The Patriots defense lost its identity last season, and Mike Vrabel is aiming to make sure to turn that unit around.
New England’s defense ranked 30th in EPA per play last season due to poor coaching and a lack of talent. It’s why Terrell Williams was brought in as defensive coordinator and why Vrabel’s philosophy is to rebuild the team through the trenches.
The Athletic’s Chad Graff on Thursday confirmed the Patriots will “prioritize” the offensive and defensive lines in free agency and forego chasing high-profile targets like Tee Higgins. Two names the Patriots insider said to “monitor” were Josh Sweat and Milton Williams from the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles.
Philadelphia certainly doesn’t want to lose the talented defensive linemen. However, Nick Sirianni’s side does need to manage the cap and decide which players are worth keeping long-term. Sweat and Williams likely will be the odd men out, leaving other teams the opportunity to bring a massive talent boost to their defense.
The Patriots will have the money to spend on Sweat and Williams, but it will depend on how much they think New England is an attractive destination, especially coming off the high of winning a Super Bowl.
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