8 prospective free agents for Patriots fans to watch in conference championship games
Both games feature several players who will become free agents this offseason at positions of need for the Patriots.
There are several different lenses through which Patriots fans can view the conference championship games Sunday.
While some might have their own rooting interests in who they would like to see win the AFC and NFC Championship Games, it also provides the opportunity to possibly see a few players that the Patriots could pursue in free agency this offseason.
Both of Sunday’s games have a handful of impactful players at positions of need for New England who will become free agents this offseason. With the Patriots holding over $120 million in cap space this offseason, a few players playing in Sunday’s game could realistically head to New England come March.
So, here are eight prospective free agents for Patriots fans to keep an eye on during the conference championship games.
Commanders EDGE Dante Fowler Jr.
Washington’s surprise run to the NFC Championship Game has been partly powered by the short-term deals it gave to veteran free agents this past offseason. Linebacker Bobby Wagner, tight end Zach Ertz, and running back Austin Ekeler headline that group, as they’ve each contributed in notable ways this season.
Maybe the Patriots opt to take a similar approach and even try to nab one of the players that the Commanders signed to a one-year deal last offseason to join them. If they opt to go that route, Fowler might be the most ideal free-agent option from the Commanders.
The veteran edge rusher had another standout season in 2024, recording 10.5 sacks, 39 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and a pick-six. As his sack total was tied for 12th in the league, Fowler’s 44 pressures were 38th, showing his effectiveness as a passing down player.
Fowler will be 31 at the start of next season and recorded just 17.5 sacks in the four years prior to 2024, so his sack total this year is a bit of an anomaly. But he would certainly give the Patriots’ pass rush a boost and likely won’t require a major investment.
Eagles EDGE Josh Sweat
Sunday’s NFC title game might have the two top pass rushers in the free agency market this offseason. Of the two, Sweat is the more versatile and consistent player.
Sweat has been a reliable contributor for the Eagles since 2020, recording at least six sacks in each of the last five years. The 27-year-old had another strong year, recording 41 total tackles and eight sacks. He also posted 54 pressures, which was the 21st-best mark in the league, and 27 run stops, which was 23rd in the league, playing in 63 percent of the Eagles’ defensive snaps.
Considering his age, consistency, and versatility, Sweat will likely command one of the larger free-agent contracts this offseason. But the Patriots could certainly use a player like him.
Eagles LB Zack Baun
One of the biggest individual surprises of the 2024 season, Baun will look to help the Eagles reach the Super Bowl and win a title before likely receiving a major payday.
Baun, 28, joined the Eagles last offseason on a one-year, $3.5 million deal that many glossed over at the time considering that he was primarily a special teamer in the first four years of his career, all with the Saints. He became an every down defensive player in Philadelphia this season and flourished, recording 151 total tackles (tied for sixth), 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles (second), and an interception. His 69 run stops were also the most in the league while he was Pro Football Focus’ second-highest-rated linebacker this season.
That strong play has carried into the postseason. Baun had an interception in the Eagles’ win over the Packers and a fumble recovery in their victory over the Rams.
The Patriots’ talent at linebacker was largely exposed following Ja’Whaun Bentley’s season-ending injury in Week 2. While it isn’t conventional for teams to spend a lot of money at the position, it could make sense for the Patriots to do so on Baun in order to re-establish their defense.
Eagles G Mekhi Becton
The former Jets first-round pick has had a strong bounce-back season for the Eagles while blocking for Saquon Barkley in his quest for 2,000 yards and protecting Jalen Hurts.
Moving to right guard after signing with Philadelphia last offseason, Becton has allowed just three sacks in 25 pressures this season. The move to right guard came after he played left tackle with the Jets, having a strong rookie season at the position before injuries caused him to miss much of the next two seasons. He was an inconsistent performer at the position in 2023, causing the Jets to part ways with him.
Right guard is probably the position the Patriots need the least along the offensive line, considering the investment they made in Mike Ownenu last offseason. But Becton’s positional versatility could be intriguing for a Patriots team that’s had to shuffle its offensive line a lot over the last two seasons.
Bills WR Amari Cooper
If the Patriots aren’t able to snag Tee Higgins but still want to add a veteran talent on the outside in free agency, Cooper will be among the list of possible options.
Cooper has probably had the worst season of his 10-year career in 2024, though. He recorded 44 receptions for 547 yards and four touchdowns over 14 regular-season games, getting traded from the Browns to the Bills ahead of the trade deadline in October. He’s also recorded just two receptions this postseason as the Bills have spread out the targets in the passing game this season.
Still, Cooper has a tremendous amount of pedigree and a strong end to the season could earn him some buzz ahead of his free agency. He recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in the previous two seasons, doing so with less-than-stellar play at quarterback for the Browns.
Chiefs G Trey Smith
Smith is arguably the top offensive lineman set to become a free agent this offseason. The Chiefs’ left guard was named a Pro Bowler for the first time this season, giving up zero sacks and 26 pressures this season as PFF graded him their 14th-best guard this season. When Smith was at right guard in the previous three seasons, PFF graded him as a top 25 guard in the league each year.
Regardless of what happens against the Bills, Smith will likely earn a big payday. But if he’s able to prevent the Bills defensive front from having another disruptive performance, he’ll certainly have a lot of buzz around him come March.
Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins
The Patriots can enter the sweepstakes for Hopkins again this offseason if they wish.
Hopkins played an instrumental role in a few of the Chiefs’ wins in the middle of the season after they acquired him from the Titans ahead of the trade deadline. However, Hopkins has had some down weeks recently. He hasn’t recorded more than 40 receiving yards in a game since the end of November and only had one target in the Chiefs’ playoff win over the Texans.
Additionally, Hopkins turns 33 this offseason and has had some notable knee issues in recent seasons. Still, similar to Cooper, it’s tough to deny his pedigree and the Patriots’ receiver room could certainly benefit to learn from a veteran like Hopkins, who was one of the best receivers in the game for much of the last decade. A strong outing on Sunday could at least quell some concerns over how much Hopkins has left in the tank moving forward.
Chiefs EDGE Charles Omenihu
Former Patriots pass rusher Joshua Uche has largely been an afterthought in Kansas City for the back half of the season, partly because of Omenihu’s return. The veteran edge rusher made his way back to the lineup in late November after tearing his ACL in the AFC Championship Game last season, recording six total tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble in six regular-season games.
Omenihu had his best game since his return in the Chiefs’ playoff win over the Texans. He recorded four total tackles and a sack in that game, recording a forced fumble on the sack.
The 27-year-old was productive for the Chiefs in 2023 before his injury, recording seven sacks in 11 regular-season games. He also had 6.5 sacks between the regular season and postseason with the 49ers in 2022.
So, Omenihu’s past would make him a good option for the Patriots if they want to add a situational pass rusher this offseason. A big performance Sunday, though, could seemingly add to his value in the offseason.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com