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NFL Free Agency: Breaking Down Each Team’s Biggest Offseason Need

By Peter Panacy

Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) reacts after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) reacts after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New England Patriots offensive guard Joe Thuney (62) during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Patriots won 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New England Patriots offensive guard Joe Thuney (62) during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Patriots won 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

New England Patriots

Projected Cap Space: $59,667,426

Biggest Need: Offensive Line

The Super Bowl-winning New England Patriots are going to have some questions on the defensive side of the ball, especially with linebacker Dont’a Hightower likely leaving via free agency.

But protecting their greatest asset, quarterback Tom Brady, remains crucial if the Pats want to ride this open window as long as they can.

Joe Thuney did an adequate job at left guard his rookie year, although New England might consider an upgrade here if possible. And they have some aging players and pending free agents, like right tackle Sebastian Vollmer to consider replacing at some point sooner rather than later.