Let’s Play Matchmaker: Patriots Free Agent Fits
-
With the NFL offseason underway and the Patriots looking to improve their team after winning Super Bowl XLIX, it’s time to examine some potential free agents that could make sense in New England.
Boston.com has already profiled the in-house free agents and what the Patriots can do to manage the salary cap, and we’ve explained why there’s a good chance the team will use the franchise tag this offseason. Now we’ll survey the free agent landscape for worthwhile additions.
For the purpose of this article, we’ve identified four potential positions of need, and provided a “splash’’ signing and a “sensible’’ signing at each of those spots. The splash signings are the ones that would make big headlines, but the price tag will be steep and the likelihood of landing those players is low. The sensible signings might not be as flashy, but they’ll be cheaper fixes and have a better chance of coming to fruition.
We’ve also pinpointed some players who could be “cap casualties’’ and hit the market because teams will release them to save money. We’ve also picked out a few “ring chasers’’ who are nearing the end of their careers but could still offer enough to warrant a roster spot and a chance to contend for a Super Bowl.
-
Running Back
With Shane Vereen likely pricing himself out of New England, the Patriots could look for a free agent to replace him alongside LeGarrette Blount in the running back stable. Stevan Ridley (also a free agent) and Jonas Gray are roommates in Bill Belichick’s doghouse, and Brandon Bolden is best suited as a special teams player. If 2014 4th round pick James White isn’t the man to fill Vereen’s shoes, who is?
Splash: C.J. Spiller, Bills
Spiller will probably be even more expensive than Vereen but he is a better player. The ninth overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft, Spiller has dealt with some injuries in his career but when healthy he’s an explosive playmaker and a dynamic receiver out of the backfield. He won’t be a Patriot unless he takes a healthy discount, but after spending the first six years of his career with Ryan Fitzpatrick, E.J. Manuel, and Kyle Orton, the lure of playing with Brady might be a valuable negotiating tool.
Sensible: Frank Gore, 49ers
Gore won’t cost as much money as Spiller (and maybe not even as much as Vereen) and could take a one or two-year deal to try and chase a Super Bowl as he nears retirement. Gore has stated that he’s looking to sign with a team that has a franchise quarterback, and his ability to be both a power back and a receiving option on 3rd down make him a fit in any offense.
-
Wide Receiver
Danny Amendola came on strong for the Patriots in the playoffs, but he’s not worth his $5.7 million cap number and is a candidate to be released if he isn’t willing to take a pay cut.
Splash: Randall Cobb, Packers
The Patriots would almost definitely have to part ways with someone from the Revis/McCourty/Wilfork/Mayo quartet to make Cobb an option, but there aren’t too many players in the NFL who are better suited to thrive in the New England offense.
A fantastic return man and a YAC (yards after the catch) machine, Cobb is versatile enough to be a matchup nightmare out wide, in the slot, or even in the backfield. He’s reportedly seeking about $9 million per year.
Sensible: Eddie Royal, Chargers
Royal is a streaky player and could fit well in New England in Amendola’s role. A quality kick returner and well-qualified to be the #2 slot receiver, Royal wouldn’t be a “sexy’’ signing, but he could be an effective one.
-
Tight End
It’s hard to nitpick the Patriots on offense, but one element that has been underutilized is the 2-TE formations that made Tom Brady so successful from 2010-2012.
It’s no secret Brady is better suited to a versatile offense that relies on short passes and can run downhill on undersized defenses. Adding a tight end to compliment Rob Gronkowski as both a receiver and a blocker (Tim Wright has not been the answer) would make the offense even more dangerous.
Splash: Jordan Cameron, Browns
Cameron is a better player than his stats indicate, as he’s been victimized by bad quarterback play in Cleveland. That said, Patriots advisor Michael Lombardi ran the show in Cleveland in 2013 and could give Cameron a strong enough endorsement that the Patriots consider getting into the bidding for his services.
