It’s time to tamper.

Today the so-called “legal tampering” period begins for the NFL free agency, and of course the hot topic this past week is what the New England Patriots are going to do.

NFL free agency is designed to fill holes, if used right. A year ago the New England Patriots had plenty of them, so the Mike Vrabel led front office in its first year together went out and filled the ones on defense. They brought in several players that helped them get to the Super Bowl as incredible as that was. That included one big high ticket item in defensive lineman Milton Williams.

The draft was used mainly for offense.

So now what?

Don’t expect a huge spending spree. That’s the Robert Kraft way. If you remember, after the spending spree of 2021, there wasn’t a lot else done on the open market the next three years.

We figured they will settle up (restructure) with Stefon Diggs, but he is a goner as the Patriots informed him they are releasing him at the start of the league year this Wednesday. Off field issues, a postseason in which he averaged just 7.9 yards a catch, and a $26.5 million cap hit for 2026 are the reasons.

The long desire for a home run hitter continues, everyone thinks a veteran receiver with the last name Brown who has two bad knees who could really blow up your salary cap is the answer. Nah. Pass.

The Patriots are fine at receiver. They will need to draft on defense, get younger, faster, stronger, and yes, cheaper.

They will look at edge rushers in free agency as they may lose one of their own in K’Lavon Chaisson (as of this writing). There’s been talk they may try to go with Khalil Mack. Mack is 35. That’s not getting younger. We say try with a player like 26-year-old Joseph Ossai with Cincinatti, or Green Bay’s Kingsley Enagbare and call it a day on defense. Unless there’s a safety out there they can grab, or a linebacker. But these should all be targets in the draft next month, right? Deeeeefense.

On offense, bring in another mid-level veteran tackle, such as the Bears’ Braxton Jones who can swing with the best of them. He’s 27, so not too old but not too young.

It’s possible they may try to add to the running back room after letting Antonio Gibson go. Maybe Carolina’s Rico Dowdle or Atlanta’s Tyler Allgeier.

Again, don’t expect a spending spree. Now, on Monday they may grab a player. Not two. Then wait ’til maybe Wednesday. It’s just how we see it. The owner likes teams built throught the draft, but no draft was going to completely cure what ailed this team.

Expect them to perhaps look at linebacker and edge rusher in the draft, or simplydo this: best available.

Some think that Vrabel’s ability to lure players will make a difference. Sorry, the only thing that makes a difference to NFL players – all pro athletes, for that matter – is the ‘S’ with with the line through it $. And, with that in mind, it’s the guaranteed $, not the phoney numbers you keep hearing and reading about.

They do need some depth at tight end. One wonders if they might go into the draft, because when’s the last time they drafted a quality tight end, right? Yeah that guy that rhymes with honk.

We still don’t have a feel for how this regime will act. We knew what Bill Belichick would do, and after a guy named Brady left always question it.

The Patriots drafted well last year. They can draft well again. Improve that way.

Just because Monday the league will let you tamper, doesn’t mean you have to pamper.

Tom King may be reached at X @Telegraph_TomK, or via email at tking@nashuatelegraph.