The 2012 season ended with the New
England Patriots, once again, almost
going all the way. However, almost doesn’t count, and it’s clear that the
Patriots brain-trust is plotting some moves to fill the holes on the team’s
roster, similar to the holes often found in their secondary. Quarterback Tom
Brady’s recently restructured contract has given the team about $20 million in
cap space, and I expect them to use it. New England’s obvious needs are at
defensive back and wide receiver, but don’t be surprised if they make a move
for a proven pass-rusher as well.
The Patriots’ most important need right
now is defensive backs. Steve Gregory and Patrick Chung have worked well in
tandem, but neither of them is a lock to stay healthy and many believe that
Chung will not be on the roster next season. Devin McCourty has more than
proven himself at safety, and Belicheck would like to keep him there. In order
for that to happen, the team’s corner backs must perform, but that could be
jeopardized if Alfonzo Dennard’s sentencing is harsh. The Patriots would be
wise to re-sign free agent corner Aqib Talib, who ran into some injury problems
in the playoffs but was the physical corner the team’s been missing during the
season. With Falcons safety William Moore and Chiefs corner Dunta Robinson
inking new deals this week, the free agency class for defensive backs is getting
thinner and thinner. In their search for a safety to partner with McCourty, New
England will most likely target veteran Ed Reed, a player Belicheck has copious
respect for. They could also make a play for Dashon Goldson, whose combination
of hard hits and excellent range make him an attractive draw. Falcons corner
Brent Grimes could also be targeted, but it is not yet known how he will
recover from last year’s season-ending injury. Corner back may be a need better
addressed in the draft.
New England also has a need at wide
receiver, still searching for the deep threat they’ve lacked since trading away
Randy Moss in 2010. The Patriots must settle in-house business first and
resolve the Wes Welker situation. What the teams decides to do about Welker will
shape the rest of their free agency moves and could drastically affect another
team as well. The Patriots must also address the contract situation of Julian
Edelman, their emerging receiver who is perceived as next-in-line to Welker’s
spot. If Welker is not re-signed, the Patriots may choose to go after Rams
receiver Danny Amendola; however that would not solve the problem. New
England’s two-tight end, slot receiver system has been stifled again and again
in the playoffs because they lack a deep threat to clear the middle of the
field. Brandon Lloyd was brought in to fill that role, but he was still not a
true wideout. Luckily, Pittsburgh’s Mike Wallace is on the market with a
diminished value from a drop-filled season. He looks like New England’s best bet,
but signing him would mean hoping that his drops were only a temporary
obstacle. Packers receiver Greg Jennings could also be offered a contract, but
the Patriots aren’t likely to put up the kind of money he’ll be demanding.
Vince Wilfork has been the center of
New England’s defensive line for a long time, but his defensive end
counterparts have been a revolving door since the departure of guys like Willie
McGinest and Richard Seymour. The 2012 season saw rookie Justin Francis, but
the rest of the line is nowhere near concrete. Belicheck has always favored
building through the draft, but he has never been shy about making moves for
free agents he believes in. for this reason, I expect the Patriots to test the
waters with Dwight Freeney or possibly Israel Idonije. Osi Umenyiora could also
be targeted, and Belicheck may even want to reunite with his old friend Richard
Seymour. New England has also lacked pressure from the linebacker position, so
they might want to go after Ravens linebacker Danell Ellerbe, however Baltimore
will be keen to keep him around now that Ray Lewis has left the building.
As always, it is doubtful that New
England will try to fill their every need in free agency, not to mention that
they still have players to re-sign like Sebastian Vollmer and Danny Woodhead.
However, ol’ Bill is usually good for at least toss-up move this time of year,
so don’t be caught off guard when it happens.
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