6 teams Danielle Hunter might sign with for the 2024 season
By Chris Schad
Team No. 5
New England Patriots
Each of the destinations, so far, has revolved around a chance to win or a reunion with a familiar face, but Hunter’s biggest motivation could be to make as much money as possible. If that’s the case, the New England Patriots could be a potential destination.
The Patriots weren’t major players in free agency in the final years of Bill Belichick’s tenure, but they seem hellbent on dispelling the notion that they’re a cheap franchise. Owner Robert Kraft told reporters last week that there is no limit on spending entering the offseason, and new head coach Jerod Mayo also sounded like the Patriots were ready to throw some money around.
“We’re bringing in talent, 1,000 percent,” Mayo told Boston’s WEEI last month. “[We] have a lot of cap space and cash. [We’re] ready to burn some cash.”
The Patriots have the third overall pick in April’s draft, but signing some impact players in free agency could be a quicker fix. With just over $66 million in cap space, Mayo – who served as a defensive coordinator under Belichick – could use Hunter to inject some talent into his pass rush, which ranked 19th in pressure rate (20.7 percent) and 27th (36) in sacks last season.
The needs of both sides could lead to a deal and put Hunter in the middle of a rebuilt defense in Foxborough.