When it comes to free agency, the Patriots have never been big spenders but they have had their moments in that market, Danny Amendola standing as a good recent example.
However, they probably need to make more waves over the offseason after what was an injury-riddled 2013 campaign. The following trio are all players that would fit into the Patriots’ schemes and strengthen their roster for the future – if they wish to pay big money in free agency.
New England already have an excellent defensive end in Chandler Jones but signing Bengals DE, Michael Johnson, would give them far more flexibility at the position; it would also strengthen their run defense.
His numbers do not tell the true story; his sack total of 3.5 looks tiny but it’s his quarterback pressures that are his real stock in trade. The Patriots have shown an interest in Johnson before and it would not surprise many NFL betting pundits to see them rekindle that interest in this offseason.
But would they be willing to play top dollar for a free agent to be part of a three-man defensive end rotation? Maybe Julius Peppers, if released from Chicago would make sense for less money.
The Patriots are used to having big, strong, and useful tight ends but that position became a problem last year for a variety of reasons.
Buffalo’s Scott Chandler has always played well against the Patriots in his outings for the Bills, and could fill a gap in New England. In the last two years, Chandler has racked up 16 catches for 220 yards (and three touchdowns) against Bill Belichick’s team.
He would allow the Patriots’ offence to operate with two TE’s again providing Rob Gronkowski comes back from injury. It’s not uncommon for Belichick to sign a player who has given the Patriots problems in the past, Wes Welker being a prime example. If you can’t beat ‘em, they acquire them, right?
New England have already had one attempt at signing Steelers WR, Emmanuel Sanders, and now that he is an unrestricted free agent, the Patriots may take another shot at his signature.
With doubts about the Patriots retaining WR, Julian Edelman, in free agency, Sanders could be a good replacement; he has big play ability, a safe pair of hands, and a solid return game that would add another threat to the New England roster.
People who regularly bet on NFL know you can never expect the Patriots to be massive spenders in free agency – it is not the Patriot way – but many fans would not be surprised to see at least one of this triumvirate popping up in Foxboro for the 2014 season.