Patriots urged to add offensive weapon Mike Vrabel knows well initially appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots have excessive expectations for the 2026 season.
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The staff surprisingly made all of it the way in which to the Super Bowl final 12 months, however they in the end fell quick, dropping to the Seattle Seahawks. If the staff needs to go all the way in which in 2026, they may look to add much more weapons.
Luckily, there is a dependable weapon nonetheless on the free agent market, and head coach Mike Vrabel knows him well.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report lately recognized the very best suits for the highest remaining free brokers. For veteran tight finish Jonnu Smith, Moton thinks the Patriots take advantage of sense.
Smith is an skilled pass-catcher who has performed for Vrabel earlier than. The veteran earned a Pro Bowl bid as lately as 2024 with the Miami Dolphins, so we all know he is nonetheless a succesful participant.
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Regarding this attainable signing, Moton supplied the next:
Patriots’ backup tight finish Julian Hill suffered a knee harm that may sideline him for the 2026 season. New England can add Smith whereas the teaching employees develops rookie third-rounder Eli Raridon as the long run on the place.
Smith can be a extra dynamic secondary tight finish than Austin Hooper, who caught 21 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns with the staff final 12 months. The Patriots can pair him with Hunter Henry to discipline a extra productive pass-catching tight finish duo in 2026.
The Patriots have Hunter Henry entrenched as the highest tight finish, however they may use a greater backup. Austin Hooper left for the Atlanta Falcons in free company, and Julian Hill suffered a season-ending harm already this summer time.
If the Patriots do not add Smith, they’re going to have to depend on rookie third-rounder Eli Raridon to be the TE2.
As talked about above, it is smart for Smith to head to New England given his familiarity with Vrabel. Smith may additionally be a part of fellow former Titans Kevin Byard, Harold Landry, Robert Spillane, Mike Brown, and A.J. Brown in New England.
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Can Patriots win Super Bowl this 12 months?
It will likely be fascinating to see if the Patriots can go all the way in which in 2026. They misplaced star receiver Stefon Diggs, however they changed him with A.J. Brown. The offensive line added Alijah Vera-Tucker and Kevin Byard and Dre’Mont Jones have been the highest defensive additions.
If Drake Maye may be elite once more, then it would not be smart to depend the Patriots out. With a powerful offensive line, stable floor recreation, and hard protection, the Patriots look primed to contend as soon as once more in 2026.