This Should Be Patriots’ No Doubt Top Target In Free Agency

All indications are that the New England Patriots are going to attack free agency with a vengeance when the legal tampering period officially begins next Monday.

But with a team that has so many holes on its roster, where will the Patriots turn to first? They could go after a wide receiver to give Drake Maye another target to throw to, bolster their offensive line with a big addition or bring in a game-changing presence to fortify their defense.

During Monday’s episode of NESN’s “Boston Has Entered The Chat,” Travis Thomas believed there is one clear path for the Patriots in free agency and it starts with signing the top offensive tackle on the open market in Ronnie Stanley.

“I think he should be the No. 1 priority. I thought Tee Higgins should be it — doesn’t appear though he is anymore,” Thomas said. “So, Ronnie Stanley now should be the No. 1 option, the No. 1 target for the Patriots in the biggest area of need. This is a no-brainer. Pay the guy whatever he wants.”

Thomas added that the Patriots should go after Stanley due to the uncertainty around the top-tier players at the position in this year’s draft class, which includes LSU’s Will Campbell.

Stanley, who has 104 starts in his career, does appear to be a part of the Patriots’ plan A in free agency. That’s not a massive surprise, given New England’s massive need for help along the offensive line.

It might all come down to whether the Patriots are willing to fork over a boatload of cash to sign the soon-to-be 31-year-old tackle who has a good amount of miles already on him. Stanley is projected to sign a contract with an average annual value of at least $20 million.

You can catch all episodes of “Boston Has Entered The Chat” on YouTube and Spotify.