Mike Vrabel‘s first offseason as the Patriots’ head coach could involve a number of high-profile moves being made in the near future. New England is set to have the most cap space in the league at the onset of free agency, and the team also owns the No. 4 pick in April’s draft. 
The wide receiver position is one the Patriots have understandably been connected to during the lead-in to the new league year. If Tee Higgins reaches the open market, New England is a suitor to watch closely. Regardless of what happens on that front, though, multiple additions at the line of scrimmage can be expected for the Patriots in the coming months.
“Certainly, you look at the teams that are able to protect the quarterback and dictate the flow of the game offensively, making sure that up front we’re sound, we’re strong,” Vrabel said when speaking about his priorities (via MassLive’s Karen Guregian). “Whether that’s through free agency or the draft, that’s something that’s critical.”
Offensive line play was a major issue for the Patriots in 2024, a year which began with questions being raised up front. The team finished 31st in PFF grade with respect to pass protection and last in run blocking, so plenty of room for improvement exists this offseason. Veteran Chukwuma Okorafor – signed as a free agent in 2024 to handle left tackle duties – played only one game with the team and was predictably released last week. Finding a starting-caliber option at the left and right tackle spots will be a key goal this offseason.
Will Campbell is a prospect frequently linked to the Patriots regarding the top of the draft board, given the LSU product’s standing as arguably the top O-lineman in the 2025 class. Just like the Titans, though, some (or all) of the other teams set to select in the top five could very well entertain the idea of moving down the board. If the Patriots took that route, other candidates to fill roster holes on the offensive or defensive lines would come into play.
Christian Barmore was limited to only four games in 2024, and a healthy campaign from the $21MM-per-year defensive tackle would be critical in helping the Patriots rebound against the run next season. Depth along the defensive interior has already been retained with the re-signing of Jeremiah Pharms, but it would come as no surprise if adding further options behind Barmore and Davon Godchaux were to be high on the organization’s to-do list.
With the amount of money they have I don’t think it should be at all unrealistic for them to go out and get Tee Higgins AND Trey Smith. Add Campbell in the draft and your offense looks a lot better.
That being said if Abdul Carter is still on the board at 4 I think you need to take him.
Personally, Im taking Carter if hes still there. That seems like a very easy decision. If not, I would think real hard about Mason Graham. Otherwise I am trying to move back a few spots and get some additional draft capital.
Shocker. Worst roster in the NFL is looking for upgrades at crucial positions along oline and dline.
Sign or trade for 2 veteran tackles, keep Onwenu at RG and Strange at LG or C if Andrews is retiring. Develop last year’s OL picks of Wallace and Robinson.
Draft Carter, Hunter, or trade back. I’m not yet sold on Tee Higgins as a stand alone WR1.
Have veteran lines on both sides of the ball and the rest will fall in line.
Even if Higgins isn’t a true WR1, he’s a young but proven very good WR2. If they sign him and he’s not a WR1, they can try to get one later. It’s not like anybody else who’s available is better (around his age). You don’t not sign a very good WR2 because he’s not a WR1.