Let’s dive in on what we know, because by the time I post this there will probably be new news I’m missing.
– First, of course, is the big news of Darrelle Revis going back to the Jets. This was unexpected and I wrote that I thought he should’ve been the Pats top priority, however Revis wanting max money ruined that plan. Revis was everything we hoped for in 2014, shutting down every top receiver in sight and now the Pats are stuck. Brandon Browner also did not have his option picked up so the Pats essentially have to re-build their outside cornerbacks now.
The cupboard is not completely barren. While no one thinks Alfonzo Dennard, Logan Ryan or Malcolm Butler are Revis and Browner, they are all experienced corners who can at the very least provide depth. And who knows just what Butler’s ceiling is, he might be the best of the bunch. And of course, there always Kyle Arrington, one of the best slot corners in hte NFL despite being a popular whipping boy for Pats Nation.
The Pats still have plenty of cap space and while the corner market isn’t super sexy, things are still far from set.
– The Pats signed Brandon Gibson first, a receiver who had some promise under Josh McDaniels in St. Louis before getting hurt against the Pats in 2012 and never getting back on track. He went to Miami for two years and was eventually passed on the depth chart. This is classic Pats, sign a guy a former coach/exec knows and likes and see what he does with Brady. Might not make it out of camp, or injuries could break his way and he could click with Brady. Amendola’s future could be tied to his roster chances as well. Not a sexy signing, but the kind that the Pats have built their dynasty on.
– Jabaal Sheard visited the Pats Tuesday night and I love his potential fit in New England. Specifically he’s a left defensive end who’s tough against the run, but also has the ability to stand up a bit from time to time as the Pats will often as their defensive ends to do. He can also pass rush a bit so he could be a designated rusher at times off the edge as well. Most important he’d be a legit third defensive end to rotate in with Ninkovich and Chandler, something they haven’t really had. I see him as a more gritty option that Akeem Ayers, who skews more toward playing from a two-point stance and in space. Here’s hoping they lock him up.
– Some other names that have popped up that the Pats could be interested include Titans linebacker Colin McCarthy, a mobile middle linebacker from the Titans who missed 2014 with a shoulder injury. Again, a total Pats-type guy – good player who has been devalued due to an injury. He could be good insurance behind Mayo and Hightower depending on their statuses.
– The Pats were tied to just about every free agent running back who can catch on Tuesday – Reggie Bush, CJ Spiller and Roy Helu being the big three. With Shane Vereen walking, there’s no question they need to add one of these guys. And with Helu signing in Oakland, they’re already down an option. Bush or Spiller could be on the docket shortly.