The Patriots appear to have a desired course of action entering free agency.
"As the Patriots are reshaped in Mike Vrabel's likeness, they want to prioritize building through the offensive and defensive lines and will make that goal No. 1 of this offseason," The Athletic's Chad Graff wrote Thursday. "So expect their biggest free-agent signings to come in the trenches -- not at wide receiver."
Graff specifically name-dropped Tee Higgins and said the Patriots will not pursue the wide receiver. It was previously reported the Cincinnati Bengals intend to sign Higgins to a long-term deal, but are prepared to use their franchise tag on Higgins if the two sides don't come to terms before the March 4 tag deadline.
Given New England's need at the position, many figured they would make a run at Higgins if he were to reach the open market. Graff, however, poured cold water on such a thought.
"If the Patriots' offseason goes as planned, their offensive and defensive lines will be dramatically transformed over the next two months," Graff wrote.
A few names to monitor in free agency, Graff wrote, include edge rusher Josh Sweat and defensive tackle Milton Williams. Both played for the Philadelphia Eagles during their Super Bowl-winning season in 2024.
There's good and bad news for the Patriots as it relates to the trenches.
The good? It's not a bad offseason to need defensive line help. Some of the top free agents play in the front seven and it's viewed as the strength of the 2025 NFL Draft class, too.
The bad news, though, is the offensive line doesn't stack up the same way. Longtime Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith would be two of the top free agents available. But the NFL draft doesn't have the same top-tier offensive line talent that other classes have had.
Following the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, the unofficial start to free agency begins with the legal tampering period March 10.