On free agents in general this year:
There is a far larger group this year than normal, due to all the players who would have been free agents last year who were not - but suddenly become free agents. The supply will be larger - so there might be value opportunities.
The Patriots like value opportunities.
They are also under the cap, and may be interested in adding a couple contributing players, since they will need to spend up to the cap anyway.
OLBThere's a huge opportunity to improve here. There are several different routes:
- Experienced 3-4 OLB's - looking at Manny Lawson and Matt Roth. Very different players. Lawson struggled at times in San Francisco, but now has four years of experience in a 3-4. He has great speed, experience setting the edge, and is strong in coverage. Rotational player in SF. Roth is similar to Ninkovich - not exceptional, solid.
- 4-3 pass rushers - top candidates are Charles Johnson, Cliff Avril, Ray Edwards, and Jason Babin. None would have much time to transition to the 3-4, so might take time to pick up the system. I think Avril is the best fit for the team needs, in terms of size, speed, and performance.
WRThe current roster includes five presumed players: Branch, Welker, Edelman, Tate, Price. With an extra QB and potentially extra TE, there is very little chance the Patriots keep six. So, any WR should be an upgrade to one of those. Looking at the roster:
Branch - traded for him last year, but is he nearing the end?
Welker - unimaginable that they cut him
Edelman - future slot receiver, improving
Tate - the kick returner, the deep threat, but candidate to be upgraded
Price - future potential starter, hard to imagine cutting him
Most likely candidates to be upgraded, then, are Branch and Tate. If Branch, then you need to target a top starter, not a rotational player. If Tate, then you probably need KR ability. I think a WR is less likely.
OG/CA ton of good candidates here that might miss the first wave of free agency. With the uncertainty surrounding Mankins and Cannon, I think this is very likely. I assume there will be something more than an Ojinnaka move here - a starting-quality guard is a likely target. I assume this is a target of UDFA's as well.
Slot cornerThe Patriots have three potential outside candidates in Bodden, McCourtey, and Dowling. There are no veteran slot corners on the team. I wouldn't be suprised to see a veteran slot guy brought in to compete with Butler and Wilhite for that role.