What are Patriots offseason targets Kyle Pitts and John Franklin-Myers?

Patriots offseason targets Kyle Pitts and John Franklin-Myers could reshape the Patriots’ offense in ways Bill Belichick-era teams rarely see. From a speculative and analytical angle, this pairing mixes a rare vertical tight end with a disruptive edge presence. Pitts offers 6-foot-6 length, dynamic route running, and a 2025 stat line of 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns, so he can stretch the field and create mismatches. Meanwhile, Franklin-Myers brings stout run defense, consistent gap control, and enough pass-rush pop to pressure quarterbacks without costing a premium.

Because New England needs both more playmakers and better defensive push, these targets make strategic sense. If Pitts signs, Drake Maye and the offense would gain a true seam threat. If Franklin-Myers arrives, the Patriots’ front seven would gain immediate physicality and depth. Therefore, each player helps solve different roster problems while fitting a modest cap plan. In short, this speculative scenario asks whether New England prioritizes explosive receiving upside, better interior defense, or a balanced upgrade on both sides of the ball.

Patriots offseason targets Kyle Pitts and John Franklin-Myers: Kyle Pitts

Kyle Pitts remains one of the most intriguing pass-catchers available. At 25 years old, the 6-foot-6 tight end combines rare size with smooth route running. The fourth-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft didn’t exactly live up to the initial hype, yet he showed clear growth in 2025 with 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns. Because of that production, Pitts projects as a true seam threat and vertical mismatch for opposing defenses.

Contract questions cloud his market. The Athletic projected Pitts for a four-year, $70 million contract with a $17.5 million annual cap hit. However, a potential Falcons franchise tag remains a real complication. Pitts would make plenty of sense if the Falcons don’t hit him with a franchise tag. If he hits free agency, New England could pursue him without burning draft capital like it would for A.J. Brown.

On the field, Pitts can stretch the Patriots’ offense both horizontally and vertically. The Patriots will welcome any sort of offseason pickup that can stretch the field and add more playmaking potential to an already explosive offense. Pitts definitely fits that bill. He can align in-line or out wide, create seam windows for quick movers, and draw safety help away from other targets like Wan’Dale Robinson or Isaiah Likely.

Strategically, Pitts helps offset aging depth at tight end. New England currently lists Austin Hooper and Hunter Henry, with Henry at 31 years old. As a result, Pitts would add youth and explosive receiving upside. In short, he offers big-play potential, mismatch creation, and a manageable cap profile if New England can avoid a costly bidding war.

Patriots offseason targets Kyle Pitts and John Franklin-Myers: John Franklin-Myers

John Franklin-Myers emerges as a critical target in fortifying the Patriots’ edge defense. Known for his stout run defense, Franklin-Myers can also disrupt passing plays, offering a unique dual-threat capability. While he may not possess the same pass-rushing prowess as Trey Hendrickson or Maxx Crosby, his ability to defend the run is top-tier. As a consequence, Franklin-Myers would immediately bolster the Patriots’ defensive line with both physicality and versatility.

Contractually, Franklin-Myers represents a financially viable option. Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report suggests a potential three-year deal worth approximately $44 million, translating to $14.7 million annually. Such a contract aligns with New England’s strategic objective of efficient cap space use, especially compared to other high-demand edge defenders.

From a strategic standpoint, the Patriots desperately need an infusion of talent on the edge to pressure opposing quarterbacks and solidify their run defense. During previous campaigns, generating pressure consistently has been a challenge. Franklin-Myers fills this gap; he combines consistent gap control and reliable tackling, making him an invaluable asset. “The Patriots need to generate more pressure on opposing QBs, and if Vrabel and company believe the best way to do that is through Franklin-Myers, it would be hard to argue against them,” as noted in multiple analyses.

Incorporating Franklin-Myers into New England’s defense would address a key area of need while managing financial constraints. His addition could potentially transform the defensive front, providing more balance and depth to a unit that seeks to reclaim its dominance in the league.

Conclusion

Patriots offseason targets Kyle Pitts and John Franklin-Myers could change New England’s roster in tangible ways. Pitts would add a rare vertical tight end who creates seam windows and forces safety movement. Meanwhile Franklin-Myers would improve run defense and supply interior edge pressure. Because each player solves different problems, pairing them becomes an attractive strategy.

Financially, the moves could fit New England’s cap plan if the front office prioritizes efficiency. The Athletic projects Pitts near a four-year, $70 million market, while Knox suggested Franklin-Myers could land a three-year, $44 million deal. However a potential franchise tag on Pitts could complicate negotiations. As a result, the Patriots may need to balance bid amounts against other roster needs.

Overall, the outlook remains optimistic and speculative. If the Patriots add either player, Drake Maye and the offense would gain more spacing and playmaking options. For deeper analysis and updates, see Patriots Report LLC. Visit @ZachGatsby on Twitter/X for breaking coverage and roster tracking.

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