Feels Like Patriots Backing Themselves Into Corner Before NFL Draft

The roster is undoubtedly better. There’s more talent after the slew of free agent signings. But in doing so, the Patriots have tipped the scales even further in one direction.

One week into NFL free agency, New England’s defense took a step forward while the offense stayed put. It might have even taken a step back given the release of longtime starting center David Andrews.

New England entered the offseason with obvious offensive needs. You could argue whether left tackle or wide receiver was the premier need, but it always came down to those two.

How have the Patriots addressed those spots? Well, they really haven’t — at least yet. And now it feels like the Patriots have backed themselves into a corner before the 2025 NFL Draft, as discussed on the latest episode of NESN’s “Foxboro Rush” podcast.

They need offense, offense and more offense. It could — and probably should — impact how the Patriots go about Days 1 and 2. Maybe the Patriots are forced to draft for need rather than best player available in Round 1. Maybe New England reaches for a Day 2 prospect they like, even if it’s one round before his projection. Only good teams without major holes benefit from the best-player-available strategy. New England isn’t one of them.

The Patriots added four defensive starters with defensive tackle Milton Williams, cornerback Carlton Davis as well as edge rusher Harold Landry III and linebacker Robert Spillane. All are good fits, bringing talent and leadership to Mike Vrabel’s team. New England’s offense then signed set-it-and-forget-it right tackle Morgan Moses, depth receiver Mack Hollins and veteran center Garrett Bradbury. Solid moves, but still not their biggest needs.

To be clear: The criticism isn’t that the Patriots spent on defense. It’s that they haven’t spent on offense. And they could have with Cooper Kupp (three years, $45 million), Darius Slayton (three years, $36 million) and Mekhi Becton (two years, $20 million) headlining a list of lower-cost moves.

Could things change during the second week of free agency, or thereafter? Absolutely. Veteran left tackle Cam Robinson remains available while wideouts like Keenan Allen, Stefon Diggs and Amari Cooper also are available on the open market. There’s still time, as Vrabel said.

But by now it’s fair to think the Patriots should’ve added more on offense. They should have answered offensive line questions including the left tackle (Vederian Lowe/Demontrey Jacobs) and left guard (Layden Robinson, Cole Strange). They should’ve made a run at a receiver better than Hollins, who’s likely a WR3 in a good room.

They didn’t, however. And now the Patriots might not go offense, offense and more offense in the draft.