NFL Insider Tabs Patriots As Potential Fit For Top-10 Free Agent

It wouldn’t surprise anyone if the Patriots made a run at star wide receiver Tee Higgins, arguably the best player set to hit the NFL open market this spring.

However, the Cincinnati Bengals standout might not be the only top-tier free agent who garners attention in New England.

ESPN on Wednesday released a power ranking of the best 50 players bound for free agency once the 2024 season wraps up. Josh Sweat, who’s at the tail end of another solid season in Philadelphia, checked in at No. 9. on the list. While the 27-year-old figures to speak with several teams this offseason, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler believes the Patriots could be one of those clubs.

“Sweat will enter free agency with the flexibility to play in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense,” Fowler wrote. “He has ties to Arizona, where his former defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon is running the show. Washington, New England, Tampa Bay and Tennessee could be on the radar, too.”

After a relatively slow start to his NFL career, Sweat showcased an impressive ability to get after the quarterback with a combined 33 sacks over the last four seasons. New England, which ranked dead last in the entire league in sacks this campaign, absolutely could use a disrupter like Sweat on its defense.

Sweat potentially could be intrigued by the idea of playing in Foxboro, Mass., too. New head coach Mike Vrabel is somewhat of a defensive guru, and first-time defensive coordinator Terrell Williams preaches a “violent” playing style that should appeal to pass-rushers.