Here a nice take on 5 possible FA value targets.
5 Value Deals for the New England Patriots in Free Agency
Market values are probably underestimated but a good read nevertheless.
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A name that's popping out recently (also by Miguel) is
Cordarrelle Patterson. Not sure if he's a Pat character . but he certainly is versatile (wants to play RB as well).
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I am most intrigued how the TE and LB positions play out. These are the only two positions where Pats are left with little leverage.
Dion Sims (MIA, 26) would certainly be a great pick up and possible long-term solution for Pats #2 TE. His market value currently is half of Bennet's, he's young, durable, consistent, one of the best blocking TE that is coming out as receiving threat as well. Some think Miami might not be bringing him back after Julius Thomas trade, but Id guess Gase thinks differently and sees the two as perfect TE combo. Here's how he sees him:
“It’s basically what he has been all year.” Gase said. “We lost him there for a little bit with some injury, but he has been consistent. He has done a really good job run blocking. He does a really good job (in) pass protection. He has really excelled in the passing game, because he has gotten some opportunity. He hasn’t been used as just a blocker. Ever since that New England game when he caught that one ball where he was going across the field and made a great catch on third down, he showed everybody, ‘I can run. I can catch.’ There are a lot of things he can do to contribute.”
He wasn't producing much in the last game against NE but it's exactly this kind of play (from Sims' first NE game) that brought Hogan to Foxboro..
There are also other interesting options in FA like Doyle, Gresham, Luke Wilson, Ryan Griffin, possibly even Cook or Davis. Combined with deep draft class there's quite a lot to work with in case Bennett refuses Pats offer..
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Turning to LB it's difficult to envision much without at least some clearance of Hightower situation.
Return of
Akeem Ayers is a popular thought (and welcomed), but
Malcolm Smith suggestion is more in the line of what this line could really use - some lateral speed and coverage. There are quite a few options out there so possibly there is a good value to be had: Kendricks, Hodges, Jenkins, Zach Brown..
The rotation of KVN-Hightower-Brown-Roberts would be among best in the league..
But of course Bill probably has a different idea with McClellin and Freeny under contract, Trevor Bates on futures and Mingo home FA ..