Eliot Wolf believes Patriots will be ‘aggressive’ on waivers following cutdown day
The Patriots have the third-highest priority on the waiver-wire, putting them in a good place to add.
Cutdown day is right around the corner in the NFL, but the Patriots are in an advantageous spot to keep building their roster after Aug. 27.
The Patriots have the third-highest priority on the waiver-wire, giving them an edge over all but two teams to add players who were cut as rosters will trim down to 53 players.
Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf seems willing to use that asset when the opportunity comes later in August.
“Yeah, absolutely,” Wolf said when asked how much of an advantage having the third priority on the waiver-wire on Sunday. “Our scouting department right now, all they’re doing is just grinding through the preseason film, watching players, talking to other teams, seeing who might become available. Having a third claim spot is a good advantage, and we’ll be aggressive, I think.”
It’s obviously unknown who will be available on the waiver wire come Aug. 27, but the Patriots certainly have a few areas where they can improve. The offensive line is the most notable, struggling throughout camp as they haven’t settled on a starting unit yet.
However, Wolf expressed some satisfaction with the unit on Sunday.
“We’re pretty comfortable with our group right now,” he said on the possibility of adding an offensive lineman. “Obviously, we’re going to look to upgrade on the offensive line or at any position, if we feel like we can.”
The Patriots could also stand to upgrade with a new wide receiver. New England pursued Brandon Aiyuk in a trade earlier in August. The Patriots reportedly had a trade in place with the 49ers, but the deal fell apart because Aiyuk wouldn’t commit to a long-term extension with New England.
While the Aiyuk situation remains unresolved in San Francisco, Wolf closed the door on possibly re-engaging with the 49ers and the receiver about getting a deal done.
“It was sort of a situation where he’s still in San Francisco, and that hasn’t been worked out from their standpoint yet,” Wolf said. “But we just felt, organizationally, our young receivers have had a really good week, and they’re continuing to progress, so we’re excited about those guys.”
If the Patriots are still interested in adding a receiver, there’ll probably be a few noteworthy veterans at the position that get cut as there are every year. Commanders receiver Jahan Dotson seems like a possible intriguing possibility if he gets cut. The 2022 first-round pick has 84 receptions for 1,041 yards and 11 touchdowns over 29 career games.
Defensively, edge rusher seems like an obvious area of need after the Patriots traded Matthew Judon. The Patriots have had a few standouts in the pass rush department this summer, with Deatrich Wise Jr., Keion White, and Oshane Ximines making noise.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo previously noted that the team has “gone years without having a premier rusher,” which would seemingly lend credence to the idea that they could add edge rushers.
Defensive tackle also seems like another possible need for the Patriots. The uncertainty surrounding Christian Barmore’s status for the 2024 season leaves New England without an interior lineman with high upside. While it’s unlikely that they’ll find a defensive tackle who can be as good as Barmore, they could use the help.
Regardless of need, the Patriots stand in a relatively good spot to add talent to the roster following cutdown day.
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