Last weekend, the Patriots got close to $7 million in cap space thanks to settling compensation grievances with Aaron Hernandez ($2.55 million) and Antonio Brown ($4 million).
This means the Patriots now have close to $8 million in salary cap space, which is quite a different picture from two weeks ago when the organization had less than $1 million to work with.
While the Patriots need to have close to $8 million in salary cap space just to do business over the course of the season, it’s still worth taking a look at which free agents are still available for the Patriots if they wanted to add a player or two before training camp.
Here are five players still available who may make some sense for New England.
DE Jadeveon Clowney — After Cam Newton took a veteran minimum deal to join the Patriots, everyone wants Clowney to do the same. But, it doesn’t seem likely. The defensive end waited to sign with Seattle until the middle of training camp last year and still made $16 million and he likely hopes it will happen again. Clowney doesn’t seem like a fit, especially considering the team would have to create more cap space no matter what kind of deal he signed.
DT Damon Harrison — Harrison, who is nicknamed “Snacks,” has only missed one game since his rookie season and would be a great fit for any team still looking for a run-stuffing defensive tackle. Given his time with the Lions and Matt Patricia, he could be a nice fit for the Patriots given their similarities in scheme. The Patriots could use another body up front, as well.
DT Timmy Jernigan — Jernigan is another defensive lineman who could help the Patriots by adding more depth up front. The 27-year-old would seem like a good fit given his ability to line up inside as a defensive tackle, but also kick outside and play defensive end. Given he made less than $2 million last year, he wouldn’t crush the team from a financial standpoint.
TE Jordan Reed — The tight end did not play at all last season after suffering his seventh documented in the preseason. While there are a number of questions surrounding the 30-year-old from an injury perspective, given what the Patriots tight ends room looks like, it may be worth a chance. Reed isn’t going to demand a big contract either, so the money wouldn’t be an issue.
K Ryan Succop — The Patriots only have rookie Justin Rohrwasser on the roster as a kicker, so it may make sense to add a veteran heading into training camp. The 33-year-old is coming off an injury, but seems fully healthy and ready to go. He seems like a good guy to have around in case Rohrwasser doesn’t work out.
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