The first week of NFL free agency started with a bang for the Patriots.
Eliot Wolf and Mike Vrabel came out aggressive, as they said.
The team signed five projected starters in the first 24 hours with defensive tackle Milton Williams, cornerback Carlton Davis, linebacker Robert Spillane, edge rusher Harold Landy, and right tackle Morgan Moses.
Over the last week, the Patriots filled out their depth chart by signing some quality veterans such as receiver Mack Hollins, edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, quarterback Josh Dobbs, safety Marcus Epps, and interior offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer.
At this point, the Patriots have 72 spots filled on their 90-man roster with nine picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Now entering the second week of NFL free agency, the Patriots still have the chance to fill out the rest of their depth chart, add competition, and fill some important roster holes.
Here’s a look at the best remaining free agents who fit what the Patriots are looking for.
Cam Robinson, tackle
This one is obvious. The Patriots biggest need of the offseason (left tackle) is still their biggest need. That’s a concern but if they want, they could add a veteran starter at the position with Robinson. The 28-year-old has started 101 games at left tackle over his 8-year career. He’d give the Patriots a stopgap at the position. Robinson is the best tackle available.
Za’Darius Smith, defensive end
The Patriots have added depth at defensive tackle (Williams and Tonga) and outside linebacker (Landy and Chaisson). They lack depth at defensive end to go with Keion White.
Smith, 32, is a 3-time Pro Bowler. Patriots outside linebackers coach Mike Smith was with this veteran for four seasons, including three of his Pro Bowl years. Smith had nine sacks in 2024.
Teven Jenkins, guard
The Patriots have question marks all over their offensive line. Is Cole Strange a center? If so, they lack a proven starter at left guard. That’s what Jenkins could provide.
The 27-year-old has started 38-of-45 games played. He started at left guard for Chicago over the last two seasons. He’s also played right guard and some left tackle.
Stefon Diggs, receiver
The Patriots haven’t been able to land their top targets at receiver this offseason. It’s unlikely they’re going to find a legit No. 1 in free agency. They could turn to a former Pro Bowler like Diggs.
The 31-year-old played in eight games last season, catching 47 passes for 496 yards and three touchdowns. He’s a year removed from his fourth Pro Bowl.
Dillon Radunz, offensive lineman
If the Patriots want to add more depth to their offensive line, they could turn to someone who Vrabel knows well. Radunz was a second-round pick by Tennessee in 2021. Last year, he started at right guard. In 2023, with Vrabel, he played right tackle (504 snaps), left guard (166 snaps), left tackle (85 snaps), and right guard (19 snaps).
Jedrick Wills Jr., tackle
The Patriots could swing for the fences with a left tackle option. Wills was once seen as a future promising pass blocker.
The No. 10 pick in the 2020 draft never lived up to the hype due to a knee injury. He was benched after four starts last year in Cleveland. He’d qualify as a low-risk, high-reward signing.
Kyzir White, linebacker
The Patriots brought in Spillane to usher in a new era for linebackers in New England. If the Patriots don’t think Ja’Whaun Bentley and/or Jahlani Tavai fit their defense, they could look for another lighter and more athletic linebacker.
White (6-foot-2, 234 pounds) fits that bill. The 28-year-old made 137 tackles to go with 2.5 sacks for Arizona last season.
Edd Pineiro, kicker
The Patriots have one kicker on their roster, John Parker Romo, but should add competition. Pineiro, 29, has made 88.1% of his field goal attempts in his career. Last year, he made 22-of-26 field goals (84.6%) for the Carolina Panthers.