The Chiefs and Eagles both have players New England might be interested in.
The New England Patriots have rebuilt their coaching staff, now it’s about rebuilding their roster. Having more than $130 million in projected salary cap space available should help do that once free agency starts rolling around in mid-March.
When it comes to the search for upgrades, there is no better place to start than the Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. The best teams from the AFC and NFC going against one another will give New England a prime opportunity to watch some potential targets.
Here are six of them that are worth keeping an eye on come Sunday.
Kansas City Chiefs
OG Trey Smith: Since taking over as the Patriots’ head coach, Mike Vrabel has made it clear on multiple occasions that the offensive line must be upgraded — particularly mentioning protecting the middle of the pocket. So look no further than Chiefs right guard Trey Smith, one of the best guards in football who could be the most talented free agent projected to hit the open market.
New England is already paying Michael Onwenu but have the funds to pay the 25-year-old Smith, who played left guard in college, if they want a clear cut upgrade over Layden Robinson and/or Cole Strange at the other guard spot.
WR DeAndre Hopkins: The Patriots wide receiver room is expected to be remodeled yet again this offseason. If they miss out on some of the top options, perhaps they fall back to Hopkins, who played with Vrabel in Tennessee. Hopkins is clearly not the player he once was (although he should be able to recover from a lingering knee injury this offseason) but would raise the floor of the room and provide them with the veteran presence they desperately need.
DE Charles Omenihu: After suffering a torn ACL in the playoffs last year, Omenihu returned to the Chiefs defense in Week 13 and saw his playing time increase as he worked his way back. New England will need multiple upgrades along the edge this offseason and while the 27-year-old won’t be the flashiest player, he is consistent in the run game at 6-foot-5, 280 pounds while providing secondary pass rush ability.
Philadelphia Eagles
DL Milton Williams: Signing the 26-year-old defensive tackle is the best path for New England to upgrade the interior of their defensive line this offseason. Williams had a career-year as a pass rusher on the Eagles front posting five sacks, 50 total pressures, and the fourth highest pass rush win rate among interior defenders (17.7 percent) en route to the Super Bowl.
ED Josh Sweat: Another big part of the Eagles pass rush this season, Sweat’s 15.7 percent pass rush win rate (18th among edge defenders) led to him posting eight sacks and a 12 percent pressure rate. Following the trades of Matthew Judon and Joshua Uche last year, New England needs more juice along the edge and Sweat may be the best available on the open market.
LB Zach Baun: Primarily a special teamer and rotational on-the-ball linebacker with the New Orleans Saints, the Eagles signed Baun to a one-year contract this past offseason and moved him off the ball. Baun then started 16 games and earned first team All-Pro honors as he posted career highs in nearly every defensive category.
His coverage ability would make him a good fit next to Ja’Whaun Bentley if New England believes Braun can replicate his success outside of Philly. Eagles inside linebackers coach, Bobby King, also worked with Vrabel in both Houston and Tennessee.