The New England Patriots may not have the worst defense in the NFL, but there’s certainly room for improvement.
While their biggest need on defense is pass rush help, their secondary has also become a pressing concern.
Beyond Christian Gonzalez, New England lacked reliable contributors in the defensive backfield last season, a weakness that could spell trouble moving forward.
The silver lining? The Patriots have ample cap space to make key additions this offseason.
In a recent USA Today piece highlighting underrated free agents, Christian D’Andrea mentioned New York Jets safety Tony Adams as a potential target for New England.
“Adams was a starter on a 2023 defense that ranked third in the NFL in expected points added (EPA) allowed,” D’Andrea wrote. “He’s got experience at both safety and corner, and while there are flaws in his game—awkward angles and missed tackles among them—he’s also just 26 years old and still has room for improvement.”
However, Adams is a restricted free agent, meaning the Jets can match any offer. With New York poised to free up cap space by moving on from Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, they may have the financial flexibility to retain him.
But would the Jets prioritize keeping a replaceable player like Adams with so many other roster concerns?
Adams recorded 84 tackles, a sack, an interception, and six passes defended in 15 games last season. If the Jets let him walk, the Patriots could land him at a bargain price.
