The Patriots just went on the biggest offseason shopping spree in franchise, no, LEAGUE history. How much did they spend? How about the budget of a summer Hollywood blockbuster. More than the Kraft family paid to buy the team in 1994. And enough to fix a roster that fell short of their competitive standard in 2020. Huge turnover in but a week, to say the least. Big bucks, hopefully no whammies. Looks good so far!
While the debate continues as to whether the money was all well spent, the uncharacteristically aggressive offseason targeted needs on both sides of the ball and seems to have addressed most of them. Yes, we’re well aware that QB is still an issue. Perhaps that will be addressed in the draft? So it seems absurd then that we keep hearing that the Pats are far from done yet. Who else could they possibly be after? They were in late week on Seahawks RB Chris Carson, who chose to stay in Seattle, and hosted CB Desmond Trufant, who ultimately signed with the Chicago Bears. Rumors continue to swirl, and there’s still money they can spend. If the frenzy continues before the draft here are five free agents we could see making an impact in Foxboro.
For those keeping score at home here’s a list of the Top 100 remaining NFL FA’s at time of publication. Also, NB - these do not include the Patriots’ own free agents, rather accounting for their possible departures.
TY HILTON, WR- The old Indianapolis deep threat might not be what he once was as a thorn in the Patriots side, and staple on your fantasy team, but Hilton can still stretch it when needed, and definitely get open. He moves the chains, gets in the six point house and has really good hands. While someone like Damiere Byrd might represent a better contractual value, should Belichick want to dig into those coffers then Hilton would make a nice veteran complement to the reconfigured receiving room. Only question is whether he’s still looking for #1 receiver money. The wonky receiver market might dictate otherwise.
OTHER RECEIVERS WE WOULDN’T MIND SEEING GET A SHOT - Josh Reynolds, Adam Humphries, Alex Erickson and old friend Danny Amendola.
DUKE JOHNSON, RB- Should James White move on in free agency, and with Rex Burkhead’s health in question following a late season ACL tear, then the Pats could do worse than to look to the former Brown and Texan as a possible replacement. Johnson is a passing down back who might thrive in an offense that values the checkdown and safety valve so much. He’s a solid runner and blocker to boot, and is still in his prime at the age of 27. The Pats may also look to address this need via the draft, but Duke (his real name is Randy Johnson so the nickname makes sense) could slide right in and make an immediate impact from Day One.
DANNY SHELTON, DT- Remember big Danny? He’s one of the many examples of someone who was an NFL disappointment, came to the Patriots on a discount, redeemed himself (earning a ring in the process), then left town to cash in. Some, like Jamie Collins, and Kyle Van Noy, have returned recently, to great success and later wealth. Could the defensive tackle, who was released by the Lions, be the latest to travel down the Patrick Chung Memorial Redemption Road to Foxboro for a second go? He’s familiar with the defense and would add welcome depth behind new starters Godchaux, Anderson and Adams, not to mention insurance should Lawrence Guy sign elsewhere.
K’WAUN WILLIAMS, CB- As presently constituted secondary looks to be a strength for the 2021 Patriots. However, some major questions linger, like...Will Stephon Gilmore be traded or re-sign? Will another team pursue 2nd Rd RFA JC Jackson? And will veteran Jason McCourty return for one final season? While we don’t have answers here, we do have a suggestion for a veteran free agent addition who would fortify the secondary significantly, and without breaking the bank in K’Waun Williams. The former Brown and 49er has been linked to multiple teams recently, and with good cause given he’s only allowed one touchdown over the past two seasons, is still in his prime and won’t break the bank. Surrounded by some of the talent signed already in New England, perhaps with more returning vets, Williams could take the New England secondary over the top.
RYAN KERRIGAN, DE - A player I mentioned in the Armchair GM series as a defensive front seven target, Kerrigan’s best football days are definitely behind him. Still, the veteran Football Team member is known as a high motor pass rusher who might fit the definition of a veteran getting a shot at making a situational impact and chasing playoffs in Foxboro. Working alongside vets like Judon and Hightower, mentoring younger players like Uche and Winovich, Kerrigan could be a low-price high-value veteran tryout who might show he’s got just enough gas left in the tank.