Insider predicts Patriots sign Boye Mafe, but don’t land Alec Pierce in free agency

The Patriots are positioned to be gamers in free agency following their latest string of cap-clearing strikes, and one insider thinks they’re going to have the ability to sign one of many prime edge rushers accessible.

In a column predicting where the top 20 NFL free agents will signESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano has the Patriots signing Seahawks edge rusher Boye Mafe. As a part of the prediction, Graziano projected that Mafe will get a three-year, $48 million contract with $25 million assured.

Mafe, 27, was one of many handful of standouts alongside the Seahawks’ line of defense that served as a catalyst in their run to a Super Bowl title this previous season. Even although he solely had two sacks in 2025, he had 44 pressures this previous season, per Pro Football Focus.

To put in perspective how properly of a cross rusher Mafe is, I’ve logged a 17.4 % cross rush win charge this season. That quantity would’ve been one of the best mark amongst all Patriots edge rushers final season, and it was solely second to Milton Williams.

Mafe has been in a position to get sacks in the previous, although. The four-year veteran had 9 sacks in 2023 and 6 sacks in 15 video games in 2024. He logged 55 pressures in that nine-sack season, including a 13.1 cross rush win charge.

Edge rusher has been considered as an area of ​​need for the Patriots coming into the offseason, and that is even earlier than they doubtlessly lose K’Lavon Chaisson in free agency. Chaisson had a breakout marketing campaign in his first season with New England, logging 10.5 sacks (common season and postseason mixed).

Mafe would definitely assist out in some regard, but he is not considered as one of many prime few edge rushers accessible. Following the Raiders’ commerce of Maxx Crosby, Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is likely to be the one different cross rusher thought of to be elite which may transfer this offseason. He’ll grow to be a free agent on Monday. Jaelan Phillips of the Eagles and Odafe Oweh of the Chargers are additionally thought of to be two of the highest three free-agent edge rushers this offseason.

While the Patriots have been linked to a number of the prime few free-agent edge rushers, the highest pending free-agent they have been most linked to in latest days is Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce. Following the choice to launch Stefon Diggs, hypothesis ramped up that New England might find yourself being Pierce’s subsequent dwelling.

However, Graziano would not see that occuring. He has the Chargers signing the Colts’ standout cross catcher. Graziano’s additionally projecting Pierce lands a three-year, $80 million take care of $55 million assured.

That contract would make Pierce one of many league’s 15 highest-paid extensive receivers on an annual foundation. Some may view that contract as a bit wealthy contemplating the manufacturing Pierce has put out in his four-year profession. But he additionally led the league in yards per reception for a second straight season in 2025, logging 47 receptions on 84 targets for 1,004 yards and 6 touchdowns.

The Patriots seemingly have the cap room to pay Pierce and Mafe these projected contracts this offseason. New England has $61.6 million cap house as of Saturday afternoon, by @PatsCap on X.