The New England Patriots are running thin at the linebacker position, and it could be much worse once free agency hits.
New England released Kyle Van Noy to clear up cap space — while Dont’a Hightower, Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jamie Collins are all hitting the market. The Patriots’ current depth at the position consists of Matthew Judon (OLB), Josh Uche (OLB), Ronnie Perkins (OLB), Chase Winovich (OLB), Raekwon McMillan (ILB), Cameron McGrone (ILB), Jahlani Tavai (ILB) and Anfernee Jennings (ILB).
Bill Belichick can look in the draft to find linebackers to immediately step in — Nakobe Dean is a great example. Or, he can look to make a splash with at least one big-time player. Bobby Wagner is one of the league’s premier linebackers and he was recently released by the Seattle Seahawks.
Judon didn’t hesitate to try and recruit Wagner to the Patriots.
@Bwagz HEY BIG HEAD 😏
— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) March 9, 2022
Wagner, 32, has earned First-Team All-Pro honors six times and has been selected to the Pro Bowl eight times. The money involved to sign him and his age are the two primary issues. With the Van Noy release, the Patriots have about $13 million in cap to work with, but they still have free agents to re-sign. Also, the Patriots are looking to get younger on the defensive side of the ball and Wagner doesn’t necessarily do that.
If Belichick were to pull the trigger though, Wagner would add a significant boost to the group.
