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Patriots perfect offseason plan in 3 steps

By Rucker Haringey

Jan 1, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the field for warm ups before the start of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the field for warm ups before the start of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Melvin Ingram could give the Patriots’ pass rush a big boost. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Melvin Ingram could give the Patriots’ pass rush a big boost. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Patriots offseason plan, Step 2: Sign Melvin Ingram

Belichick doesn’t like to spend big money or high draft picks on edge rushers, but it’s clear that New England needs to get better at rushing the passer next season. Landing a trusted veteran like Ingram on a one-year deal could turn out to be one of the most valuable moves of the offseason.

Ingram was a part-time edge rusher for the Dolphins last season but he still managed to tally seven sacks. Combine that with the fact that he still does a decent job of setting the edge against the run and it’s easy to see why plenty of teams will be interested in acquiring his signature when free agency begins.

Age is the only reason why Ingram will likely be forced to accept a short-term deal. He’ll be 34 when next season kicks off. The clock is ticking on his career and the wheels could fall off for Ingram at any moment.

The Patriots are smart enough to see that he hasn’t shown signs of steep decline yet. They have a defensive scheme that can get the most out of a player like Ingram who is only capable of soaking up limited snaps. There are a few veteran edge rushers that should interest New England in free agency but Ingram represents the best schematic fit for the price.

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