up a defense that finished 2024 ranked in the bottom-10 of most categories. The team’s most notable addition was defensive tackle Milton Williams, who was coming off a career regular season and a successful postseason run with the Super Bowl champs. The Pats outbid the Panthers for Williams, who scored the most fully guaranteed money of any free agent this offseason.

Williams landed as PFR’s No. 3 free agent, and for good reason. While the counting stats don’t jump off the page, the Louisiana Tech product still totaled 18 pressures and ranked sixth in DT pass rush win rate despite only playing a part-time role in Philly. There are rightful questions about whether Williams can sustain that form in a three-down role, but at the very least, he should benefit the defense in both the pass-rush and run-stopping department.

The Patriots also added a pair of steady veterans to help anchor their linebackers corps. Mike Vrabel favorite Harold Landry immediately emerges as one of New England’s top pass rushers, as the edge defender rebounded from a torn ACL in 2022 to compile 19.5 sacks between 2023 and 2024.

New England finished last in the NFL in sacks last season, and Landry should provide the organization with a formidable pass-rush presence that’s been missing since Matt Judon‘s last healthy Patriots season in 2022. Robert Spillane will line up in the middle of the linebacker grouping after collecting 306 tackles for the Raiders over the past two years. The free agent addition should also provide some much-needed help with the run defense, as Pro Football Focus ranked him sixth among ILBs in run stoppage last season.

The team wasn’t done adding linebackers. K’Lavon Chaisson could represent one of the team’s more underrated offseason acquisitions. While the former first-round pick has failed to live up to his draft billing, he showed promise with the Raiders in 2024 by finishing with a career-high five sacks. He should get the first crack at playing opposite Landry on the edge. Jack Gibbens was brought in to provide some ILB depth. Another former Vrabel Titans charge, Gibbens had 95 tackles playing under the coach in 2023 before dropping to 44 tackles with the post-Vrabel Titans in 2024.

To top off their defensive additions, the Patriots brought in one of free agency’s top defensive backs in Carlton Davis. A former mainstay on the Buccaneers’ defense, Davis spent the 2024 season in Detroit, where he finished with 56 tackles and a pair of interceptions. The cornerback reduced his completion percentage, passer rating and yards-per-target figures during his lone season with the Lions, and the Patriots are hoping he can maintain that play opposite Christian Gonzalez.

The Patriots didn’t only add to the defense, as the team added a handful of temporary starters to their offense. Following their failed pursuit of Calvin Ridley in 2024, the Patriots made it known that they were intent on adding a top-end wide receiver in 2025.

The organization was seemingly connected to every big name who could have hypothetically been available via free agency or trade, including Bengals wideout Tee Higgins, Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin, and former Seahawks (and future Steelers) wideout D.K. Metcalf. Ultimately, the team landed on a former AFC East foe in Stefon Diggs, handing the veteran a lucrative contract despite the wideout coming off a torn ACL.

Diggs was facing more competition for targets in Houston, but the former All-Pro still managed to be productive before his season-ending injury. While his 62 yards per game was indeed one of the lowest of his career, it wasn’t a huge falloff from his 69 YPC number with the Bills in 2023. His 73.4 catch rate represented his best showing since 2020, and his YAC per reception was also on par with his career averages.

Now 31, Diggs should hypothetically provide Drake Maye with a high-end WR. Even if the acquisition doesn’t reach his former elite ceiling, he is still clearly the team’s highest-upside player at the position. If Diggs doesn’t work out, the Patriots structured the contract to give them a clear out following the 2025 season.

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The Patriots also added Mack Hollins to their receivers room, as the veteran has experience in Josh McDaniels‘ offense (from their Raiders overlap in 2022). The Patriots already had a number of similar-caliber players on their depth chart, but at the very least, Hollins — a regular Bills cog despite arriving as a low-cost 2024 FA — should provide some veteran savviness to an inexperienced receivers group.

On the offensive line, the Patriots landed on two starters in Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury. Moses is getting up there in age, and he started showing some cracks during his age-33 season, with Pro Football Focus ranking him 52nd overall among tackle regulars. Considering the team’s alternative options, the Patriots couldn’t be overly choosy with their OT targets, and Moses should still provide some veteran leadership to an offensive line that may eventually feature a pair of rookies (more on that below).

