The New England Patriots have been pretty busy in the early going of the legal tampering period. The team signed running back Antonio Gibson, linebacker Sione Takitaki and right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor while retaining several key free agents.
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, tight end Hunter Henry and Michael Onwenu were all brought back. The largest deal went to Onenwu, who will average $19 million per season over the life of a three-year contract.
Arguably the most surprising move that was made by the Patriots thus far this offseason was trading quarterback Mac Jones. He is on his way to the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he will likely be the backup to Trevor Lawrence. His backup, Bailey Zappe, is also being released.
NFL News & Rumors: Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots Updates
To replace them on the depth chart, New England brought back a familiar face in Jacoby Brissett. He could be the team’s placeholder until whoever they select near the top of the 2024 NFL Draft is ready to step into the starting role.
While that is where a lot of people’s focus will be, the Patriots are not done reshaping their roster. A lot can change between now and the draft, as New England could make some major changes to their roster.
According to The Boston Herald, via MLFootball, the Patriots have been having some huge trade talks with the Los Angeles Chargers. Wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and star pass rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack have all reportedly been discussed.
The Chargers still need to make some moves to get under the salary cap, as the aforementioned trade targets have also been mentioned as possible cut candidates. Getting any compensation back, even if it is only a pick swap, is better than releasing a player and getting nothing in return.
NFL News & Rumors: Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots Updates
All four of those players would be massive upgrades for New England. They are in desperate need of an upgrade in the passing game, as DeVante Parker has been released and JuJu Smith-Schuster may be on his way out the door as well.
Defensively, the team has Matt Judon locked in as an edge rusher, but Josh Uche is a free agent. If Uche leaves or the team decides they don’t want to commit to him long-term, Bosa or Mack would be an excellent replacement.
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