New England Patriots rumors: 3 pass rush targets with extreme edge

With needs in some key areas and a boat load of cap space, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will be like a kid in the candy store once NFL free agency begins on March 17.

We all know the team’s needs on the offensive side of the football, but on the defensive side, Belichick will try to upgrade that entire front seven through free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft with the greatest need being at defensive end.

In 2020, the Patriots defense was bullied at that position.  With Deatrich Wise Jr set to hit free agency, Belichick’s squad will be extremely thin at that position even if they decide to bring Wise back on a team-friendly deal.

In all, the Patriots need a force on the edge.  Our mock draft 1.0 has the team drafting edge rusher Gregory Rousseau out of the University of Miami with the No. 15 pick overall, but don’t expect Belichick to stop there.

With money to spend, the Patriots head coach will make a splash at this position for a player who not only set the edge but give that defense some pass rush impact.  In looking at the list of available free agents, these three targets are not the top ranked, but players I believe who would be a fit for the Patriots.

Here are three free agent pass rush targets with extreme edge.