The New England Patriots went into almost every game this season knowing they had a talent disadvantage.

Their plan called for a major overhaul of the roster this offseason. They will have more salary cap space than any other team. And they will have at least a top-10 draft pick, probably even higher.

Let’s take a look at the additions that could come and add some optimism to a team in need of it. Free agency doesn’t start until mid-March, but here’s a first look at the top names to know for the Patriots.

Wide receiver

Let’s start with perhaps the most obvious plight. Anyone who follows the Patriots knows that Tee Higgins will be the big target at wide receiver this offseason. The Patriots tried to sign a top receiver twice last year (Calvin Ridley and Brandon Aiyuk) but failed both times. Now free agency feels almost like Higgins or bust for the Patriots, who have the money to spend and a greater need for a wide receiver than anyone else.

Would the Patriots have to overpay to sign Higgins? Yes, probably. But the assumption is that while you have Drake Maye on a cost-controlled rookie contract, you can overspend elsewhere to ensure he’s surrounded by the best possible talent. Get ready for a huge offer from the Patriots for Higgins, potentially around $28 million per year.

Higgins has a few things to complain about, like his durability and the fact that he was only the Bengals’ No. 2 receiver (a byproduct of playing alongside Ja’Marr Chase). But given the terrible wide receiver situation, the Patriots have put themselves in a situation where they have to be the highest bidder for the best receiver available. In this free agent class, that’s Higgins.

Still, it’s not a given that he would say yes even if the Pats have the highest offer. If he signs elsewhere, there are no good options for him to move to. But there are reliable players. Chris Godwin, Amari Cooper, Stefon Diggs and DeAndre Hopkins would be part of the next tier of free agent receivers.

Godwin is the only one mentioned above who is still in his 20s (he’ll be 29 next season), so he’s probably the only one you want to give a multi-year money guarantee to.

Perhaps that adds urgency to making sure they sign Higgins even if they end up overpaying.

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