Bradbury should also provide some veteran know-how in the middle of the offensive line. Though, since grading out as PFF’s 11th-best center in 2022, the longtime Vikings center has finished 23rd and 29th at the position over the past two years.

The Patriots are hoping their other notable free agent acquisition won’t even see the field in 2025. Josh Dobbs brings 15 games of starting experience to New England, with 12 of those coming during a 3-9 showing with the Cardinals and Vikings in 2023. There were rumblings that the veteran quarterback didn’t impress during the preseason, and the Patriots have prepared for a potential pivot when they recently claimed Tommy DeVito off waivers.

When all was said and done, the Patriots committed more than $361MM to free agent acquisitions, including more than $197MM in guaranteed money. It’s not dissimilar to how the organization approached their 2021 offseason, when the front office made a handful of big signings in an attempt to return to relevancy. Those 2021 investments helped improve the team’s win total from seven (in 2020) to 10 (2021), with that latter squad earning the franchise’s last playoff nod.

The Patriots will be hoping for a similar impact from this year’s free agency class. While the Pats will surely benefit from some temporary improvements to both the offense and defense, the team’s spending spree could hamstring the front office in future offseasons.

Re-signings:

• Austin Hooper, TE. One year, $5MM ($4MM guaranteed)
• Jeremiah Pharms, DT. Two years, $2.47MM ($350K guaranteed)

Coming off a four-win showing in 2024 before adding a new presumed decision-maker in Mike Vrabel, it is not surprising that the Patriots weren’t particularly active when it came to retaining their own free agents. Notably, the team made an effort to keep a single player on both sides of the ball.

Austin Hooper‘s first season in New England was actually one of his most productive offensive campaigns in years. The veteran finished with 45 catches for 476 yards and three touchdowns, leading to the sixth-best positional grade from Pro Football Focus.

Hooper also proved to be capable in the blocking game, making him a fine complement to Hunter Henry in the tight ends room. On defense, the team retained former UDFA Jeremiah Pharms, who was coming off a successful sophomore season where he collected 33 tackles and a pair of sacks. He should serve as Milton Williams‘ primary backup in New England’s base 3-3 defense.

The Patriots also did some work to retain a handful of exclusive rights free agents who could play significant depth roles for the 2025 iteration of the team. This grouping includes offensive lineman Ben Brown, cornerback Alex Austin, and safety Jaylinn Hawkins.

Notable losses:

• David Andrews, C (released)
• Javon Baker, WR (waived)
• Ja’Whaun Bentley (released)
• Kendrick Bourne, WR (released)
• Jacoby Brissett, QB
• Joe Cardona, LS (released)
• Daniel Ekuale, DT
• Jonathan Jones, CB
• Chukwuma Okorafor, OT (released)
• Jabrill Peppers, S (released)
• Cole Strange, G (waived)
• Sione Takitaki, LB (released)
• Deatrich Wise, DL

Considering the Patriots’ long list of offseason additions, it’s not surprising the organization had an equally long list of departures. While some of these names were only thrust into big roles in 2024 because of New England’s lack of depth, the team also said good bye to a handful of veterans who represented the organization’s final link to their former Super Bowl glory.

Most notably, the team moved on from center David Andrews before the veteran ultimately decided to hang up his cleats. A former UDFA, the offensive lineman started 121 games during his decade in New England, earning a pair of Super Bowl rings along the way.

A shoulder injury limited the veteran to only four games in 2024, and the Patriots’ decision to cut him with an injury designation indicated that Andrews may not have been ready to take the field in 2025. That notion proved to be correct, and the center decided to call it career after ranking 49th in franchise history in games played.

New England also moved on from four former Super Bowl winners. Cornerback Jonathan Jones transformed from a depth piece into a reliable starter during his long stint with the organization, and he finished his Patriots career having

earned a pair of rings while tallying 11 interceptions. The veteran left the Patriots to join the Commanders on a one-year deal.

Deatrich Wise also left for Washington following an eight-year stay in New England where he collected 34 sacks. The team cut Ja’Whaun Bentley following a 2024 campaign where he was limited to a pair of appearances thanks to a torn pectoral muscle. Prior to that, the linebacker had started all 62 appearances for the Patriots between 2020 and 2023, compiling 439 tackles and 10 sacks. The Patriots also moved on from longtime long snapper Joe Cardona, who earned a spot on the organization’s All-Dynasty Team thanks to his steady decade-long stint with the franchise.

