The Patriots’ roster will look a lot different by the time the season starts in September.
Entering the offseason with nearly $130 million in cap space and needs all over their roster, the Patriots are expected to be busy in free agency this offseason. The Boston Herald will preview free agency going position by position to highlight potential additions.
The Patriots have a new head coach in Mike Vrabel and have returned to a coach-centric structure with Vrabel only behind Robert and Jonathan Kraft in terms of power within the organization. Vrabel was heavily involved in free agency and pre-draft meetings at the NFL Scouting Combine, and he’s made it clear to the front office what types of players he’s prioritizing this offseason.
Eliot Wolf remains in his perch as executive vice president of player personnel, and the team hired Ryan Cowden — a long-time Vrabel confidant — as VP of player personnel. Some within the organization actually view vice president of operations and strategy John Streicher as Vrabel’s true No. 2.
We conclude by highlighting the cornerbacks the Patriots can add this offseason.
Coming off three straight seasons starting for the Jets, Reed is a top-of-the-market corner with whom the Patriots are plenty familiar. He’s well-versed in the zone coverages the Pats defense will soon major in under Vrabel, a major plus. Reed is physical and sound, but lacks in the playmaking department. He had zero interceptions last year and just two since joining Gang Green, though he also has 32 pass breakups during that stretch.
In Reed, the Patriots would land an above-average starter for years to come. He’s 28, proven and especially durable.
Ward is one of the top names on the Patriots’ free agency board. He fits the prototype at 6-foot-1 and 196 pounds, with ample experience in man and zone-based systems. He’s a former Pro Bowler who nabbed five interceptions in 2023, when he ranked among the league’s top-10 cornerbacks for a second straight year by Pro Football Focus grades.
More recently, Ward is coming off a down year in San Francisco interrupted by the death of his daughter. Ward has been open about that trauma likely leading him out of the Bay Area and into a new market.
Murphy broke out last year under ex-Patriots assistant and current Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, making the Pro Bowl thanks to six interceptions, a forced fumble and 81 tackles. He’s only 27 and versatile enough to play across the slot or outside. Murphy also seemed to tighten up his tackling problem last year, which would make him an all-around corner if permanently fixed.
Look for the Patriots to be in the market for Murphy, unless he prices himself out with a contract close to $20 million annually.
A familiar face, Jones wants to remain in New England, the only NFL home he’s ever known. And lucky for him the interest is mutual.
Jones could help bring Vrabel’s vision to life, as a locker-room leader with toughness, high football character and experience. At this stage of his career, Jones, 31, is best suited for a utility role. He can play nickelback, outside corner and even moonlight at safety. Expect him to land a short-term deal, whether it’s in New England or elsewhere.
The youngest cornerback on this list, Hobbs also boasts the versatility to cover receivers inside and out. He’s tough and physical, and effective as a blitzer. After Vrabel spoke at the combine about the importance of the nickelback position — Hobbs’ primary spot since being drafted four years ago by the Raiders — it’s only sensible to see Hobbs as a potential fit in New England.
Over his four-year NFL career, he has three interceptions, three forced fumbles, three sacks and 35 pass breakups.