Key Patriot Leaves New England to Join NFC Contender in Latest Prediction

With the NFL playoffs no longer being a realistic goal, many New England Patriots fans are already turning their attention to the upcoming offseason.

The Patriots front office will have their hands busy this offseason, especially when it comes to free agency. Not only will de facto general manager Eliot Wolf be looking to bring in some new veteran faces, but he must also decide what to do with New England's 10 pending unrestricted free agents in the coming months.

While the Patriots could wind up re-signing a handful of those players, one NFL analyst is expecting another franchise to try stealing a certain free agent from New England.

Patriots Rumors: Packers to Target DT Daniel Ekuale?

On Monday, Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department wrote about how the Green Bay Packers could have their eye on Patriots defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale this offseason.

"Defensive tackle has been a sore spot in Green Bay in 2024," Bleacher Report wrote. "The defense is going to need to add some beef in the middle to plug up gaps against the run."

"The 6'3" and 310-pound Ekuale could help solve that problem since he has put together a strong campaign in that department this season."

As mentioned by Bleacher Report, Ekuale is in the middle of a career year and the rest of the NFL should be taking notice. After being nothing more than a backup option in the five previous seasons, the ex-Washington State defender is having a breakout year as he's racked up 20 solo tackles and a sack while starting in all 12 of the Patriots' games.

Furthermore, Ekuale's 61.1 defense grade ranks 51st-best among 116 eligible interior defenders, per Pro Football Focus, while his 62.8 run defense rating is the 32nd-best mark at his position.

Based on his performance this season, it isn't hard to imagine why the Packers would love to add him to their defense.

Green Bay is having a solid season, but its defensive line has left much room for improvement. PFF lists the Packers as the 10th-worst graded team in terms of both pass rushing and run defense. While the Samoan defender won't contribute much as an edge rusher, his 6-foot-3, 310-pound frame makes him a more than reliable run-stopper.

According to Spotrac, the Packers will enter the offseason with about $65.6 million to spend, giving them enough money to land Ekuale even if he wants a pay raise. At the same time, the Patriots will have over $139.4 million in available space to match any offer if the 30-year-old is open to returning.

Free agency doesn't open until March, giving the Patriots plenty of time to figure out if they want to reward the breakout performer with a new contract or not. In the meantime, Ekuale will look to continue his impressive campaign when New England returns from its bye against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15.

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