The New England Patriots are looking to bolster their pass rushing abilities in 2013. While their defense remained tough last season, the addition of another big player could help make up for the pieces the team lost on offense. As free agency is in full swing, the Patriots are set to host the two best pass rushers on the market, Dwight Freeney and John Abraham.
Freeney is familiar with the New England. A Connecticut native, he spent his entire career with the Indianapolis Colts where constantly led the team in sacks almost every season. Freeney would be a strong fit in a Bill Belichick defense. The outside linebacker and can also substitute as a defensive end. Belichick likes to use multiple fronts and Freeney has the versatility to stand up and rush the quarterback in a 3-4 scheme and be effective in a 4-3 scheme as well. The 33-year old veteran is getting up there in age but has proven he can still play at a highly productive level. He was hampered with injuries last season while recording 12 tackles and five sacks. He does have 107.5 sacks in his career.
Abraham is coming off his final season in Atlanta where he had 35 tackles and 10 sacks. Also at 33, Abraham would be another fitting pass rusher for the Patriots. Abraham is looking to join a team set up to make a deep run the playoffs making New England a good fit. He spent his first six years of his career playing for the New York Jets so he is very familiar with the AFC East. With Abraham's age, he would likely earn a one-year deal with the Patriots who are looking to get a signature body in the defense.
New England has always had an effective defensive, in 2012 they amassed 37 sacks, but they have never had a strong single pass rusher. Rob Ninkovich led the team last year in sacks with only eight, so Freeney or Abraham would be a definite upgrade. The team ranked 15th in the league last year in sacks and either player could help put their defense at the top.