Welcome to the weeks before NFL free agency, when cutting a veteran player somehow becomes a favor.
It’s viewed as a service because that player can be snagged up before free agency officially begins. Of course, that player also loses out on millions of dollars since NFL contracts aren’t guaranteed, so it’s really not a favor at all.
The New England Patriots haven’t made any veteran cuts yet, but they could show interest in a few of the free agents who have hit the market early. The Patriots are unlikely to spend much money this offseason, since they must figure out how to keep their Super Bowl XLIX-winning roster together, but these players shouldn’t exactly be bank-breakers.
That being said, a veteran player usually has a minimum price for which they’ll be willing to play, and the Patriots always have a maximum price they’re willing to pay, which is why they usually sign free agents later in the process.
Let’s check out which of the free agents available might draw interest from the Patriots:
RUNNING BACKS
Steven Jackson, Reggie Bush, Peyton Hillis, DeAngelo Williams, Chris Johnson
Any of these players (other than Hillis) are potential Patriots, because through history, Bill Belichick has shown an affinity for veteran running backs. See: Sammy Morris, Fred Taylor, Corey Dillon, Joseph Addai. (What, you didn’t remember Addai’s cup of Gatorade with the Patriots?)
Bush makes the most sense for the Patriots, because they could be looking for a third-down specialist if Shane Vereen walks in free agency. Bush is four years older than Vereen but offers a similar skill set.
Jackson also could come on board if he’s willing to take on a reduced role (and salary).
Vereen still remains a better option than any of these veteran running backs. If Bush or Jackson is willing to take a severe pay cut, then they could come cheaper than Vereen, however.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Harry Douglas, Brian Hartline, Ted Ginn Jr., Jacoby Jones, Donnie Avery
The Patriots also typically sign a veteran receiver over the offseason, and Jones could be a solid pickup to try out for the No. 3 receiver role and kick-return specialist if Danny Amendola is cut.
The Patriots also could take a look at Douglas if he comes with a cheaper price tag than Amendola. He has 135 catches for 1,623 yards and four touchdowns over the last two seasons and could be an upgrade over Amendola in the slot. Amendola is due a $5.7 million salary cap hit, and the Patriots could save $4.5 million by making him a post June 1 cut. It’s unlikely that Douglas would draw $4 million annually on the open market.
Hartline could be another solid veteran option if Amendola refuses to take a pay cut. Bringing in Hartline would move either Julian Edelman or Brandon LaFell to the slot, however.
Avery could be worth a look in training camp if he’s still available after the draft.
TIGHT ENDS
Anthony Fasano, James Casey
Casey is drawing a lot of interest on the open market, so the Patriots probably won’t be in on the recently cut Philadelphia Eagles tight end.
Fasano could be another story, especially if he’s available late in the spring.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Mike Pollak, Todd Herremans
Pollak could be worth a look for the guard-needy Patriots. Dan Connolly is a free agent, and the captain has been inconsistent for two consecutive seasons.
Pollak also has dealt with injuries over the last two seasons with the Bengals, but he had a positive grade on Pro Football Focus as both a run and pass blocker in 2013 and 2014.
Herremans had a minus-12.5 grade on PFF, but he could be worth a look if he’s willing to take a severe pay cut.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Mathias Kiwanuka, Shaun Phillips, Kendall Langford
It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Patriots take a look at any of these players. Kiwanuka and Phillips primarily are pass rushers at this point, but both have experience dropping into coverage. The Patriots took a chance on veteran pass rusher Will Smith last offseason.
Langford has prototypical size for a three-technique defensive tackle or five-technique defensive end. The Patriots play in three- and four-man fronts, so his positional versatility could be valuable in a Tommy Kelly-esque role. Langford could still draw a big contract, however. He’s 28 years old and coming off a solid season with the St. Louis Rams.
LINEBACKERS
A.J. Hawk, Keith Rivers, Brad Jones
The Patriots need linebacker depth, but none of these options seem overly appealing, especially before free agency starts March 10.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Tyvon Branch, Thomas DeCoud, LaRon Landry, Will Blackmon
Patriots fans immediately were excited when Branch reportedly hit the open market Thursday night, but Patrick Chung’s contract recently was extended, and New England won’t sign a safety until they know if they’re keeping Devin McCourty.
Branch likely will be scooped up soon, anyway. He’s still talented, but injuries have kept him off the field recently. He’s only played five games in two seasons.
Thumbnail photo via Mike DiNovo/USA TODAY Sports Images
