2025 or Bust: What’s Next for Rebuilding Patriots?
- The Patriots have the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft
- Get all the Super Bowl 59 odds at BetUS.
- New England was the first team to hire a new coach this offseason
After back-to-back dismal seasons, the Foxborough faithful are hoping for a turnaround for the New England Patriots, especially with rookie QB Drake Maye showing flashes of brilliance amidst the chaos.

Maye has the tools to be “the guy,” but let’s not pretend this is Tom Brady 2.0 (yet). This kid’s talent is undeniable, but if New England doesn’t address the glaring gaps around him, Maye could be the next victim of the Patriots’ revolving door of unmet potential.
The good news? The Patriots have resources — oh boy, do they have resources. With $132.5 million in cap space and nine draft picks, including the fourth overall, the franchise is well-armed to build a roster that can compete in a division suddenly teeming with talent.
The bad news? This team has holes that make Bonnie and Clyde’s car look structurally sound. The offensive line needs a rescue mission, Maye needs a legitimate WR1 (no offense, DeMario Douglas or Kendrick Bourne), and the defense went from “bend but don’t break” to “shattered like a Wish mirror.” But hey, Rome wasn’t rebuilt in a day, right? Well, neither are football dynasties.
“Removing entitlement from our football team” -Mike Vrabel pic.twitter.com/EBQsPrXcuc
— Patriots 300 Level Podcast (@pats300levelpod) January 13, 2025
Here’s how the Patriots can use their offseason lifelines to rebuild the empire — and maybe even make Mike Vrabel’s first season as head coach a memorable one. Too early NFL predictions incoming.
Offseason Blueprint for Patriots
The Draft: Building a Foundation for the Future
Prior to a year ago, when New England took Maye at No. 3 overall, it had been awhile since Patriots fans felt genuine excitement heading into the draft. Now, holding the fourth overall pick, New England’s draft strategy hinges on one question: Do the Patriots address offensive needs or take the “best player available” approach?
With Maye at QB, the Pats must prioritize his protection. LSU’s Will Campbell or Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr., two elite offensive tackles, could immediately stabilize a porous O-line that gave up 52 sacks last season, per NFL betting trends. But don’t sleep on adding a playmaker.
Then there’s the defense. Adding a top-tier pass rusher could give the Patriots the edge they’ve been missing. With two third-round picks, expect Eliot Wolf to get aggressive, targeting value picks at cornerback, edge rusher and even linebacker to shore up the defense.
Free Agency: Drake Maye Needs Some Friends
Let’s be real: Young QBs need help, and Maye’s current supporting cast isn’t cutting it. The priority should be acquiring a No. 1 receiver. Tee Higgins and Stefon Diggs top the wish list, but the price tags could make the Pats think twice. Cheaper options like Chris Godwin or Brandon Cooks might be more realistic.
On the offensive line, Baltimore’s Ronnie Stanley would be a dream signing at tackle and generate headline NFL news. Still, affordability could push New England toward a solid veteran like Cam Robinson.
Fixing the Defense: From Swiss to Shutdown
Once the backbone of New England’s dynasty, the Patriots’ defense now ranks 28th in EPA per play and dead last in sacks. Simply put, the pass rush needs a complete overhaul.
Keion White showed flashes, but the Pats need a true finisher on the edge. Free agents could provide instant impact while mid-round draft picks could bolster depth and help the Pats beat the NFL betting lines more often next season.
Cornerback is another priority. With Christian Gonzalez locking down one side, the Pats need a reliable CB2. Free agency or a Day 2 draft pick might solve this problem, but the secondary can’t succeed without consistent pressure up front.
Finally, linebacker depth must be addressed. Ja’whaun Bentley is solid, but injuries exposed a lack of quality backups. Adding a coverage-savvy linebacker through free agency or the draft could shore up this vulnerability.
This week’s hiring of Vrabel provided optimism. The Patriots are -200 to exceed their 2024 win total (4) in NFL futures odds.
Question of the Day
What was the Patriots’ record in 2024?
The Patriots finished at the bottom of the AFC East at 4-13.