New England Patriots rumors: 3 49ers to target in 2022 NFL free agency

INGLEWOOD, CA - JANUARY 30: Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers fires up the team on the field before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Rams defeated the 49ers 20-17. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /

4 of 4

San Francisco 49ers edge Arden Key (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /

Why the New England Patriots should target edge rusher Arden Key

If the New England Patriots are looking for a younger player to bolster their pass rush, they should look no further than Arden Key.

At 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, the 25-year-old Key totaled 8 sacks in 2021 for the San Francisco 49ers. He also had 39 pressures which would make him the perfect player to lineup on the opposite side of Matt Judon.

The Patriots do have Deatrich Wise in that role, a player Belichick seems to trust and love, so targeting a player like Key won’t be high on the shopping list, especially with the team hopeful that either Josh Uche or Chase Winovich can make a leap.

However, you never know with a coach like Bill Belichick. If he sees a player who could fit what he wants to do on defense, he’ll go out and make it happen.

Next. New England Patriots rumors: 3 Chiefs to target in 2022 NFL free agency. dark

In theory, this may be the more unrealistic target on this list, but Arden Key is an intriguing option out there, especially with the team out to get younger, faster and get to the quarterback quicker.

Home/Patriots Rumors