The NFL’s divisional round kicks off on Saturday.
NFL free agency is still nearly two months away but the work has already begun for the New England Patriots front office, who are projected to have over $130 million to spend in order to upgrade the roster this March.
There may not be a better place to look for upgrades than the eight teams who will take the field this weekend for the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
Here are potential targets from each playoff matchup this weekend that could be on the Patriots’ radar come March.
Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs
OG Trey Smith: Since taking over as the Patriots head coach, Mike Vrabel has made it clear on multiple occasions that the offensive line must be upgraded — particularly mentioning protecting the middle of the pocket. So look no further than Chiefs right guard Trey Smith, one of the best guards in football who could be the most talented free agent projected to hit the open market.
New England is already paying Mike Onwenu but have the funds to pay the 25-year-old Smith, who played left guard in college, if they want a clear cut upgrade over Layden Robinson and/or Cole Strange at the other guard spot.
WR DeAndre Hopkins: The Patriots wide receiver room is expected to be remodeled yet again this offseason. If they miss out on some of the top options, perhaps they fall back to Hopkins, who played with Vrabel in Tennessee. Hopkins is clearly not the player he once was (although should recover from a lingering knee injury this offseason) but would raise the floor of the room and provide them with the veteran presence they desperately need.
DE Charles Omenihu: After suffering a torn ACL in the playoffs last year, Omenihu returned to the Chiefs defense in Week 13 and saw his playing time increase as he worked his way back. New England will need multiple upgrades along the edge this offseason and while the 27-year-old won’t be the flashiest player, he is consistent in the run game at 6-foot-5, 280 pounds while providing secondary pass rush ability.
DL Mario Edwards Jr.: Like Omenihu, Edwards will not be the flashiest signing but will again bring a sturdy veteran presence to a defensive line that struggled this season. Playing just 13 games along the interior this season, the soon-to-be 31-year old followed up a three sack season with 1.5 sacks in the Texans’ Wild Card win over the Chargers.
Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions
CB Carlton Davis: Acquiring Davis in a trade this offseason, the 28-year old had a big time season in the Lions secondary. Playing over 50 percent of his snaps in man coverage along the outside, Davis could be a strong complement to Christian Gonzalez in New England’s secondary.
CB Noah Igbinoghene: Another cornerback on the opposite sideline, the 5-foot-11 Igbinoghene, who primarily played in the slot this season, could be in play depending on the future of Jonathan Jones. After battling injuries the last three seasons, the former first-round pick played all 17 games this season and was one of the top cornerbacks in football this season in preventing separation despite playing plenty of press man.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles
DL Milton Williams: Signing the 26-year-old defensive tackle is the best path for New England to upgrade the interior of their defensive line this offseason. Williams had a career-year as a pass rusher on the Eagles front posting five sacks, 44 pressures, and the fourth highest pass rush win rate among interior defenders (17.7 percent).
ED Josh Sweat: Another big part of the Eagles pass rush this season, Sweat’s 15.7 percent pass rush win rate (18th among edge defenders) led to him posting eight sacks and a 12 percent pressure rate. Following the trades of Matthew Judon and Joshua Uche last year, New England needs more juice along the edge and Sweat may be the best available on the open market.
LB Zach Baun: Primarily a special teamer and rotational on the ball linebacker with the Saints, the Eagles signed Baun to a one-year contract this past offseason and moved him off the ball. Baun then started 16 games and earned first team All-Pro honors as he posted career-highs in nearly every defensive category. His coverage ability would make him a good fit next to Bentley if New England believes Braun can replicate his success outside of Philly.
Another note here: the Eagles inside linebackers coach, Bobby King, worked with Vrabel in both Houston and Tennessee.
LT Alaric Jackson: Starting tackles rarely hit the free agent market but if any do, New England will surely be interested. Jackson has protected Matt Stafford’s blindside the past two seasons and allowed just three sacks this season. It would again be surprising if the Rams let the 27-year-old former UDFA hit the open market, but they do have plenty of money tied up along the interior of their offensive line.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills
LT Ronnie Stanley: Likewise to Jackson above, it would be a surprise if the Ravens let their starting left tackle reach free agency. But again if he does, New England should be interested. The 31-year-old Stanley started all 17 games and played the most snaps of his career this season after dealing with injuries in recent years. His play returned to a high level as he allowed just two sacks but penalties (13) were an issue at times.
OL Patrick Mekari: Mekari could be one of the most intriguing lineman for the Patriots this offseason due to his versatility, as he’s logged extensive snaps at both tackle spots, left guard, and center throughout his career. This past season Baltimore primarily used Mekari at left guard where he did not allow a sack. With needs all over the offensive line, Mekari could be an answer to help plug any hole based off how New England attacks the rest of the offseason and how their younger players develop.
WR Amari Cooper: Like Hopkins above, Cooper is not the No. 1 receiver he once was and shouldn’t be the top option out of the gate for the Patriots after a poor statistical season (which did feature poor QB play in Cleveland and a midseason trade to Buffalo). But, the soon-to-be 31-year-old could see a tick up in production playing with Drake Maye while also bringing that needed veteran presence to the wide receiver room. He also briefly overlapped with Vrabel in Cleveland this season.
CB Rasul Douglas: In his first full season in Buffalo, Douglas played 87 percent of their defensive snaps this season primarily along the perimeter. The 6-foot-2 Douglas has good size to hang on the outside but after recording 14 Interceptions over the last three years he failed to record one this season. Pairing him with Gonzalez could give New England a strong 1-2 punch, especially if Douglas’ ball production returns to that of previous years.