The Patriots have a number of Unrestricted Free Agents that the will have to make decisions on. Who they decide to sign and let go should tell quite a bit about the direction of the team on both sides of the ball.
Some of the immediate biggest questions that come to mind:
- Will there be steps taken to find a deep threat field stretcher?
- Will they go back to the 3-4 defense and how will that affect players like Andre Carter and Mark Anderson?
- What changes will Josh McDaniels implement on offense?
- Will the Pats turn the page on Dan Koppen and maybe Matt Light?
Patriots Unrestricted Free Agents
RB Kevin Faulk – all signs point towards retirement for the Patriots legend.
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis – hard not to want the solid Green-Ellis back, and he shouldn’t be a bank breaker. I think it’s more than likely the Law Firm is back in Foxboro, he’s not flashy but he’s a consistently reliable back who can get tough yards. Belichick values guys like that.
WR Deion Branch – wants to come back but will the Patriots look to move on? If they can get him cheap they might want him back as insurance, but I expect measures to be taken to try and replace him with a more dangerous receiving threat to help open things up even moreso for Gronk, Hernando and Welker.
WR Matt Slater – the captain and Pro Bowler should be back for his Special Teams skills. I’d prefer to never see him play another snap of offense or defense again in my life.
WR Wes Welker – the number one free agent to be addressed I think Welker will be back one way or another. Ideally on a three or four year deal, but the Franchise Tag can’t be ruled out.
OL Dan Connolly – Connolly had a solid year filling in at center for Koppen. Is he the long term solution there, or maybe at right guard? Or will he continue to be the top interior fill in? He brings a lot of value so I bet he’s back.
OC Dan Koppen – As they did with Matt Light last year I think Koppen will be back, but developing his replacement is something that has to be considered.
DE Mark Anderson – Anderson surprised at outside linebacker in the 3-4 and looks like he could have a future there. His two sacks in the Super Bowl can’t go unmentioned. He should be a priority.
DE Andre Carter – Carter could be the biggest wild card of the internal free agents. His work on and off the field was praised by Belichick, but his recovery from the torn quad, and the schematic direction the Pats want to take will be factors. No doubt that everyone in Patriots Nation are hoping for his return.
DE Shaun Ellis – Didn’t look like Ellis has much left in the tank, it’s likely he won’t return.
DT Gerard Warren – Warren was a force in the playoffs after having the Pats manage his snaps in the regular season. He could be back on a cheap deal, but should have competition for a roster spot. Shadow roster potential.
LB Gary Guyton – Guyton fell off the depth chart this year, and it’s likely he doesn’t return unless they need additional inside linebacker depth.
LB Niko Koutouvides – could be back, he got some time on defense in the Super Bowl and also was a top Special Teams guy.
LB Tracy White – one of the bigger surprises in the Super Bowl was seeing White get so much time over Dane Fletcher on defense. Could this be a sign that White will be back? I think so.
CB Nathan Jones – probably won’t be back unless for secondary depth.
CB Antwaun Molden – I’d like to see Molden back, especially to give him a full off-season with the Pats. He has good size, and showed some good things. The secondary should get a lot of attention this off-season, but Molden would be a solid depth player who will compete.
S James Ihedigbo- I like Ihedigbo as a player, but not as a starting safety. I think he’ll be back for depth and special teams, but I’d bet the Patriots will take measures to make sure he’s not the starting safety in 2012.
