The New England Patriots‘ dream season ended in a massive disappointment with the Super Bowl LX loss. However, they have plenty of cap space this summer to improve, and we see them capitalizing on that.
FOX Sports NFL writer Greg Auman predicted that the Patriots would sign five players from his top 100 NFL free agents list. A couple of them were re-signings, but Auman really has New England focusing on the offensive side of the ball with a few big pickups for Drake Maye.
Like we said, New England has roughly $41 million available in cap space, per Over The Cup. So, the salary cap shouldn’t be a problem for them this offseason.
Now, let’s take a closer look at Auman’s predicted free-agent signings this offseason for the Patriots.
Re-sign S Jaylinn Hawkins
(51st-best free agent, sixth-best free agent safety)
Auman’s thoughts: “Hawkins, 28, a surprise success in the New England secondary, signed for a paltry $1.8 million. He had four interceptions — matching his career total in his first five seasons, and had 71 tackles as a reliable presence on the back end. It’s only his second season as a full-time starter, but defenses will want to pluck talent from New England’s Super Bowl roster, so he should be able draw $8-10 million a year, whether he returns or signs elsewhere.”
Re-sign edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson
(47th-best free agent, seventh-best free agent edge rusher)
Auman’s thoughts: “Chaisson, 26, is one of the league’s best comeback stories of 2025. A first-round pick by the Jaguars in 2020, he totaled five sacks in four years, got cut by the Panthers before the 2024 season and salvaged five sacks with the Raiders. That got him a one-year, $3 million deal with the Patriots, and he came through with 7.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles for a defense good enough to get to the Super Bowl. He wants to stay in New England, and could triple his 2025 salary in doing so.”
Sign Steelers G Isaac Seumalo
(34th-best free agent, second-best free agent guard)
Auman’s thoughts: “Seumalo, 32, graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 16 guard as he wrapped up a three-year, $24 million deal. He made the Pro Bowl in 2024, so the question is whether he can command more at 32 than he did at 29. Does a coaching change in Pittsburgh impact his likelihood to return there? Mike Tomlin is out of football, and Arthur Smith went to the college ranks, but one option is his line coach, Pat Meyer, who is now in Buffalo and might need a reliable guard if David Edwards signs elsewhere.”
(19th-best free agent, best free agent tight end)
Auman’s thoughts: “Pitts, 25, stepped up in a contract year with 88 catches for 928 yards and five touchdowns — his touchdown total has increased every year — 1-2-3-4-5 in five seasons. Was that success more telling of Atlanta’s absence of any real receiving depth? He’ll be the top tight end available, which should get him $12–14 million a year, though the Falcons could hedge their bet and give him the franchise tag, which is $16 million for one season. Upgrading the receiving talent in Atlanta is a must, with new coach Kevin Stefanski needing more weapons in the pass game.”
Sign Packers OT Rasheed Walker
(17th-best free agent, best free agent offensive tackle)
Auman’s thoughts: “Walker, who turns 26 this week, is a former seventh-round pick who developed into a three-year starter at left tackle for the Packers, protecting Jordan Love’s blind side. He isn’t great — Pro Football Focus rated him as the NFL’s No. 54 tackle last season — but he’s consistent and experienced enough to merit $20 million a year in free agency. It’s possible Green Bay will let him walk and shift 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan into his spot.”
