Patriots Rumors: At Least 1 ‘Elite Defender’ to Be Targeted in 2024 NFL Free Agency

Adam WellsMarch 2, 2024

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While most of the attention around the New England Patriots is focused on what they will do with the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, new head coach Jerod Mayo is also hoping to add some help to his defense in free agency.

Per Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, the Patriots are targeting “at least one elite defender” in free agency who will be able to step in and start right away.

The shift to Mayo and new de facto general manager Eliot Wolf from Bill Belichick has seemed to open up a lot of possibilities for the Patriots.

Per MassLive’s Mark Daniels, Chris Mason and Karen Guregian, the Patriots’ braintrust arrived at the NFL scouting combine this week with a plan in place to address their quarterback situation.

The plan includes drafting a quarterback at No. 3 overall, sign a veteran free agent who could potentially start if the coaching staff doesn’t feel the rookie is ready when the 2024 season begins and move on from Mac Jones.

Gurgeian previously reported the Patriots might be able to get a fourth- or fifth-round draft pick in a trade for Jones.

It’s unclear which defensive player the Patriots might target in free agency, but money will not be a problem. They are up to $91.5 million in available cap space after releasing J.C. Jackson on Friday.

Two areas they could look to target are cornerback and pass-rusher, especially with Josh Uche set to hit free agency. There are high-quality players at both positions who could be available, but it sounds like most of them will get the franchise tag from their current clubs.

L’Jarius Sneed is reportedly going to receive the franchise tag from the Kansas City Chiefs, but NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added he’s also received permission to seek a trade.

The Athletic’s Nate Taylor and Dianna Russini reported on Thursday there is “growing optimism” from the Chiefs that they will be able to get a deal done with Jones prior to the start of free agency on March 13.

Josh Allen is also expected to receive the franchise tag from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan said he thinks the team would use the tag to retain Brian Burns if they can’t get a long-term deal done with the 25-year-old.

Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said this week that Justin Madubuike will “probably” be tagged if no long-term deal gets done. Antoine Winfield Jr. seems unlikely to hit the market after an All-Pro season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

There’s no indication Jaylon Johnson will receive the tag from the Chicago Bears, but that’s because it seems like he’s on the verge of signing a long-term deal with the club.

If all of those players are off the board, the best defensive player who will likely be available is Danielle Hunter. The 29-year-old tied for the NFL lead with 23 tackles for loss and recorded a career-high 16.5 sacks with the Minnesota Vikings last season.

The Patriots need to make sweeping changes to their roster after missing the playoffs in three of the past four seasons. Their 13 losses during the 2023 campaign were their most in a single season since finishing 2-14 in 1992.