2. Adam Butler, DT
The 30-year-old Butler spent the first four years of his career with the Patriots, signing with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2017.
In four seasons with the Patriots, Butler recorded a total of 15 sacks as a depth piece on New England's defensive line. When Butler hit free agency in 2021, he stayed in the AFC East, signing with the Miami Dolphins.
After his one-year stint with Miami, Butler signed a future/reserve contract with Las Vegas and has shined with the Raiders over the past two seasons.
As a member of the Las Vegas Raiders, Butler had the best season of his 7-year career in 2024. Playing 77% of defensive snaps, the Duncanville, TX native recorded 65 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks for the Raiders this past season. His 31 pressures ranked 35th out of 219 eligible interior defensive linemen, according to PFF.
One huge priority for Mike Vrabel in his first offseason is to solidify the trenches, as building the offensive and defensive lines will allow the team to excel at the line of scrimmage. The Patriots ranked last in sacks as a team this past season, as well as bottom ten in multiple other defensive categories.
Whenever the Patriots needed to pressure the quarterback or stop the run on crucial downs, they weren't able to. Adding an interior presence like Butler would help to bolster the group up front.
Butler would slot in nicely alongside Christian Barmore and Keion White as the Patriots will look to establish a group that opposing quarterbacks will fear once again.
In terms of a reunion with New England, Butler seems excited about a potential return to Las Vegas. He spoke with Las Vegas Raiders beat writer Hondo Carpenter about his future and what playing for the Raiders means to him.
"It really would be a dream come true…. I love the team, I love the organization, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else."Adam Butler
If the Patriots were to have any interest in Butler, they would have to pry him away from Las Vegas. Having the ability to overpay a little for a player, as the Patriots do with the most cap space in the league, is a good sign for New England.
The Patriots have many avenues to improve their defensive line this offseason, and a reunion with Butler is one move that could happen as the free agency period starts to heat up. Other notable defensive line free agents include Milton Williams, B.J Hill and D.J. Jones.