Patriots Still Look to Fill Out Roster

The New England Patriots offseason is far from over; as the team just wrapped up OTA’s and minicamp, there are still moves to be made regarding the roster. We saw a visit from a prominent name at the receiver position last week, DeAndre Hopkins. From all accounts, the visit was positive for all sides, with Hopkins spending an extra day in the Bay State sightseeing before leaving. Still, the team can improve outside of the current roster. 

There are four things to consider when signing someone at this point in the offseason. The team needs, player performance, financial considerations, and culture fit. Team Needs. Assess the Patriots’ roster and identify areas that require improvement or lack depth. Focus on positions where the team has weaknesses or specific needs, such as offensive line, wide receiver, or defensive backfield. Player Performance. Evaluate the performance and statistics of available free agents in recent seasons.

Consider factors such as consistency, durability, leadership qualities, and their fit within the Patriots’ system and coaching staff. Financial Considerations. Consider the team’s salary cap situation and the financial implications of signing specific players. The Patriots might prioritize signing players who provide good value for their price or fit within their cap space limitations. Team Culture. Consider the Patriots’ organizational culture and coaching philosophy.

Bill Belichick, the head coach of the Patriots, has often emphasized the importance of discipline, work ethic, and team chemistry. Look for players who align with these principles and have a history of being reliable and dedicated to their craft.

Patriots GM and HC Bill Belichick - Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

Patriots GM and HC Bill Belichick – Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

DeAndre Hopkins

Although the Patriots seem to be the front runners to sign the 31-year-old receiver, they still need to do some work. From what reports came out last week about the visit to Foxboro, all of them were positive. Many reporters said that the Patriots could not let him walk out the door without signing a contract, but there is no rush to sign for Hopkins, and there is no real rush for the Patriots to sign him.

The Patriots have already cleared some cap space to sign him with the release of James Robinson, and with OTA’s and mini camps coming to an end soon, it was unlikely the Hopkins would even report before training camp. Hopkins also should take his time because he can make the best decision for himself and does not have to participate in the off-season program. This would not affect his ability to pick up the Patriots’ playbook because his former head coach with the Texans, Bill O’Brien, is New England’s offensive coordinator. So learning the playbook would not be so difficult for him.

Hopkins also had an extensive one on one meeting with Bill Belichick yesterday as well during his visit. The meeting was less about football and more about whether the two parties would be a good match. Belichick and Hopkins already have a prior relationship; both have spoken highly of each other in the past. There is the infamous clip of them talking before last year’s Cardinal Patriots’ Monday night football game.

If their long meeting suggested anything, both parties seemed more than interested in making things work. You don’t keep someone in with the boss for a job interview for over an hour unless there is serious consideration for the position—the same plays for free agents in sports.

Hopkins is looking to prove he can still be the top receiver in football after missing games due to injury and suspensions the last two years. Hopkins was known for his durability, only missing two games in eight seasons. In the previous two years, he’s missed fifteen games. So he’s looking to revitalize himself with a change of scenery. Overall, Hopkins signing with the Patriots would be beneficial for both sides. I would say that it’s as close to a done deal as it could be right now.

Marcus Peters

The Patriots should look to bring in the veterans cornerback after the news regarding Jack Jones from Friday night. Not discussing the ongoing situation there, but cornerback depth will be shaken up depending on the circumstances. The veteran Peters can come in supplying two things. Veteran presence and depth at the position. 

Peters is a former all-pro corner and defensive rookie of the year. Although he was taken out of a starting role last year in Baltimore toward the end of the season, he still had tread on his tires. Veteran leadership is something that the Patriots do not lack in their secondary, but with so many young players, it never hurts to have a well-seasoned veteran in the mix.

While individual evaluations of players can vary, Marcus Peters is generally considered a highly skilled cornerback who brings value to his team’s defense. His ability to make impact plays and change the course of games makes him a valuable asset on the field.

Jadeveon Clowney

Clowney could be a value signing, as he is another veteran who can still contribute at a high level when motivated. He is someone who is looking to revitalize his career. Clowney has been on the decline since leaving the Texans in 2018. His stats have been below his standards since leaving Houston, mixing in one solid season in 2021 with the Cleveland Browns.

He can come in and be a part of a rotation that features Josh Uche, Matthew Judon, Deatrich Wise, and rookie second-round pick Keion White. Clowney would not have to be an every-down player like he was in Seattle and Cleveland and could find a path back into being one of the most feared pass rushers in the league. 

While Clowney has dealt with some injury concerns throughout his career, when healthy, he has shown the ability to dominate games and make game-changing plays. His combination of speed, strength, and agility allows him to disrupt opposing offenses and create pressure on quarterbacks. Not to mention he and Hopkins played for Bill O’Brien.

In addition to his pass-rushing skills, Clowney is also known for his strong run defense. He has the ability to set the edge, shed blocks, and make tackles in the backfield. His presence on the field often commands attention from opposing offenses, opening up opportunities for his teammates. Clowney would be a great fit on this Patriots defense.