This is an incredibly important offseason for the New England Patriots. They managed to scrape their way into the NFL Playoffs last season behind a strong defense and solid play from quarterback Mac Jones. Now it's time to build on those strengths to continue to compete in a tough AFC East division.
However, New England does not have a lot of cap space available like the last offseason. Head coach Bill Belichick will have to spend the little money he has wisely in order to improve his team by any measure. There are plenty of strong free agents to look at, but there are also a handful that they should avoid at all cost.
Let's go over two free agents that the Patriots must avoid signing in free agency.
New England Patriots 2022 NFL Free Agency
While New England does need help at wide receiver, former Pittsburgh Steeler JuJu Smith-Schuster is not the answer. The USC product is a fan favorite, but he hasn't done all that much on the football field recently. Over the last two seasons combined, Smith-Schuster has 960 receiving yards and three touchdowns. That's partially due to injuries, but he's also had a tough time being effective when on the field.
In his last full season in 2020, Smith-Schuster's average depth of target was 6.5 yards, proving that he isn't a big-play threat. It's hard to justify spending money on an overpriced safety blanket for Mac Jones when there are far better upgrades available elsewhere.
New England has several better options than Smith-Schuster at wide receiver. There are a ton of big-name pass-catchers in this free agent class, but it's somewhat unlikely the Patriots go after any of them because of their cap situation. DJ Chark of the Jacksonville Jaguars is certainly a name to watch for New England. His speed is appealing to any team, and he's still only 25 years old.
If Belichick decides to spend his cap space somewhere else, the Patriots should still be able to upgrade their wide receiving corps. The 2022 NFL Draft is incredibly deep at wide receiver, with five players at the position potentially going in the first round. Guys like Treylon Burks of Arkansas and Chris Olave of Ohio State should be on the board when the Pats pick at 21. There's absolutely no reason to spend valuable cap space on Smith-Schuster this offseason, even with the hole at wide receiver the Patriots have.
1. Joe Haden
It's almost certain that the Patriots will need help at cornerback this offseason, but Joe Haden isn't the answer. Haden has had a bit of a career revival as a Steeler over the last five seasons, playing solid football at a tough position. He's not a bad player by any means, he just isn't the right fit for New England.
Haden is already 32 years old, and he's playing one of the most physically demanding positions in all of sports. He likely has a year or two before his play really begins to fall off a cliff. Despite making the playoffs last season, the Patriots are not anywhere near Super Bowl contention. Any help that Haden gives the team would be in 2022 only, which just isn't what the team needs.
The Patriots should look for a more permanent and long-term solution at one of the most important positions on the field.
There are plenty of other viable candidates at cornerback. Former Kansas City Chiefs CB Charvarius Ward is an appealing option, along with Kyle Fuller of the Denver Broncos. Overall, the Pats just don't have that much money to spend this offseason, and both of these guys fit their budget and would help fill the hole that JC Jackson will leave when he signs for big money elsewhere.
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