Forgive me if this has already been talked about.....
Obviously there are a ton of RFAs this year who could be available for the right package of draft picks....
I can definitely see the Pats using a pick on an RFA or straight out trade
Seems like there's a good number of intriguing names out there
The 2010 restricted free agents | ProFootballTalk.com
Any of these guys on anyone's wish list?
I've been thinking about this for a while as well. I would gladly give up a 2nd round pick for a proven talent that is still young.
Some guys I would really love to add at the right price:
Shawne Merriman, Brandon Marshall, Vincent Jackson, Malcolm Floyd, Steve Breaston, Demeco Ryans, Richard Marshall, Carlos Rogers, Darren Sproles, Jerious Norwood, Jared Gaither, Marcus Spears, Ray Edwards.
I really think this is the most opportune time to acquire Merriman. There had been whispers about English being drafted to be his replacement and he is coming off a down year. I think most of that was due to his recovery from ACL surgery and the supposed torn plantar fascia he played with. I think he's due for a big year in 2010 and would bring much added help to the pass rush. He's also an on field leader and plays with a ton of emotion and passion, something this defense seemed to lack all year.
The only way I could see us going after Marshall or VJ is if we parted ways with Moss. I think Floyd and Breaston would make nice #2 WR but I wouldn't give up a 2nd rounder for either.
Sproles and Norwood would be great 3rd down backs and explosive playmakers to add in the backfield. I'd take either one but I like Norwood a little more.
Richard Marshall and Rogers, from the limited times I've seen them, would be pretty solid adds at CB, although I haven't seen enough to say I would give up a 2nd. I probably wouldn't. As I've said, I'd rather look into the Maroney for Cromartie possibilities.
I'd love to see Demeco Ryans paired with Jerod Mayo, but I don't see any possible way Houston would want to part ways with him. I really like Jared Gaither as a tackle and him and Vollmer would be a great duo for years to come. Again, I don't see any reason Baltimore would part ways with him. Spears would be a nice 3-4 DE to add, but he's nothing spectacular.
Ray Edwards is very intriguing, especially if we are considering playing some more 4-3. He's been said to be a little upset in Minny lately. I love him as a 4-3 DE, and I wonder if he could play 3-4 OLB as well. I think he might be athletic enough to do it. At 6'5 270, he certainly has the size you'd like in an OLB, and according to Football's Future, the stats showed he was tougher to run at than Jared Allen, so he's pretty solid against the run.