The Patriots 15th ranked defense was commendable in 2023, considering the hand they were dealt all season. They weren’t perfect by any means, but there were games they were simply dominant and that trend has a chance to continue in ‘24. The defense has their most important pieces returning on the coaching staff and on the field. Christian Gonzalez and Matt Judon return to help anchor this talented crew that will likely add in some thin areas. The good thing about this defense is there are real pieces to build around at every level, which is crucial to be great.
With Christian Barmore making a huge leap to anchor the defensive line, Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai controlling the middle, and lastly, the aforementioned Gonzalez locking down his side of the field, New England is in very good shape. The secondary also boasts freakishly athletic free safety Jabril Peppers and could potentially have strong safety Kyle Dugger back after the team used the transition tag on him. Davon Godchaux is underrated and has been one of the better interior run defenders over the last four years. The defense is solid, but they need to add to take this group to the next level. With the amount of cap space they have and a defensive head coach taking over, defensive free agents should be attracted to New England.
There are going to be some good players available at multiple positions, and there is a good chance New England makes one big splash while adding middle-class guys to improve depth in areas where there is an established starter. In our Patriots Defensive Roster Breakdown, we take a deep dive into the defensive holdovers, what their contract status is, and possible additions that would make sense for a team that has a chance to build one of the league’s best defenses. New England has the pieces and now the cap space to put together a formidable group that will help their brand-new offense. Nothing makes things easier for an offense than having a great defense, so why not run with it? Let’s take a look.
Cornerback
Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Shaun Wade, Isaiah Bolden, Marco Wilson, Alex Austin
This position has been getting a lot of talk lately as a major area of need, but that depends on how they approach things. The return of Christian Gonzalez gives them that top corner they need to make it easier for everyone else. Jonathan Jones is an excellent slot corner and can also move outside if needed. Marcus Jones returns from injury, Shaun Wade is another depth guy who could carve out a spot on the ‘24 roster, and Isaiah Bolden was a rookie last year who showed promise in the preseason. The guy to watch is Myles Bryant, who is an unrestricted free agent who has been underrated in New England. Bryant will cost more with his market in the 7-10 million per year range, but he knows the defense and has proven to be productive.
If they simply bring back this group, they would be very solid, if not good. Like every position, there are top free agents that the Patriots can afford if they want. This is one of the strangest seasons ever because New England has so much money they can do what they want. If they decide to upgrade at corner, Kenny Moore, Kendall Fuller, L’Jarius Sneed (franchised, would need to work out a trade), and Adoree’ Jackson are all excellent players under 29 who could come in and start opposite Christian Gonzalez. Cornerback is not as expensive as it used to be, so going out and obtaining a strong starter opposite Gonzalez would not break them financially and can help them in a division with two proven passing games (Bills, Dolphins) and the Jets getting Aaron Rodgers back from his Achilles injury.
Free Safety
Jabrill Peppers, Joshuah Bledsoe
- Ep. 197: Fields to Pittsburgh, Still Available Free Agentsby Full Press Coverage on March 18, 2024 at 8:00 pm
Peppers was excellent in ‘23 and was maybe the brightest spot of a dark season. Peppers has that position locked down for a year, but after the release of Adrian Phillips, the safety depth as a whole needs to improve. Jalen Mills is a free agent who has enjoyed his time in New England to the point of being cut and returning on a new deal. Mills makes a lot of sense to re-sign to ensure depth on the back end of the defense, but he has made it clear that he wants to be a starter in the NFL again. His flexibility is impressive, so don’t be surprised if the Dugger situation dictates what occurs with Mills.
There are no free agents other than Mills that make sense at this position. If New England isn’t going to pay Phillips four million a year to be a backup safety, then it is pretty safe to say they want to go young at this position. Yes, some very good players are available at the position, and technically they could move Peppers over if needed, but I just don’t see it happening. It makes a lot of sense to draft a safety. This class has some sleepers that the Patriots could potentially take in the later rounds.
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Strong Safety
Dugger was hit with the transition tag, and hopefully, that deal gets done before free agency begins. Considering Dugger has a market value of roughly 13-15 million, a fair offer would be 4 years/$60 million with roughly $30 million guaranteed. If the Patriots are unable to sign Dugger, that creates a large hole that will likely have to be filled through the draft and free agency. It is likely Dugger returns, considering the new regime understands how important it is to keep homegrown players, but he ultimately could get an offer from a team with a better roster, which would give him a better chance to win. The Patriots can match it, which is good, but it is a red flag that they used that specific tag.
If Dugger gets an offer New England doesn’t want to match, there are options on the free agent market. Kamren Curl is at the top of the market, considering his age (24) and his production. If they value the player, they can afford him, but he is going to be an attractive free agent, so New England will have to know the Dugger situation before even thinking about a guy like Curl. Xavier McKinney would be a great addition too, but that situation is all tied to Dugger. Veterans like Kevin Byard, Rayshawn Jenkins, and Micah Hyde are also available. This position has become one of the deepest on the free agent market, which helps the Patriots leverage-wise with Dugger.
Brenden Schooler is strictly a special teams player who could find himself on the roster bubble. Bill Belichick cared more about spending on special teams than most, and it would not be a surprise to see the new leadership go in a completely different direction.
Prognosis
The defense is in a good place, but with all the space they have to work with under the cap and an offense that needs all the help they can get, it makes sense to attack free agency and make a serious upgrade while also adding strong middle-class free agents to improve depth in areas like the defensive line and safety. There can’t be any more excuses from the front office as far as not having the money because we know that just isn’t true, and regardless of the Patriots not being a destination team at the moment, money always changes things. They must be aggressive and have a plan as to who they want to target at the high end. The tampering period will help give an idea of where guys are leaning before we see things start to become official on Wednesday. The Patriots should be major players, and this will be interesting to watch.
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