The New England Patriots are facing a critical offseason, with several key players set to become free agents and a salary cap that will require some careful management.
According to reports, the Patriots will have around $30 million in cap space available for the 2025 season, which is a relatively modest amount compared to some other teams in the league.
So, how will the Patriots’ salary cap situation shape their future? And what are their chances of making a deep playoff run in 2025?
To answer these questions, we need to take a closer look at the Patriots’ roster and their offseason priorities.
First and foremost, the Patriots need to decide what to do with quarterback Mac Jones. Jones is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and the Patriots will need to decide whether to extend him or let him play out the final year of his deal.
If the Patriots do decide to extend Jones, it will likely require a significant investment of cap space. However, if they let him play out the final year of his contract, they risk losing him in free agency next offseason.
Another key decision the Patriots will need to make is what to do with wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. Meyers is set to become a free agent this offseason, and the Patriots will need to decide whether to re-sign him or let him walk.
Meyers has been a solid contributor to the Patriots’ offense over the past few seasons, but he may be seeking a bigger payday than the Patriots are willing to offer.
In addition to these key decisions, the Patriots will also need to address their defensive line, which was a major weakness for the team last season.
The Patriots will likely look to add some depth and talent to their defensive line through free agency and the draft. However, they will need to be careful not to overspend, given their limited cap space.
So, what are the Patriots’ chances of making a deep playoff run in 2025? It’s difficult to say, given the uncertainty surrounding their roster and salary cap situation.
However, if the Patriots can make some smart moves in free agency and the draft, and if they can get some improved play from their quarterback and defensive line, they could potentially make a run at the playoffs.
Here are our Super Bowl 59 predictions for the Patriots:
Regular season record:10-7
Playoff chances:* 60%
Super Bowl chances:* 20%
Of course, these predictions are highly speculative, and a lot can happen between now and the start of the 2025 season. However, based on the Patriots’ current roster and salary cap situation, we think they have a decent chance of making a playoff run next season.
What’s Next for the Patriots?
The Patriots still have several needs to address this offseason, including:
Quarterback: The Patriots need to decide what to do with Mac Jones, and whether to extend him or let him play out the final year of his contract.
Wide receiver: The Patriots need to decide what to do with Jakobi Meyers, and whether to re-sign him or let him walk.
Defensive line: The Patriots need to add some depth and talent to their defensive line, which was a major weakness for the team last season.
The Patriots will likely address these needs through a combination of free agency and the draft. With a few smart moves, they could potentially make a run at the playoffs next season.