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3 intriguing linebackers Patriots should target in 2023 NFL Free Agency

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 30: Leighton Vander Esch #55 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 30: Leighton Vander Esch #55 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots
Washington Commanders linebacker Cole Holcomb. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

3. New England Patriots linebacker targets: Cole Holcomb

One thing Bill Belichick loves to do is bring in players who had a hint of success somewhere else in hopes they flourish in his defensive system.

In thinking about players like Mike Vrabel and Rob Ninkovich, a player like pending free agent Cole Holcomb could be that type of player Belichick targets in free agency.

Just entering his prime, Holcomb is a 6-foot-1, 240-pound linebacker with athleticism who was putting together a career year with the Washington Commanders before going down with a foot injury.  In racking up 69 total tackles (37 solo), the fourth-year linebacker was on the verge of turning the corner and being a productive linebacker.

Why not in New England?

While Belichick hoped Mack Wilson would be that type of player, the former firth round pick out of the University of North Carolina has a lot of dog in him as an undersized linebacker.  Prior to the foot injury he was also an iron man in the NFL, playing 99 percent of the Commanders’ defensive snaps in 2021 while piling up 142 tackles.

Due to the injury, Holcomb could decide to stay in Washington another year.  But, if a coach like Belichick comes calling, he could spend that prove-it year in New England.

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