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Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

The Patriots went wild last offseason and spent a boatload of money to revamp the roster and doubled down on their aggressiveness at the draft by targeting quarterback Mac Jones in the first round. Those moves helped propel New England back into the playoffs after a one-year absence, but their stay in the postseason didn't last long as they were blown out by the Buffalo Bills in the opening round. As they step into the 2022 offseason, it remains to be seen if they'll be going gangbusters once again, but they will look to take steps towards building a Super Bowl contender in some form or fashion. 

As the offseason action unfolds, let this be your one-stop guide for everything Patriots-related. Over the next few months, we'll be updating this post with all the latest news and rumors surrounding New England as they build for 2022. Below, we've also identified the positions Bill Belichick will need to put the most emphasis on along with some important dates to keep an eye on. 

Team needs

  • CB, WR, LB, OL, NT

On the defensive side of the ball, J.C. Jackson signing with the Chargers creates a massive hole in New England's secondary that they'll need to fill with a plug-and-play corner either via free agency, the trade market, or in the first round of the NFL Draft. 

Meanwhile, the Patriots also need to get much faster at the linebacker position. That unit could look entirely different in 2022 with the statuses of Dont'a Hightower and Jamie Collins uncertain. The club also recently released fellow linebacker Kyle Van Noy. Being able to find someone who can not only add speed but starting-caliber talent will likely be a route the team goes down at the draft. 

Offensively, the Patriots still need a true No. 1 wide receiver. Even after acquiring Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor last offseason, Mac Jones needs a pass-catcher that opposing defenses will need to scheme against. The team did execute a trade with the Dolphins for DeVante Parker, but they could still look to add at the position at the NFL Draft. On top of someone to add to the top of the receiver depth chart, New England could use a slot receiver as well. That position has been a staple in the Patriots offense for years and finding someone who can get open off the line of scrimmage and in short, windows would add a new dimension to the offense. 

Key upcoming dates 

  • April 18: First day of offseason program
  • April 28-30: 2022 NFL Draft 
  • May 23-24: OTA
  • May 26: OTA
  • June 1-3: OTA
  • June 7-9: Mandatory Minicamp
  • June 13-14: OTA
  • June 16-17: OTA

2022 NFL Draft picks

  • Round 1: 21st overall
  • Round 2: 54th overall
  • Round 3: 85th overall
  • Round 4: 127th overall
  • Round 5: 158th overall
  • Round 5: 170th overall (from Tampa Bay - Shaq Mason trade)
  • Round 6: 200th overall
  • Round 6: 210th overall (from Los Angeles -- Sony Michel trade)

Click here to check out our full seven-round mock draft for the Patriots. 

In-house free agents

Returning free agents

New arrivals

  • Terrance Mitchell, cornerback (one-year, $3 million)
  • Ty Montgomery, running back/receiver (two-years, $4 million)
  • Mack Wilson, linebacker (Trade with Browns)
  • Malcolm Butler, cornerback (two-years, $9 million)
  • Jabrill Peppers, safety (one year)
  • DeVante Parker, wide receiver (Trade with Dolphins)

Departures

  • Chase Winovich, defensive lineman (traded to Browns)
  • J.C. Jackson, cornerback (signed with Chargers)
  • Ted Karras, offensive lineman (signed with Bengals)
  • Gunner Olszewski, wide receiver (signed with Steelers)
  • Kyle Van Noy, linebacker (released)
  • Jakob Johnson, fullback (signed with Raiders)
  • Brandon Bolden, running back (signed with Raiders)
  • Shaq Mason, offensive guard (traded to Buccaneers)

Reports, rumors, and updates