The Patriots continued to acknowledge some of their recent draft failings, with the front office finally moving on from offensive lineman Cole Strange. The Chattanooga product was a clear reach when Bill Belichick snagged him with the 29th-overall pick in the 2022 draft, although the guard didn’t look completely helpless in 17 starts as a rookie. He found himself in and out of the lineup in 2023, and a knee injury limited him to only a pair of appearances in 2024.

While the lineman could have provided some depth for the 2025 Patriots version, the organization made it clear he wasn’t in their future plans when it declined his fifth-year option at the beginning of the offseason. The team then truly ended the Strange era when they included him among their final cuts.

Over the past week-plus, the Patriots moved on from a pair of notable veterans who initially made the 53-man roster. The front office tried shopping around Kendrick Bourne before ultimately moving on at the veteran’s request. Bourne was one of the team’s most reliable offensive players over the past four years, but the team’s added depth at the position made him expendable.

More curiously, the team moved on from safety Jabrill Peppers, who was one of the Patriots’ top defenders in recent years. Kyle Dugger appeared to be the New England safety at biggest risk of leaving, but the team made the sudden move to move on from Peppers, who had served in a hybrid safety/linebackers role for the organization since 2022.

Trades:

• Traded QB Joe Milton, No. 217 to Cowboys for No. 171
• Dealt DT Davon Godchaux to Saints for 2026 seventh-round pick

When it comes to offseason trades, the Patriots narrative may have been more about the trades they didn’t make. Besides their pursuit of notable WR trade targets (most notably Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin), the team also appeared to be heavily involved in the Trey Hendrickson sweepstakes. The Bengals pass rusher ended up sticking in Cincy on a one-year pay raise, but the Patriots front office still made it clear that they’re willing to make a significant swing if the opportunity presents itself.

The Patriots were also rumored to be shopping a handful of veterans, most notably safety Kyle Dugger and linebacker Anfernee Jennings. Both of these defenders ended up sticking on the roster through final cuts, and the team has since cleared additional depth that indicates the two veterans may be in line for roles in 2025.

When it comes to trades that were made, the most notable was quarterback Joe Milton, who was dealt to the Cowboys before the draft. The 2024 sixth-round pick impressed during his lone appearance as a rookie, when he completed 22 of his 29 pass attempts for 241 yards and one touchdown (he added another score on the ground).

There were rumblings the Patriots were looking to avoid a situation similar to the previous Mac Jones/Bailey Zappe dynamic, where the latter had starting ambitions despite the former’s clear standing as QB1. Milton won’t have the starting opportunity in Dallas, but he could perhaps be Dak Prescott‘s successor…an opportunity that wasn’t available to Milton in New England with Drake Maye fully entrenched as the franchise signal caller.

Less notably, the Patriots moved on from veteran defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, who would have been eyeing an end-of-the-depth-chart role considering the team’s defensive investments. Godchaux didn’t miss a game during his four seasons in New England, starting 67 of his 68 appearances while contributing 250 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Like the Peppers and Bourne cuts, the Godchaux trade comes a year after a Wolf-led front office paid him (two years, $18MM). The trade left the Pats with just less than $7MM in dead money.

Draft:

• Round 1, No. 4: Will Campbell (T, LSU)
• Round 2, No. 38: TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State)
• Round 3, No. 69: Kyle Williams (WR, Washington State)
• Round 3, No. 95 (from Chiefs): Jared Wilson (C, Georgia)
• Round 4, No. 106: Craig Woodson (S, Cal)
• Round 4, No. 137 (from Seahawks): Joshua Farmer (DT, Florida State)
• Round 5, No. 146 (from Patriots): Bradyn Swinson (OLB, LSU)
• Round 6, No. 182 (from Jaguars through Lions): Andres Borregales (K, Miami)
• Round 7, No. 220: Marcus Bryant (T, Missouri)
• Round 7, No. 251 (from Chiefs): Julian Ashby (LS, Vanderbilt)
• Round 7, No. 257 (from Chiefs): Kobee Minor (CB, Memphis)

The Patriots’ Week 18 victory knocked the organization down to fourth in the draft order. With Drake Maye under center, the organization was never a logical suitor for Cam Ward at No. 1, although the Patriots surely could have received a bounty of picks via a trade. The organization also missed out on blue-chip prospects like Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter, meaning the Patriots had to settle on their pick of second-tier prospects at No. 4.

