INDIANAPOLIS — Mike Vrabel’s comments about the Patriots showing aggression in free agency wasn’t lip service.
It’s been reinforced by sources around the league. Vrabel’s team is widely expected to hit free agency hard when the legal tampering window opens on March 10. The Patriots plan to beef up the trenches, seeking both offensive and defensive linemen.
A top target to monitor is Philadelphia defensive tackle Milton Williams, who is considered a good fit in Vrabel’s system. The 25-year-old finished with a career-high five sacks and 10 quarterback hits last fall. Given the uncertainty surrounding Christian Barmore’s health and Davon Godchaux’s future in Foxborough, Williams could bring stability and a championship pedigree to the middle of the defense.
Titans edge rusher Harold Landry is a natural Patriots target. Although his agent was given permission to seek a trade, there are some who believe Landry will ultimately be cut by Tennessee. If that happens, sources expect the Patriots to be involved. Landry was drafted by the Titans when Vrabel was the coach and could help a defense that finished dead last in the NFL in sacks.
The Patriots will also be dogged in attempting to fix their offensive line. They’ll look to upgrade both tackle spots this spring and add at least one guard. The top name to watch is left tackle Ronnie Stanley. If the Ravens Pro Bowler hits the open market, New England is expected to have serious interest. Talent evaluators aren’t as high on the second-tier options, such as Cam Robinson and Alaric Jackson. Baltimore guard Patrick Mekari, who has played every position on the offensive line, is also in the mix for New England.
As for a No. 1 receiver, that’s looking less likely.
In free agency the Patriots are viewed as Tee Higgins, Chris Godwin or bust, per a source with knowledge of their thinking. That’s looking like a bust at this point with both star wideouts expected to stay with their current teams.
San Francisco’s Deebo Samuel isn’t viewed as a good fit in Josh McDaniels’ system, according to an industry source. If Seahawks wideout D.K. Metcalf is dealt, people around the league believe it’ll be to Las Vegas to reunite with Pete Carroll. At this time, the Patriots aren’t suitors for Rams veteran Cooper Kupp in the trade market.
“(No. 1 receivers are) just not walking around here,” Vrabel cracked at the Indiana Convention Center. “Let me know if they are. We’ll get them.”
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