Blockbuster Trades Mike Vrabel
With no elite wide receivers available in NFL free agency and none expected to emerge after spring and summer cuts, the Patriots face a challenge in upgrading their receiving corps. The 2025 draft class also lacks a clear-cut No. 1 option, making the trade market the most viable path for New England to strengthen Drake Maye’s weapons.
Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal believes the Patriots will pursue a trade this offseason, suggesting that top targets could include A.J. Brown and Brandon Aiyuk. He notes that Aiyuk, given San Francisco’s roster changes, might be the best option, though he won’t be ready until midseason due to a major knee injury.
New England has reportedly already checked on Brown’s availability, though it remains uncertain whether Philadelphia is open to moving the star receiver. The Patriots also previously showed interest in Aiyuk, but his injury raises concerns.
Beyond these two, it’s unclear who else could be on New England’s radar, but at this point, the team should be exploring any possible trade opportunities to revamp its struggling receiving corps.
For the second consecutive offseason, the New England Patriots are heading into free agency with a new head coach at the helm. After Jerod Mayo led the team last year, Mike Vrabel now takes over, aiming to restore the franchise’s relevance following three straight losing seasons.
Vrabel faces a challenging task, but he and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf have significant resources to reshape the roster. The Patriots hold the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft, four selections within the top 100, and over $130 million in salary cap space to use in free agency—the first major event of the offseason.
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New England has already begun laying the groundwork for roster moves, with activity expected to ramp up on Monday, March 10, when the legal tampering period begins at noon. Free agency and the official start of the 2025 NFL league year will follow on Wednesday, March 12, at 4 p.m. ET.
To keep up with all the latest moves and rumors, our Patriots Free Agency Tracker will provide updates throughout the offseason.
Patriots Free Agents (2025)
- CB Alex Austin (ERFA): Tendered (1 year, $1.03M)
- QB Jacoby Brissett (UFA): Signed by Cardinals (2 years, $12.5M)
- OL Ben Brown (ERFA): Tendered (1 year, $1.03M)
- OL Lester Cotton (RFA): Not tendered
- DT Daniel Ekuale (UFA): Signed by Steelers
- LB Christian Elliss (RFA): Tendered (1 year, $3.263M)
- RB JaMycal Hasty (UFA): Free agent profile
- S Jaylinn Hawkins (UFA): Re-signed (1 year)
- TE Austin Hooper (UFA): Re-signed (1 year, $5M)
- WR JaQuae Jackson (ERFA): Tendered (1 year, $840K)
- OT Demontrey Jacobs (ERFA): Tendered (1 year, $960K)
- CB Jonathan Jones (UFA): Signed by Commanders (1 year)
- DT Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (ERFA): Re-signed (2 years, $2.48M)
- K Joey Slye (UFA): Free agent profile
- DE Deatrich Wise Jr.: Signed by Commanders (1 year)
- ED Oshane Ximines (UFA): Free agent profile
Additionally, offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor was initially listed as a free agent but was released in early February after spending most of the 2024 season on the exempt/left squad list.
