2016 Nfl Free Agency:

Arian Foster the FA running back for the Texans set the tongues wagging this week when he was spotted at Logan Airport in Boston at a rental car booth.

The Patriots bringing in veteran DL Terrence Knighton was a big move figuratively and literally for the team this week. The 6’3, 354 pound Knighton whose nickname is ‘Pot Roast’, will turn 30 on July 4th but should have plenty left in the tank to help out the Patriots rotation at DT.

Harbor is more of a move tight end at 6’3, 250 pounds that Josh McDaniels can use flexed outside, as an H-back or even in a fullback mode.

Leonte Carroo from Rutgers could be the next player to keep the Scarlet Knights pipeline to New England alive. He’s been a very consistent productive receiver for the past three seasons in New Jersey where he’s averaged over 20 yards per reception the last two seasons

Artie Burns from Miami is a kind of under-the-radar player despite playing for the “U” He’s a supremely talented athlete who ran track as well as playing football. Posessing ideal size at 6’0 and 193 pounds, he has the frame to add some weight without losing any of his athleticism

Belichick then got TE Marcellus Bennett and a 6th round pick from the Bears for a 4th round pick. Bennett is a dynamic tight end who should pair well with Rob Gronkowski and give Tom Brady big targets in the red zone as well as excellent blockers in the running game. Bennett caught 90 passes two years ago but was injured in 2015.

McClellin was originally drafted by the Bears in the first round of the 2012 draft from Boise State with the 19th overall and used as a defensive end. He was reportedly on the Patriots radar in the draft but the Bears selected him two picks before New England selected Chandler Jones.

With reports that the Bears and Bennett were heading for a split, it now appears that the two teams have made the deal for only draft considerations. Reports are surfacing that the teams will also swap draft picks. Schefter is reporting that the teams will swap mid-to-late draft picks.

Adding Long was a master stroke by Bill Belichick as within hours he was able to swing a trade for DE Chandler Jones to the Arizona Cardinals for a 2nd round draft pick as well as G Jonathan Cooper and then add Long to replace Jones on the roster.

Regardless, the trade is a win-win for both teams, Arizona is looking for a pass rusher having Dwight Freeney now a free agent and the Patriots have questions with the offensive line and have lost their 1st round draft pick with Deflategate sanctions.

Bill Belichick always builds his rosters slowly and with the team goals in mind, not a fantasy football roster. His success the past 15 years play out how well his philosophy works.

Hogan is a great fit for the Patriots offense, versatile, fast, agile with good size, he can play anywhere on the receiver tree and be a more productive member of the offense here than he ever was in Buffalo.

The Patriots offered RFA Chris Hogan a 3-year offer for $12 million-dollars with a 2016 cap hit of $5.5 million which will make it very difficult for the Buffalo Bills to match. Hogan has signed his offer sheet and the Bills have five days to match.

The Patriots traditionally have made their moves on the second day of free agency after the initial frenzy of over-priced contracts dies down. Last year, they signed DE Jabaal Sheard on Day 2

Teams that jump both feet into free agency on Day 1 and win the day, rarely are around when the smoke clears in January. In fact, usually, the opposite is true. Look at the mistakes of the Philadelphia Eagles which should be a beacon to those who want to sign everybody…now, asap.