The New England Patriots have been the subject of much speculation regarding their available funds for free agency, and Jerod Mayo has made it clear that they plan to utilize it wisely.
While there’s a temptation to splash out on high-priced free agents, the Patriots could find value in lesser-known players who won’t break the bank.
Following their departure from Bill Belichick this offseason, the Patriots are eager to reclaim their position as contenders in the AFC East. A strong offseason could be the key to achieving this goal.
Let’s explore two sleeper free agents that the Patriots could target this offseason.
Adding talent to their roster while weakening a division rival would be a significant win for the Patriots. Davis has demonstrated his ability to elevate the Buffalo Bills, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Impressively, 17% of Davis’ regular-season receptions have resulted in touchdowns, a figure that rises to 27% in playoff games. His familiarity with the AFC East adds to his appeal as a potential signing.
Despite only catching 46% of his targets, Davis has found the endzone on 13% of his receptions and amassed 707 yards against AFC East opponents, averaging an impressive 15.4 yards per catch. He has been underutilized in his current offense, commanding just a 13% target share in 2023.
With a modest salary of $998,595 in 2023 and turning 25 in April, Davis presents an enticing opportunity for a long-term contract at a bargain price.
At just 24 years old, Smith-Marsette has primarily served as a kick returner in the NFL. If Jalen Reagor departs in free agency, the Patriots could benefit from his skills in this area.
However, Smith-Marsette offers more than just return abilities. While he may not excel in any single category, he possesses a contagious energy that could inject positivity into the Patriots’ locker room—a quality that was lacking in Foxborough last season.
Despite the rising cost of talent, Smith-Marsette’s relatively low salary of $940,000 in 2023 makes him an affordable option for the Patriots. His versatility and potential impact on team morale could make him a valuable addition to the roster without significantly denting the team’s cap space.
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