NFL Analysis Network

Patriots Projected To Sign LB De’Vondre Campbell In Free Agency

The New England Patriots enter the 2022 offseason knowing they will look a little different next season. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is moving on, as he took the head coaching job with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Without him, the offense will certainly undergo some changes. But, as long as Bill Belichick is still around, you can count on the Patriots’ defense being one of the better units in the league. This offseason, they could look to bolster the talent on that side of the ball.

New England made major strides in 2021 and will look to build upon those this offseason. Adding some more weapons for Mac Jones to throw the ball to would be nice and the team needs to shore up a few areas defensively.

The free-agent process involving cornerback J.C. Jackson will be one many people keep an eye on. He is a budding star and one of the best in the business at cornerback. Retaining him should be the No. 1 priority for the Patriots this offseason, but as we have seen so many times in the past, they will not go above the set price they have.

Losing Jackson would hurt, but the team is also in the market for some help at the second level of the defense at linebacker. Dont’a Hightower and Ja’Whuan Bentley are both hitting free agency.

New England could opt to bring them back, but there could be a chance to upgrade the position with a player from outside the organization. Over at Bleacher Report, they did a piece predicting where some of the top free agents will land this offseason and they believe New England will land linebacker De’Vondre Campbell in free agency.

Campbell was one of the biggest steals in recent free agency history for the Green Bay Packers in 2021. He signed a one-year, $2 million deal and outproduced that contract in a major way. He compiled 146 tackles with five passes defended, two interceptions and two sacks. Campbell earned first-team All-Pro honors for the season he had.

Given his projected contract, a three-year, $18.9 million deal, the Patriots could afford to bring him on even with their salary cap restraints. He is a legitimate three-down linebacker, as he held up in the passing game with a 74.9 passer rating allowed when targeted.

Given the contract Campbell is projected to land compared to other top free agents, he is someone that plenty of contending teams regardless of cap situation can likely fit onto the roster. New England will have plenty of competition for him this offseason, especially coming off the season that he produced in 2021.

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