Sensible: Owen Daniels, Ravens
Daniels played solid football in Baltimore and has carved out a niche for himself as a second tight end on a contender, with the ability to fill in as a full-time starter if necessary. The 32-year-old is a good blocker and has reliable hands.
-
Pass Rusher
You can never have enough pass rushers in the NFL. If Akeem Ayers depart in free agency, the Patriots could be a little thin on the depth chart behind Rob Ninkovich and Chandler Jones. A short term deal with a high-upside pass rusher would make sense.
Splash: Brian Orakpo, Redskins
Orakpo has been devastated by injuries the past two seasons, but he is a double-digit sack talent when he’s healthy. The Patriots might be able to convince him to sign a one or two-year deal to try to regain his top form and contribute on a Super Bowl contender before cashing in when his stock is higher.
Sensible: Dwight Freeney, Chargers
Freeney was a nemesis of the Patriots when he played on the Manning-era Colts, but if he opts not to retire he could be a candidate for a one-year deal and a last run at his second Super Bowl ring.
-
Ring Chasers
The Patriots have been a destination for aging veterans looking for a Super Bowl for much of the Brady/Belichcik era, and that trend could continue this offseason.
DT Kevin Williams, Seahawks
Williams showed he still has some mileage left in him at age 34 with the Seahawks last season. A reunion in Seattle is very possible, but if Williams opts to go elsewhere to chase a Super Bowl ring the Patriots could plug him in as 2015’s Tommy Kelly/Alan Branch. The six-time Pro Bowler would fit in well in the defensive line rotation.
LB Lance Briggs, Bears
Briggs is one of the best Cover-2 linebackers of his generation, and he’d make a nice replacement in sub-packages if Jerod Mayo’s contract means he’s elsewhere in 2015. The 34-year-old Briggs has made 7 Pro Bowls, but he’d best fit in New England as a coverage linebacker on passing downs, freeing up Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower to be utilized more often as pass rushers.
CB Charles Tillman, Bears
Like Briggs, Tillman comes from the Bears and is an accomplished player in Cover-2. Assuming Kyle Arrington is cut, Tillman could compete for the nickel or dime job and help mentor young defensive backs like Malcolm Butler as well.
WR Reggie Wayne, Colts
Wayne made 64 catches last season for the Colts, but by the time the postseason rolled around he seemed completely phased out of the offense in Indianapolis. A 14-year veteran and a six-time Pro Bowler, Wayne might be out of gas (see Torry Holt and Joey Galloway) but he might be a good bargain if the Colts elect not to re-sign him in free agency.
-
Cap Casualties
Players who could hit the market due to their high salary cap hits for 2015.
WR Percy Harvin, Jets
Harvin carries a $10.5 million cap hit and reportedly won’t take a pay cut to stay with the offensively-challenged Jets.
Bill Belichick has long been a fan of Harvin
, but the receiver has burned bridges in Minnesota and Seattle and is running out of chances in the NFL. A one-year “prove it’’ deal with Tom Brady throwing him the ball would be a smart business move for Harvin.RB Reggie Bush, Lions
The Lions can save $4 million by dumping Bush, and he could fit well as a pass-catching running back in New England.
Bush will be 30 years old next season, but he’s still got enough wiggle and speed to be an impact player if he stays healthy (7 missed games over the last two seasons). He’s a low-risk, high-reward option to fill Vereen’s role at a discount.
TE Vernon Davis, 49ers
Davis is entering the final year of his contract and the 49ers could save about $5 million in cap space by cutting him this offseason. A former Pro Bowler, Davis would fit in well on the Patriots and allow them to run a ton of two-TE formations.
Coming off the worst season of his career at age 31, Davis looks to have been phased out of the offense in San Francisco. He had just 25 receptions and career lows with 249 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns in 2014. He’ll have a handful of suitors if he hits the market, but the Patriots might offer him the best chance to rejuvenate his career and chase a Super Bowl ring.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com