5 targets for Patriots in 2022 NFL free agency

Adding Charvarius Ward strengthens the Patriots secondary and hurts a rival

Given that Belichick is a defensive-minded coach, he tends to gravitate towards players on that side of the ball in free agency. In essence, he can scout other teams’ players and see how they can fit into what they do better than just about everyone. One player who might slip through the cracks off an AFC rival team would have to be Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Charvarius Ward.

The Patriots will have to love the fact that Ward went undrafted out of Middle Tennessee. Playing with a massive chip on his shoulder, Ward became one of the more notable players in Steve Spagnuolo’s Kansas City secondary over the last few years. Unfortunately, more eyes will be on safety Tyrann Mathieu’s impending free agency than it will be on the talented Kansas City corner.

In a way, adding Ward would be a means to offset losing Stephon Gilmore mid-season, as well as a worst-case scenario if the Patriots are unable to bring back J.C. Jackson on a second contract. Because the defensive backfield is a position group Belichick and his coaching staff prioritize, this will be addressed aggressively in free agency, one way or another. Ward could be the next Patriot.

New England may not land Ward because he should have a robust market outside of Kansas City.