Outside of Stanley, the other player from that list who seems most likely not to hit the open market is Godwin. The Buccaneers and Godwin recently agreed to push back the deadline for the two sides to reach a new deal to the day the new league year begins (March 12), a possible indication that they’re close on an agreement.

As for Williams and Ward, they’ll probably have lots of suitors as well, but each would fill a massive need for the Patriots. Williams had 24 total tackles, five sacks, and a forced fumble. In terms of advanced metrics, he recorded a 13 percent pass-rush win rate (fifth-best among defensive tackles), 40 pressures, and 12 run stops. He also had seven total tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and 14 pressures in the postseason.

Ward, meanwhile, was named second-team All-Pro in 2023 when he had five interceptions and only allowed 599 yards and three touchdowns on 94 targets, per Pro Football Focus. He struggled a bit this year, failing to record an interception while he allowed 412 yards on 51 targets, per PFF.

Those players being the Patriots’ top targets in free agency is a sign of what culture Vrabel wants to establish in his first season in New England, looking to add toughness to the team, according to Reiss, Callahan, and Kyed. Additionally, they have other plans in place if they’re unable to land any of those players in free agency.

Other possible free agent targets for the Patriots include Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore, Vikings offensive tackle Cam Robinson, Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood, Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy, and Jets cornerback D.J. Reed, Callahan and Kyed reported.

Of that group, Robinson and Reed might be the most notable. They’re each ranked as the best or second-best available free agent at their respective positions on ESPN’s top 50 free agents list.

Robinson gave up seven sacks and 52 pressures last season, per PFF, as he began the year with the Jaguars before getting traded to the Vikings. New Patriots offensive line coach Doug Marrone was his head coach with the Jaguars for the first four seasons of his career.

As for Reed, he’s helped form one of the league’s best cornerback duos with Sauce Gardner over the last few years. The 28-year-old didn’t have an interpretation in 2024, but he only allowed 431 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets, per PFF.

Those names are just a handful of the top players expected to become available when the league’s legal tampering period begins on March 10. But it certainly gives an idea of how the Patriots want to attack the open market, seemingly prioritizing pass protection, getting after the quarterback, and pass coverage.

While Godwin was among the players listed that the Patriots are expected to pursue, it’s been reported multiple times over the last week that they aren’t expected to go after one of the non-top free agent wide receivers available.