INDIANAPOLIS — For a complete look at the Patriots’ free-agent plans from the NFL Scouting Combine, click here.Below is inRavens left tackle Ronnie Stanley, Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams, 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward and Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin are among the Patriots’ top targets, according to sources; though members of the organization are doubtful Godwin will leave Tampa Bay.The Patriots planned to pursue Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins until it was reported last week the Bengals are expected to retain him via the franchise tag for a second straight year. League sources universally do not see Higgins as being available right now. But if the Bengals pivot at the last minute, one agent offered at the combine: “Everyone in the league knows (the Patriots) want Tee.”The Patriots prefer signing Higgins or Godwin over a trade for another No. 1 receiver for the simple fact they would rather sign someone into their $127.7 million worth of cap space instead of surrendering draft capital in a deal and significant cap space. The front office has nonetheless kicked the tires on a potential trade for Seattle’s D.K. Metcalf, per source, while it weighs the ripple effects of making a player they’re not familiar with, like Metcalf, the new highest-paid player on the team.Why?Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin leaves the field after pregame warmups before an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)Vrabel has mandated the front office treat toughness, play demeanor and football character as non-negotiables when targeting players, so he can rapidly re-establish a winning culture. These traits are all common to some mid-level free agents the Patriots plan to pursue, including a couple veteran defenders sources believe will out-perform their markets based on the Patriots’ interest.If the Patriots whiff on their top targets — a group that consists of mid-level veterans and top-of-the-market talents — they will pivot to Plans B, C and, if necessary D, at select positions.One such example is left tackle. The Patriots would be comfortable signing any of Stanley, Dan Moore (Pittsburgh) or Cam Robinson (Minnesota), per sources, who added Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson was part of that group until Friday when Los Angeles signed him to an extension.Defensively, rumor has it the Patriots covet Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood, who fits the new prototype Vrabel is seeking at that position. The 6-foot-2, 216-pounder hits harder than his listed frame would suggest, the exact type of physical, violent player Vrabel wants. The Patriots are working to infuse more speed in their defensive front, which will feature smaller, faster players under Vrabel and new defensive coordinator Terrell Williams compared to most of their defenses of the past two decades.New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is hauled down by New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood during the first quarter of last Sunday’s game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat, Bills receiver Amari Cooper, Texans receiver Stefon Diggs and Chargers outside linebacker Khalil Mack are not expected to draw interest from the Patriots, according to a team source.The Patriots should be in the market for Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy and Jets cornerback D.J. Reed, as well as other veterans. The front office has expressed interest in re-signing Jonathan Jones on a cheaper, team-friendly deal, while Jones has prepared for the possibility of finishing his career elsewhere, per sources.Overall, the Patriots are taking a trenches-first approach to free agency, with cornerback, wide receiver and linebacker close behind. Their plan is to come heavy on Day 1 by extending their best offers to their top targets, ideally a left tackle, receiver, defensive lineman and defensive playmakers in the back seven. Unlike past offseasons, the Patriots won’t hesitate to sign a player if a recent draft pick plays the same position.One sleeper position to watch in free agency: center.
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