Patriots Salary Cap Space, Free Agent Targets

In terms of Patriots odds, New England profiles as a longshot bet to win the Super Bowl. 

The good news for bettors considering a position on New England at 125/1? The Patriots possess ample cap space for this year’s free agency period. 

Per overthecap.com, New England holds $128 million in salary cap space, the most salary cap space in the league. 

In terms of effective space – the amount a team has after signing 51 players and its rookie class – they have $120 million. 

How should New England use this space to improve the team around Drake Maye? Let’s dive into some positional targets for head coach Mike Vrabel’s squad. 

Patriots Cap Space: Free Agent Position Targets

Two positions stand out for New England this free agency period: offensive line and wide receiver. 

Perhaps New England’s biggest issue last season came with their inability to protect Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye. 

Per PFF, the Patriots ranked 31st in pass-blocking grades while sitting 32nd in run-blocking grades. At 52 sacks allowed, New England outpaced only four teams in the category. 

That should render the offensive line as the top priority for a team possessing a promising young quarterback. 

From there, a top-tier wide receiver should benefit New England. 

Maye’s current receiving corp is DeMario Douglas, Kayson Boutte and Kendrick Bourne, none of which carry household recognition. 

Patriots Salary Cap Space: Player Targets

Tee Higgins

It’s unknown whether Higgins hits the market as the Bengals could elect to franchise tag the wide receiver. 

Still, it’s a non-exclusive tag, which leaves Higgins room to negotiate with other teams if Cincinnati tags him. 

But if Higgins tests free agency – he’ll likely command around $30 million in AAV – the Patriots are contenders to sign the Bengals wide receiver. 

Higgins immediately improves the wide receiver room and gives Maye an experienced target for the Patriots’ passing game. 

Ronnie Stanley

Left and right tackle proved the biggest issues of New England’s offensive line last year. 

Stanley, a cornerstone of the Ravens offensive line in past years, presents a massive improvement at left tackle, even at 30 years of age. 

Per PFF, Stanley ranked 16th in pass-blocking last year with a 80.9 grade. For reference, the Patriots saw their tackles post grades of 66.9 and 43.1. 

While a much bigger overhaul is needed across the entire line, Stanley should be the first step.