The New England Patriots have a lot to fix this offseason and need to be proactive in doing so. New England cannot continue to wait around and continue to fall farther into mediocrity during a rebuild.
That’s not to say that New England doesn’t have a few opportunities to make major strides that should appeal to those from the outside, players and coaches alike, to come to Foxboro and make the Patriots better.
When the Patriots put together their appeal for new coaches and free agents this offseason, they’ll need to lead with these three appeals.
Drake Maye
The Patriots have the most difficult part of the rebuild out of the way. They found their franchise quarterback.
New England has almost no true stability around the quarterback. That hasn’t stopped Maye from showing flashes all season since taking over as the starter in Week 6. He’s thrown a touchdown pass in eight straight games and while he’s had some trouble with turnovers, the rookie clear has what it takes to enter the upper echelon of passers in football.
Maye is a real talent. The Patriots have to start putting real talent and real coaching support around him to maximize his potential.
Potential No. 1 Overall Pick
If the Patriots lose in Week 18 to the Buffalo Bills, they’ll secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
That creates a major win-win for the Patriots. They either draft a remarkable talent they trust with the pick or they trade out for a major haul to accumulate more capital that can help fill several holes.
And New England does have several holes.
Cap Space
If the Patriots can be aggressive, they have the funds to make splashes in free agency. But after a total gaff in this area a year ago, New England must correct mistakes and spend money.
The Patriots head to the offseason with $132 million in cap space, the most in the NFL. Whether it’s Tee Higgins, an offensive tackle or elsewhere, New England has no financial excuse not to make impact additions to the roster.
