The Patriots received some bad news Saturday when one of their top free agent targets, offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, was re-signed by the Ravens.
Stanley isn’t the only player retained before free agency. Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa was re-signed by the Cowboys, wide receiver Tee Higgins was franchised by the Bengals, linebacker Zack Baun was re-signed by Eagles and the Chiefs franchised guard Trey Smith.
But there are still plenty of available targets for the Patriots before Monday’s negotiation period, which opens at noon. Players can’t officially be signed until Wednesday at 4 p.m., but the Patriots can agree to terms on contracts with players after Monday at noon.
Here are the best remaining players.
WIDE RECEIVER
The Patriots could still acquire Higgins via trade, but that would require sending draft capital to the Bengals and then signing the field-stretching wide receiver to a costly long-term extension.
If the Patriots can’t add Higgins, then Chris Godwin is the next-best option in free agency. The veteran slot receiver has yet to re-sign with the Buccaneers.
The Patriots are not expected to pursue veteran wide receivers Stefon Diggs or Amari Cooper. Younger options on the open market include Darius Slayton and Joshua Palmer.
Higgins isn’t the only wide receiver the Patriots could acquire via trade. The Patriots could also swing a deal with the 49ers for Brandon Aiyuk.
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Stanley returning to the Ravens stings. Alaric Jackson also re-signed with the Rams before hitting free agency.
That really leaves just two left tackle option on the open market: Cam Robinson and Dan Moore Jr.
Robinson, 29, previously played under Patriots offensive line coach Doug Marrone when he was head coach of the Jaguars. The Jaguars traded Robinson to the Vikings midway through last season.
Moore, 26, has been with the Steelers since being selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
With Stanley off the board, defensive tackle Milton Williams becomes the top available free agent for the Patriots. It would not be a surprise if he became their top priority when the negotiating period opens Monday.
Williams is one of the top pass-rushing DTs in the NFL. He generated 51 pressures last season and had a monster performance in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX win over the Chiefs.
Other options include Levi Onwuzurike, who played for Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams with the Lions, and Poona Ford.
DEFENSIVE END
The Patriots got out ahead of free agency by signing Harold Landry. He’s not quite as productive as a pass-rusher at this point in his career, but he’s better than anyone they currently have in that role.
Malcolm Koonce is another potential option entering free agency. He played under current Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels with the Raiders. Koonce was expected to have a breakout role in 2024 but suffered a season-ending knee injury in practice before the season began.
Other options include Colt Dayo Odeyingbo, Ram Michael Hoecht and Cowboy Chauncey Golston.
LINEBACKER
Gone are the days when the Patriots were looking for 250-plus pound linebackers. In Vrabel and Williams’ new defense, the Patriots are looking for smaller LBs who can add some speed to the Patriots’ front seven.
Unfortunately for the Patriots, Baun, Jamien Sherwood and Ernest Jones never hit free agency before being re-signed. Dre Greenlaw also fits the bill for what the Patriots are seeking.
CORNERBACK
Yes, the Patriots have Christian Gonzalez on one corner, but they have no guaranteed options to play across the field from their All-Pro defender.
Charvarius Ward is the top option for New England, but also look for them to show interest in Byron Murphy Jr. and their own impending free agent Jonathan Jones.
D.J. Reed, Carlton Davis III and Nate Hobbs are also top free-agent options for cornerback or the nickel position.
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