Top Free-Agent Edge Rusher Should Be Patriots’ Top Priority.
The New England Patriots have a tonne of cap space this offseason, which puts them in a great position to make big free agency acquisitions.
Which free agent signing would the Patriots make the biggest impact, then? Let’s introduc Josh Allen.
Not the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, but the extremely gifted edge rusher of the Jacksonville Jaguars with the same name (cue the meme of Spiderman pointing).
Allen was rated as the third-best available free agent by Pro Football Focus. Of cour se, that assumes Allen makes it there at all, as the Jaguars will need to give the 26-year-old serious consideration before applying the franchise tag, which would result in a fully guaranteed $24 million for him the following season. Jacksonville can apply the tag to Allen until March 5.
All NFL teams, including the Patriots, are envious of Allen’s contributions to the defence. His exceptional pass-rushing ability can wreak havoc on an opponent’s backfield, making him a true game-changer. He would undoubtedly elevate the Patriots’ defence to a new level.
The following arguments support and refute the Patriots’ pursuit of Allen in free agency:
Allen, a 6-foot-5, 255-pound outside linebacker who is quickly emerging as one of the NFL’s best pass rushers, would be a great addition to the Patriots.
After an incredible and career-best season, Allen, the No. 7 overall pick by the Jaguars in 2019, is starting to enter his prime. With 228 pressures this past season, he finished sixth in the NFL and tied for second-best in the league with 17.5 sacks. For good measure, he added two forced fumbles and an interception.
However, Allen has been scaring quarterbacks for more time than just the previous campaign. The Kentucky product finished his rookie season with 10.5 sacks, and after missing eight games due to a knee injury in his sophomore year, he rebounded with 7.5 sacks in 2021 and 7 sacks in 2022.
With his incredible speed, Allen can elude opposing tacklers and pursue agile quarterbacks. He demonstrated that this past season in Week 12, where he recorded 2.5 sacks against NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud.
Although their defence is strong, the Patriots could use another pass rusher to complement Matthew Judon. Josh Uche, who had just three sacks in the previous season after an 11.5-sack campaign in 2021, might be greatly improved by Allen.
The Patriots’ current roster needs are far more pressing than adding a standout defensive player, particularly on offence.
The return of Christian Gonzalez and Judon from injuries has also improved the defensive line for New England. Although the Patriots allowed 21.5 points per game last season, they were more in the middle of the pack in terms of yards allowed per game. However, a 4-13 season makes it obvious that there was something wrong with New England’s defence, which in the middle of the season held three opponents to 10 points or fewer.
To secure Allen, New England would also need to invest a significant amount of money. The Patriots may decide not to do that and instead want to reserve their bigger spending commitments for
The Jaguars aren’t going to let Allen leave Jacksonville. He’s just too valuable to their defense. So, the Patriots are going to have to find another way to upgrade their defense.
