New England Patriots free agency 2018: 5 potential upgrades at linebacker

Avery Williamson

Either Preston Brown or Nigel Bradham would be great fits for the Patriots, but free agent linebacker Avery Williamson would absolutely solve much of the team’s needs.

Earning the sixth-highest run-defense grade among linebackers in 2017, Pro Football Focus has noted Williamson as a dream splash signing for the Patriots.  It would indeed be a splash as the 26-year-old linebacker will demand some top bucks in free agency.

After what the team did last offseason with the splash signing of Stephon Gilmore, anything is possible.  At his age, he has tremendous upside and would allow Dont’a Hightower to play more on the edge, where he is very effective.

Overall, signing a player like Avery Williamson will solve a couple of positions.  He would be an instant upgrade at inside linebacker, which again, would allow Hightower to rush the quarterback on passing downs.

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With many teams having interest in the talented linebacker, this one is definitely a dream signing.  But, boy, imagine if the New England Patriots were somehow able to add Williamson to their defense.