The team ultimately chose LSU tackle Will Campbell. The consensus All-American seemed like the logical selection with the pick, although that doesn’t mean the incoming rookie didn’t have his critics. Scouts pointed to Campbell’s short arm length as a reason for while he’ll struggle as an offensive tackle in the NFL, leading to questions if he might ultimately be destined for a guard role.

Reports out of training camp and the preseason indicate Campbell dealt with a standard set of rookie struggles, although he provided some optimism for his savviness and grit. This is a crucial pick for an organization that’s hoping it landed on a long-term blindside blocker for Maye.

The team’s next three picks also seemed to impress during practices. TreVeyon Henderson has been a hot name on the fantasy circuit after showing his dynamic offensive ability (plus a 100-yard kickoff-return TD) during the preseason. The rookie’s speed provides a unique dynamic to the RBs room, although Henderson will still have to compete with Rhamondre Stevenson and pass catcher Antonio Gibson for reps. Even if it takes the second-round RB time to make his mark, it appears the Patriots at least found a future piece for their offense.

The team used their next pick on wideout Kyle Williams, who had a breakout campaign during his lone season at Washington State (70 catches, 1,198 yards, 14 touchdowns). The rookie will have a tough time carving out a role on a depth chart that at least features Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, Demario Douglas, and Mack Hollins ahead of him, but Williams could also represent the highest-upside option at the position.

With their other third-round pick, the Patriots selected Georgia offensive lineman Jared Wilson. The rookie appears to be a future replacement for stopgap Garrett Bradbury, although Wilson did get a look as part of the team’s solution at left guard. For the time being, it appears he’ll be riding the pine to begin his first professional season, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he works his way into the starting lineup before long.

Rookie fourth-round pick Craig Woodson could immediately be inserted into the starting lineup following the release of Jabrill Peppers and the apparent downfall of Kyle Dugger. Meanwhile, sixth-round kicker Andres Borregales won the starting gig over John Parker Romo, although it remains to be seen how long of a leash the rookie will have. The Patriots also seemed to hit on a pair of UDFAs, as wideout Efton Chism and linebacker Elijah Ponder made the 53-man roster following standout preseasons.

Other:

• Match Raiders’ offer sheet for LB Christian Elliss
• DT Christian Barmore cleared for football activities
• Claimed QB Tommy DeVito off waivers from Giants

The Patriots weren’t going to let Elliss out the door. After the restricted free agent signed a two-year, $13.5MM offer sheet with the Raiders, the Patriots decided to match the commitment. A former Eagles special-teamer, Elliss came into his own in 2024. He started five of his 16 appearances for the Patriots, compiling 80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and five passes defended. At the moment, he appears to be the favorite to start at the inside linebacker spot next to Robert Spillane.

Barmore was limited to only four games last season as he dealt with recurring symptoms from blood clots. Fortunately, he’s made significant progress and was fully cleared for football activities in May. The last time we saw Barmore in a full-time role, he compiled 8.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 16 QB hits, leading to a four-year, $92MM extension. The former second-round pick should have a significant role on New England’s defensive line in 2025.

Top 10 cap charges for 2025:

1. Michael Onwenu, G: $21.00MM
2. Kyle Dugger, S: $15.26MM
3. Christian Barmore, DT: $14.12MM
4. Milton Williams, DT: $14.00MM
5. Carlton Davis, CB: $11.70MM
6. Hunter Henry, TE: $11.44MM
7. Robert Spillane, LB: $9.00MM
8. Stefon Diggs, WR: $8.70MM
9. Harold Landry, LB: $8.50MM
10. Drake Maye, QB: $8.32MM

Will the Patriots’ offseason additions help? They certainly won’t hurt, and the team’s various commitments should have a positive, natural impact on the standings.

Of course, games aren’t won via free agency headlines, and for a team that has claimed multiple dynasties, a simple return to relevancy won’t do. The Patriots are hoping to return to contention. The team’s offseason transactions will surely play a role in determining whether the organization is set up for current or future success. However, Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye will ultimately represent the team’s main path to competitiveness.