Patriots Have ‘Couple Targets’ For Linebacker Help

The New England Patriots released Kyle Van Noy and doubled their cap space. The veteran bit farewell to the team on Twitter and Instagram and Dont’a Hightower, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jamie Collins, and James White responded right away. Well, these guys may follow Van Noy out of New England, leaving the Patriots with a big hole on their roster. Belichick may lose a big chunk of his linebackers and that would be a big blow for the team. The Patriots need help at quarterback and they will probably go after a few targets in the offseason.

Belichick can get these players through trade or the 2022 NFL Draft. Van Noy is out and several veterans will become unrestricted free agents.

Patriots need help at linebacker

Mike Giardi from NFL Media reported that the Patriots have their eyes set on two additions.

“The other area that has drawn a lot of attention for the Patriots is the LB position,” Giardi tweeted Wednesday. “I’m told they’ve identified a couple targets (this was pre-Bobby Wagner release) to supplement what’s currently on the roster. (i.e. not Earth-shakers, at least not as of a few days ago.)”

the other area that has drawn a lot of attention for the #Patriots is the LB position. I'm told they've identified a couple targets (this was pre-Bobby Wagner release) to supplement what's currently on the roster (i.e. not earth shakers, at least not as of a few days ago)

— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 9, 2022

Giardi reminded everyone that Wagner is available at the moment. Belichick can easily make enough room for the veteran because he trusts experienced players. Wagner is 31 and his game is still sharp.

Here’s the list of Patriots linebackers following Van Noy’s release:

— Matthew Judon
— Chase Winovich
— Josh Uche
— Anfernee Jennings
— Harvey Langi
— Cameron McGrone
— Jahlani Tavai
— Raekwon McMillan
— Ronnie Perkins

One thing stands for sure. Belichick’s linebacker group is not strong at all. The Patriots were linked to many players throughout the regular season. Now they are free to make the right moves and hopefully, win a championship. The team has to address a few needs this offseason. Belichick needs to add depth to linebacker and also needs to get strong receivers. Robert Kraft wanted him to select great players last offseason and Belichick spent a lot of money to get his targets. New England has $9 million in cap space at the moment, meaning there isn’t much room for exhibitions.