After the New England Patriots defense put forth a strong 2019 campaign, the combination of player departures and opt-outs led to an undermanned front seven in 2020, that was often gashed on the ground by opposing offenses, and failed to generate enough consistent pressure on opponents’ quarterbacks.
Without the likes of nose tackle Danny Shelton (Detroit Lions), EDGE Kyle Van Noy (Miami Dolphins), and linebacker Dont’a Hightower (opt-out), New England finished this past season ranked 26th in run defense (131.4 yards per game allowed) and 26th in sacks (24), and Pro Football Focus listed the team’s pass rush as the 23rd-ranked unit in their year-end ranking of such units.
With most focusing on the Patriots’ pressing needs on offense, such as quarterback, wide receiver and tight end, there’s certainly work to be done on a defense that also ranked 26th in Football Outsiders‘ Defensive DVOA metric.
In helping to fix the defense, New England should look to add at the EDGE position. We’ve already seen J.J. Watt sign with the Arizona Cardinals, and there’s a chance Von Miller becomes available if the Denver Broncos decide not to exercise their club option. But we’ll stick with listing current impending free agents (and Van Noy’s curious case) for now. Here are six options for the Patriots.