2016 NFL offseason: New England Patriots needs

A look at the free agency and draft needs in the 2016 NFL offseason for the New England Patriots

The New England Patriots were Super Bowl contenders once again in the 2015 season, but they fell short after a loss to the eventual NFL champion Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game. Now the Patriots are left moving forward and looking ahead at the work they have to do in the 2016 NFL offseason.

There are obviously going to be the usual suspects around both on the roster and wearing the headsets for the Patriots. Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski aren’t going anywhere, and the organization is going to do what it takes to keep them happy – the same of which can be said for head coach Bill Belichick and a large part of his staff.

However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t major decisions to be made for the Patriots this offseason. There are several key free agents that will be coming off of their books that they have to consider re-signing. Moreover, they will have to find ways to clear space under the salary cap to go after free agents on the open market.

In addition, the Patriots will also have to be crafty in the 2016 NFL Draft considering that the league has stripped them of their first-round pick. New England still has needs to address going into next season, notably on their offensive line, in the receiving core, and in their secondary.

Let’s take a look at the offseason ahead for the Patriots and what they can and should do throughout it to help keep them in contention for a Super Bowl next season while Brady is still around.

Next: Free Agents