The voluntary offseason workout program and mandatory minicamp have wrapped up for the Patriots, which means the next time they take to the field as a team will be in late July for training camp.
There likely will not be any major changes to the roster, but as we saw last year with Cam Newton, players can still be added between now and the end of July.
When it comes to the roster, it’s in relatively good shape with a number of deep positions, but Bill Belichick is always looking to better his team any way that he can.
With that being said, here are five free agents who the Patriots could target over the next few weeks.
WR Alshon Jeffery
Jeffery may cost more than most, but when healthy he’s shown the ability to produce in the NFL. He played just seven games last year and hasn’t played a full season since 2017, so injuries are certainly a concern. After a strong first five years of his career with the Bears, he was up-and-down over his last four with the Eagles. If he’s still available before training camp, taking a shot on him may be worth it.
WR Dede Westbrook
Westbook tore his ACL last October, so he may be a little behind, and it is worth noting he was the Jaguars’ fourth receiver before the injury. But, the 27-year-old did have two productive seasons in 2018 and 2019. In 2018 he had 63 catches for 707 yards and five touchdowns and then in 2019, hailed in 66 passes for 660 yards and three touchdowns. This would be a low-risk, high-reward signing and could make some sense for New England.
WR Kenny Stills
The 29-year-old has had a few down years the last couple seasons, but he does have three NFL seasons with at least 700 yards receiving, which is what the Patriots are looking for. Stills could be a player the team takes a shot on because of his upside. He wouldn’t be looking for much money, so it would be a low-risk, high-reward type of signing.
DE Justin Houston
The Patriots don’t really need another defensive end, but if a player like Houston is still available as training camp nears, he could be too good for Belichick to pass up. Even in his 30s, Houston has 19 combined sacks his last two years. He’s spent the last two seasons with the Colts after spending the first eight years of his career in Kansas City.
CB Dre Kirkpatrick
The Patriots reportedly had the veteran corner in for a workout earlier this offseason, so there was interest at one time. If Stephon Gilmore remains on the roster, this wouldn’t make too much sense. But, if the team believes there’s any chance of Gilmore potentially being traded, it should take a shot on Kirkpatrick. He spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Bengals before playing 14 games with the Cardinals last year.