Besides blockbuster trades and filling offensive gaps, the Patriots need to address the defensive line, more specifically the pass rush, once free agency begins next week. A few names have been connected to them over the past month, with one player in particular growing in popularity as the days fly by.
Eagles' EDGE Jaelan Phillips is considered one of the top free agents to hit the market this year, and now he is considered a likely signing for the Patriots to boost their inconsistent pass rush.
Whether it's because K'Lavon Chaisson isn't retained or they want to boost the group they already have, the talk of Phillips continuing his rise in New England is growing stronger, with the latest suggestion coming from ESPN's Aaron Schatz, who projected one signing for each team.
Out of all the players headed to test the market, he has Phillips going to the Patriots, and for good reason.
Jaelan Phillips is a name for Patriots fans to keep on their radar ahead of free agency
Although he might not be the flashiest name in the eyes of fans, he did put together an impressive 2025 season after being traded to the Eagles, and Schatz believes he could be a good replacement for, or addition to, the defensive line in a way the Patriots need it next season.
"Phillips had two sacks and 27 pressures after he was traded to the Eagles from Miami at midseason. His 12.4% pass rush win rate ranked 24th among qualifying edge rushers. Phillips could replace free agent K'Lavon Chaisson and/or make a good partner for Harold Landry III."
With a high chance the Patriots use the 31st overall pick on a pass rusher, adding veteran help will be key to mentoring the rookie or even being the starter until he is ready to go.
There's also the chance that Vrabel and Co. decide to trade their first-round pick for a big-name player, and if that's the case, signing Phillips makes a lot of sense, too.
No matter what happens in the early rounds of the draft, Phillips would be a good addition to the foundation they're trying to build with their roster, on top of the kind of production he brings on the field.
He impressed last season by recording 53 combined tackles, seven for a loss, 14 quarterback hits, four passes defended, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and five sacks between his time with the Dolphins and the Eagles.
He might not automatically become the Patriots' go-to pass rusher in the way that Maxx Crosby or Trey Hendrickson would, but he's clearly a disruptor with a lot of untapped potential that the Patriots could easily bring out.