2. Kendrick Bourne, WR
The Patriots' passing game was brutal last season, where they ranked last in the NFL in passing offense (176.1). They didn't have a single WR go over 621 receiving yards, and that can't be the same case in 2025.
This group needs some juice, and Kendrick Bourne may be someone who isn't a part of that group. He tore his ACL back in 2023 and fought his way onto the field last season.
Despite returning in October and playing in 12 games for New England, the 29-year-old was ineffective. He finished with 28 catches for 305 yards, one touchdown, and 10.9 yards per reception. The Eastern Washington product had fewer than 25 receiving yards in seven of his 12 outings.
Last March, New England gave Bourne a three-year, $19.5 million extension, but if they released him, they could only get hit with a $2.8 million dead cap hit. He's currently on the books for $7.7 million, but there's a world where the Pats move on from him and look to find upgrades in free agency.
3. Vederian Lowe, OT
The Patriots badly need to improve the offensive line. Keeping Drake Maye upright and healthy is going to be a priority this offseason. New England was tied for fourth in the league in sacks allowed (52).
They need to find a way to boost the trenches and one player who could be on the chopping block. OT Vederian Lowe struggled immensely for the Pats in 2024. He notched 13 starts last season but wasn't impressive in those reps.
According to PFF, Lowe logged a 54 overall grade (102nd among 141 eligible tackles), a 66.9 pass-blocking grade (62nd among 141 eligible tackles), and a 45.8 run-blocking grade (132nd among 141 eligible tackles).
Over 803 offensive snaps, he committed 13 penalties and allowed 33 pressures. He also gave you five sacks and five QB hits.
Lowe is going into the final year of his rookie deal with a $3.26 million cap hit. That's not a high number, and the Pats could easily move on from this offseason. They know the trenches need to get better, and Lowe didn't give the team confidence with his performance in 2024.