New England Patriots - NESN.com
Th Patriots have money to spend, and those around the league expect them to do just that.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen on Tuesday released his “best team fits” for the top 50 free agents. Bowen labeled New England the best fit for three of the top 40 players including cornerback D.J. Reed, defensive tackle Milton Williams and offensive tackle Alaric Jackson.
Here’s what Bowen had to say about the trio:
D.J. Reed, CB
ESPN’s No. 4 free agent “Coach Mike Vrabel would be adding a veteran corner in Reed, giving the Patriots another scheme-versatile defender in the secondary opposite Christian Gonzalez. Reed is a highly competitive coverage corner with press-man traits and the transition speed to break on the throw. But he is more of a ball disruptor than playmaker, having 40 pass breakups compared with six interceptions in his career.”
Milton Williams, DT
ESPN’s No. 8 free agent “The Patriots could make another defensive upgrade with Williams, who moved up our ranks after his two sacks and a forced fumble in Super Bowl LIX. Williams had five sacks and 18 pressures during the regular season, and I see a disruptor on tape with the strength to displace blockers at the point of attack. He also has the short-area burst to slip interior offensive linemen. He could be a difference-maker with Davon Godchaux and Christian Barmore (currently out with blood clots) inside.”
Alaric Jackson, OT
ESPN’s No. 40 free agent “We’ve already matched a few players to New England, but the Patriots have the most cap space in the NFL and can continue to spend by adding Jackson to play left tackle. With his 6-7, 345-pound frame, Jackson has the play strength to anchor against power off the edge, and he understands how to win with positioning. His experience (35 career starts) would be great in New England as the team builds up front to protect quarterback Drake Maye.”
It’s hard to fault Bowen for any of the three given the Patriots have so many roster needs. Williams and Jackson, specifically, would be great additions in the trenches. Offensive tackle should be considered the team’s biggest need this offseason and the 26-year-old Jackson would fit the Patriots timeline to contention.
Spotrac projects Reed’s market value to be a four-year, $58 million deal for an average annual value of $14.7 million. Such contract would put Reed 13th in AAV among cornerbacks. Might that be too rich for the Patriots, who have Gonzalez as its top cornerback? There’s no debating the 28-year-old Reed would improve the secondary, but it’ll be interesting to see if New England throws considerable money at the position.
That’s not to say the Patriots don’t have the funds, though.
