Patriots aiming to be major players in 2025 NFL free agency, not ruling out trade for star wide receiver
The New England Patriots have the cap money this season and are expected to spend it. They’re up around $127 million and are already targeting some key players to help improve the roster. The Boston Herald reported on Sunday that the Patriots have four top free agent targets: Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley, Eagles defensive tackle […]
The New England Patriots have the cap money this season and are expected to spend it.
They’re up around $127 million and are already targeting some key players to help improve the roster.
The Boston Herald reported on Sunday that the Patriots have four top free agent targets: Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley, Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams, 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward and Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin.
However, the Patriots are "doubtful" that Godwin will leave Tampa Bay this offseason.
The switch to Godwin as a key target comes after the report that the Cincinnati Bengals plan to franchise tag Tee Higgins for a second straight season.
"League sources universally do not see Higgins as being available right now," the Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed wrote. "But if the Bengals pivot at the last minute, one agent offered at the combine: 'Everyone in the league knows (the Patriots) want Tee.'"
But, there is one other potential move that the Patriots have started to explore. The Herald further reports that the Patriots have "kicked the tires on a potential trade for Seattle’s D.K. Metcalf."
With all this planning, the team is prepared if they are unable to get their top choices. Tackles such as Pittsburgh Steelers' Dan Moore and Minnesota Vikings' Cam Robinson are also on the Patriots radar. They had interest in Alaric Jackson, but he was signed to an extension by the Los Angeles Rams on Friday.
On the defensive side of the ball, Callahan and Kyed add that Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood is someone the Patriots are interested in.
As for some other key free agents such as Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat, Bills receiver Amari Cooper, Texans receiver Stefon Diggs and Chargers outside linebacker Khalil Mack, the Patriots are not expected to have interest in them.
