New England Patriots - NESN.com
The Patriots make sense as a landing spot for arguably the three best players set to hit NFL free agency, but it’s starting to feel like New England won’t acquire any of them.
Superstar wide receiver Tee Higgins very well could receive the franchise tag from the Cincinnati Bengals. Ronnie Stanely, meanwhile, might stick around in Baltimore, as the Ravens are “optimistic” about their chances of retaining the standout offensive tackle.
Trey Smith also might not be bound for a new home either, as Chiefs general manager Brett Veach on Tuesday indicated Kansas City was very keen on keeping the talented guard in-house.
“We’re going to have conversations and I think it will be a priority to get both (Smith and Nick Bolton) back,” Veach told CBS Sports at the NFL Scouting Combine. “There will be challenges because of where we are with our roster, but I do feel there is a scenario where both guys would be back next year. We’ll have extensive dialogue and obviously we can figure something out.”
Featuring a strong offensive line is an objective for all NFL teams, especially those with all-world quarterbacks. And after Patrick Mahomes faced nightmarish pressure throughout the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIX, Kansas City’s main priority this offseason might be ensuring its O-line ranks among the league in the league.
Smith obviously would help the Chiefs fulfill that goal, which means the Patriots might not be able to consider the 2024 Pro Bowl selection as a legitimate potential reinforcement this offseason.
