With three weeks to go in the 2024 regular season, the New England Patriots have already been eliminated from contention and are near the bottom of the league with a 3-11 record through 15 games.
It’s unknown who will be running the team this offseason, with both Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf’s future in question following a rough first year, but someone will be making decisions for the team and spending money.
With that knowledge, it’s important to look ahead to the coming months and what could happen to some of New England’s players who are expected to hit the market this offseason.
In a recent post, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine predicted that the Kansas City Chiefs will sign Patriots defensive lineman Daniel Ekuale.
“The Chiefs’ cap situation might force them to shop in the bargain aisle come free agency,” Ballentine wrote. “They are already paying out a lot of money to their biggest stars, and Trey Smith is still a pending free agent. If that’s the case, they might have to look to some older players to fill important roles.
One such role could be nose tackle, and the soon-to-be 31-year-old Daniel Ekuale would be a logical target. He’s not likely to cost much as an older free agent, but he’s been a dependable contributor for the Patriots this season and might welcome the idea of joining a contender.”
Ekuale has stepped up in 2024 with Christian Barmore sidelined for most of the year while recovering from blood clots. He’s started in 13 games this season, playing a career-high 70% of the team’s defensive snaps. He’s recorded 43 tackles (two for a loss), three quarterback hits and a sack.
With Barmore and Davon Godchaux already under contract for 2025, New England may look to fill in the third defensive tackle spot with ERFA Jeremiah Pharms Jr. in a bigger role or with a rookie on an inexpensive deal.
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