'Best Fits': Patriots Losing Four Top Free Agents?

The New England Patriots will have a number of key contributors hitting free agency this offseason.

Just how much talent does the New England Patriots potentially have departing in free agency this offseason?

According to a recent ESPN article, where they ranked the top 50 players and even named their best fits, the Patriots have four players included. From star safety Kyle Dugger to edge rusher Josh Uche, the Patriots will have their hands full trying to retain their talent. And if ESPN's "best fits" are any indication, the Patriots may lose all four players.

No. 25 Kyle Dugger: Washington Commanders 

Jan 8, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) is pressured by New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) in the first quarter at Highmark Stadium.  / Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

First up on the list for the Patriots is their Swiss army knife, Dugger. While the former second-round pick out of Lenoir-Rhyne University is listed as a safety, he played almost anywhere for the Patriots. Whether that was as a traditional safety, inside linebacker, slot cornerback, or even on the outside, Dugger has done it all. 

Considering his role, impact, and the recent release of veteran safety Adrian Phillips, it is hard to imagine the Patriots letting him go. 

Yet, if he does, the Commanders could make sense for Dugger, as new coach Dan Quinn showed in his final season as the defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys that he has no problem moving his best players around.

"Slotting the versatile Dugger into Dan Quinn's defense makes a lot of sense," ESPN writes. "With his rare position versatility at 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds, Dugger can be deployed at multiple levels in sub-package personnel to create impact production."

No. 26 Michael Onwenu: Los Angeles Chargers 

One of the final proverbial "diamond in the rough" finds of the Bill Belichick era in New England. The former sixth-round pick is now reportedly set to be one of the top offensive linemen this free-agent cycle, which could mean he'll be leaving Foxboro. 

One potential suitor for the 26-year-old could be the Chargers, whom ESPN has named the best fit for the Onwenu. This, obviously, has a lot to do with the fact that Onwenu's former college coach, Jim Harbaugh, is now in charge.

While Onwenu primarily played guard in his time with the Patriots, he did prove to be a more than capable offensive tackle this past season, which could be valuable to a team like the Chargers who desperately need help up front.

"Besides left tackle Rashawn Slater, the Chargers are devoid of offensive line talent," ESPN writes. "Coach Jim Harbaugh would love to add a 6-foot-3, 330-pound people-mover in the run game."

No. 41 Trent Brown: Carolina Panthers

Despite being fresh off one of his best seasons with the Patriots, as evidenced by his 80.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, which is a career-high, he has been all but a free agent dating back to even before the regular's season conclusion. 

According to a report from the Boston Sports Journal's Mike Giardi, Brown's absence from the Week 18 loss to the Buffalo Bills wasn't due to injury but rather a case of the left tackle "protecting himself." 

"The offensive line in Carolina played subpar football in the 2023 season," ESPN writes. "But adding a 6-foot-8, 370-pounder to play the left tackle spot -- while moving Ikem Ekwonu inside to guard -- would help turn things around."

Cost Cutting: Patriots Release Longest-Tenured Veteran

No. 47 Josh Uche: Atlanta Falcons

Even after a down season from Uche, who, after breaking out in 2022 with 11.5 sacks, struggled this past season, totaling just three, is being projected to best fit in elsewhere. 

Considering the Falcons hiring of former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, who utilized a similar edge rusher in Leonard Floyd, it could make sense.

"[Raheem] Morris could get his sub-package pass-rusher here with Uche, who posted 18.5 sacks over four seasons with the Patriots, including a career-high 11.5 in 2022," ESPN writes. 

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