During this NFL off-season, the New England Patriots have taken some time to reflect on last season’s 4-13 record and the uprising of star rookie quarterback Drake Maye. During this reflection period, the owner of the team, Robert Kraft, and general manager Eliot Wolf, have made some decisions regarding players and coaches to further aid the team to a bright future.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Patriots picked up multiple forces off free agency. These players include defensive tackle Milton Williams, cornerback Carlton Davis III, linebacker Robert Spillane, edge-rusher Harold Landy, defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson, and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga. Signing defensive leader Milton Williams who won Super Bowl LIX with the Philadelphia Eagles would be a crucial move for the Patriots defense with the departure of defensive lineman Davon Godchaux. Williams put up an amazing stat line during that Super Bowl with two sacks, two TLFs, a forced fumble and fumble recovery.
Further back in the defense, linebacker Robert Spillane and edge-rusher Harold Landry will ultimately help the Patriots defense conquer any running back or quarterback that decides to leave the pocket. Landry had a regular-season total of nine sacks, forty-two solo tackles and twenty nine assists with the Tennessee Titans in 2024. Spillane on the other hand had two sacks, two interceptions, ninety-one solo tackles and sixty-seven assists with the L.V. Raiders in 2024. In addition, the Patriots signed cornerback Carlton Davis III to help the secondary even more, matching two-year Pats veteran Christian Gonzalez. Davis put up two interceptions, a forced fumble, forty-two solo tackles and fourteen assists with the Detroit Lions in 2024. Together, these two defensive backs have the ability to match up against any receiver and perform consistently.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Patriots signed star wide-receiver Stefon Diggs, wide-receiver Mack Hollins, offensive tackle Morgan Moses and offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer. Wide-receiver Stefon Diggs is a great addition to the team, giving quarterback Drake Maye exposure to an explosive, fast wide-receiver that can get open. Diggs had forty-seven receptions for four hundred and ninety-six yards with a total of three touchdowns in the 2024 season with the Houston Texans. Mack Hollins on the other hand had thirty-one receptions for three hundred and seventy-eight yards with a total of five touchdowns with the Buffalo Bills in 2024. Hollins will serve as a good second-option for Drake Maye during the 2025-2026 season. Six-foot-six, three hundred and twenty pound offensive tackle, Morgan Moses was also a good pick up for the Patriots, as the offensive line is the place that needs the most help on the team as has for the past few seasons. The Patriots also signed Garrett Bradbury to replace Patriots legend David Andrews at the center position.
On the personal and coaching front, the organization made an excellent decision to hire new head coach and former Patriots linebacker, Mike Vrabel. Vrabel has helped persuade Kraft and Wolf on some of their team’s player choices and is looking forward to what may be a great season with the Pats. Vrabel will replace Jerod Mayo, who last offseason was looked upon to fix the team, but instead caused a disaster. In addition to a new head coach, the Patriots signed new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to replace Bill O’Brein. This will be McDaniels third coaching stint with the Patriots as he coached from 2006-2008 and then from 2012-2021.
Looking forward to the upcoming 2025 NFL draft with the fourth overall pick, multiple sources say the Patriots are as of now projected to take Will Campbell, offensive tackle from LSU. This coming season has fans all over New England excited for a fresh start and hoping for the best from this team in the 2025-2026 NFL season.
