It’s not who you’d think it would be

New York Jets v Buffalo Bills | Kara Durrette/GettyImages

The Patriots’ Mike Vrabel made a big splash in free agency with numerous signings, most significantly on defense. In the process, he’s not only totally revamped the roster players on D but also is implementing a new, attacking, up-field approach. It represents a revolution in defensive philosophy and a complete departure from Bill Belichick’s read-and-react one-gap defense.

Among the top defensive additions were defensive tackle Milton Williams, cornerback Carlton Davis III, and Jack Spillane. In addition, on offense, Vrabel added Pro-Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs, a former Patriot tormentor who, if healthy, will give Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels the team’s best wide receiver since Julian Edelman.

So with all that activity, who did Pro Football Focus choose as the Patriots’ free agent they see with the highest upside? Surprise! The answer is none of the above. It’s 34-year-old, 11-year NFL veteran offensive right tackle, Morgan Moses, recently of the New York Jets.

Let’s look at PFF’s take on why they like Moses’s upside.

PFF says the Patriots’ free agent with the highest upside is Morgan Moses

PFF is an eminent observer and commentator of all things NFL. While they’re not always 100 percent correct, they’re probably as good a barometer as you can find at any given time. Let’s review why they chose Morgan Moses as the Pats’ free agent with the highest upside. Here’s what they wrote,

“With the most cap space in the NFL ahead of free agency, the Patriots went on a predictable spending spree and came away with several marquee free agents on big-money deals. Buried among them is 34-year-old tackle Morgan Moses, who quietly owns the eighth-best PFF run-blocking grade over the past five seasons among qualifying tackles.

“Moses will be with his third team in four years, but he has produced at every stop, including a career-high PFF overall grade (80.4) with the Ravens in 2023 and a career-low sacks allowed total (two) with the Jets in 2024.”

PFF likes Moses as a run blocker, possibly considering that Vrabel’s Titans were at their best when they had bulldozed Derrick Henry on the field. While the Patriots don’t have such a back (though drafting Ashton Jeanty would be very interesting), whoever is toting the rock will benefit from having the huge, 6’6″, 318-pound Moses plowing the road upfront.

In addition, they note Moses’ pass-blocking ability by citing his terrific overall grade in 2023 with the Ravens and that he only allowed two sacks in 2024 with the Jets. That will undoubtedly be a welcome statistic for Drake Maye. Let’s look further at why Moses is a terrific addition to the team.

Morgan Moses will help stabilize a dreadful 2024 Patriots offensive line

Morgan Moses is a formidable upgrade to the Patriots’ listless offensive line. He’s immediately the Pats’ best offensive lineman after the release of David Andrews and seeing the 2024 version of the formerly impressive guard Mike Onwenu. His performance fell off a cliff after signing a massive contract extension last season. If Onwenu shows up in the shape of last season, expect Vrabel to trade him if he hasn’t already been traded.

Moses adds a rugged, play-hurt, inspirational, stabilizing presence on the O-line that no one else possesses. The Pats should be fielding many young, talented, and impressionable faces this season on the O-line, and Moses’s example will be invaluable. Many of the 2024 cast can be traded or released without much loss. Expect a minimum of two draftees to be added, and Moses will be just the role model they need.

Having an 11-year veteran aboard with Andrews out the door was necessary for Josh McDaniels’ new offense. He’ll hopefully have a young, talented left tackle in place after the draft. Moses’s 11 years of experience and ultra-professionalism will be critical. He’ll show the young guys by example not only how to play the game but also how to be a professional. It’s half the battle.

Initially, PFF’s choice of Moses as the Patriots’ free agent with the highest upside may have taken some fans aback. But after looking at the statistics and weighing his veteran status, experience, and professionalism, it’s not that much of a surprise at all. He should be named an immediate captain.