It’s early March, less than two weeks away from the start of NFL free agency and already some big names have hit the open market. Even before what could be a “seismic shift in talent across the NFL," a low salary cap is forcing the release of some quality talent into the wild, some even catching on with new teams, for big money, like JJ Watt. More big names could become available in the coming days, but as of now there are some attractive and likely affordable options sitting at the front of the used player lot. Here are five who could make a positive impact on the 2021 Patriots.
KYLE RUDOPLH
Everything about the ten-year veteran tight end screams, “Late career Belichick signing." He played college football at Notre Dame, two years of which were under former Pats offensive coordinator, and Belichick confidante, Charlie Weis. He’s a good blocker, dependable (went five straight seasons without missing a game), a team leader and has a nose for the end zone with 48 career TDs. The Patriots have expressed interest previously, trying to trade for the former Viking, and apparently now that he’s available the feeling is mutual. With two young tight ends coming off a COVID-altered rookie campaign that yielded them five total catches, the presence of a sturdy, hard-nosed vet like Rudolph, who could show them the ropes while adding veteran leadership to the locker room, seems a perfect Foxboro fit.
JARED COOK
Speaking of tight ends the Patriots have expressed interested in... Cook was the free agent tight end the Patriots pursued in 2019 as a Gronk replacement, but Cook hesitated due to questions surrounding the possible retirement of Rob Gronkowski. Frustrations abounded, Cook signed with the Saints, Gronk ultimately traded pads and helmet for CBD and wrestling tights before unretiring and joining Tom Brady in Tampa, and the Pats drafted two rookies who...you know the rest. Don’t let his NFC Divisional Round fumble distract you; Cook was very productive in his two years on the Saints, making the Pro Bowl in 2019, being their third-leading receiver in 2020 and catching 16 touchdowns overall. Though he turns 34 in April, Cook seems to have some good football left in the tank and would make yet another veteran mentor to Dalton Keene and Devin Asiasi.
ADAM HUMPHRIES
Speaking of even more pass catchers the Pats previously expressed interest in... Humphries reportedly turned down a four-year, $40 million offer from the Patriots in the spring of 2019 to sign with the Titans, for less money, because he made the ultimate mistake in football; he doubted Brady. Humphries thought he was signing with a team on the rise, which the Titans were. It’s just that thanks to injuries and the ascension of A.J. Brown, Jonnu Smith and Derrick Henry, Humphries never really caught on. The Pats could well use a player of his slot receiving size, especially with questions surrounding the health of Julian Edelman. Maybe a reunion would be a great fit and give him and Belichick a chance to bond over both being burned by doubting Brady.
HENRY ANDERSON
The Pats have needs at both tight end and receiver, but perhaps no position on the team has a greater need than defensive line where there are currently zero starters signed for 2021 and beyond. ZERO. Until we know more about free agents Larry Guy and Adam Butler, Anderson could make a solid pre-draft, low-risk high-reward addition. Though his best year came in 2018, Anderson could provide size and depth before the draft. Though the last time the Pats picked up a discarded Jets D-lineman, Mike Pennel, it didn’t work out. But the Jets-Pats swap sometimes pans out both ways. And besides, if you trust Mike Reiss’s opinion like I do, then you’re all for taking a flyer on the big guy.
KYLE VAN NOY
KVN back to the NEP doesn’t need much flowery description. The veteran linebacker turned his career around and became a star in New England, then got paid a bag as a free agent in Miami. After one-year and a $15 million payout the Fins have decided his play, though still strong, doesn’t merit the paycheck. There could be a number of suitors once he’s released, some who might offer more money. But the transition back to Foxboro, where linebackers are needed as badly as Gillette needs fans, would be a welcome and relatively seamless one.
