Patriots perfect offseason plan in 3 steps

The Patriots need to re-sign Jabril Peppers on a bargain contract. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Bill Belichick won’t accept another losing season in New England. Here are three steps the Patriots must take to execute a perfect offseason. 

The Patriots may not be convinced that Mac Jones is their franchise quarterback of the future, but making a sea change at quarterback isn’t on New England’s to-do list. Instead, Bill Belichick and the team’s front office will spend resources surrounding the young signal-caller with pieces to succeed in 2023.

That doesn’t mean New England will solely be focused on adding offensive weapons to catch passes for Jones. Building an offensive line capable of providing him with better protection will also be a priority for the organization in the coming weeks.

Belichick also understands the defense must be better next season if they want to move up the AFC East standings. Dealing with the explosive offenses found in Miami and Buffalo will require quality safety play. That’s why retaining one young, but experienced safety would be a savvy move for the Patriots.

Patriots offseason plan, Step 3: Re-sign Jabrill Peppers

Devin McCourty is the bigger name hitting the open market, but Peppers is the safety that New England should focus on bringing back into the fold. The 27-year-old still has several good years of football in front of him and his PFF grade of 75 last season accurately illustrates just what a solid starter he was for New England.

Peppers plays his best football near the line of scrimmage which should depress his value in free agency. The Patriots won’t need to break the bank to bring back a box safety who doesn’t have superstar potential. Inking Peppers to a modest two or three-year deal to come back as the team’s starting free safety would be a smart use of cap space for the Patriots.