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5 Veterans Who May Not Return For The New England Patriots

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By @petahrahgas

5 Veterans Who May Not Return For The New England Patriots

Darrelle Revis
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Obviously the Patriots’ season isn’t over yet (and let’s hope it doesn’t end until Feb. 1), but it’s never too soon to look to the future. And the future is getting younger. With that in mind, here are five veterans that may not return for the Patriots next season.

5. Dan Connolly

Dan Connolly
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5. Dan Connolly

Dan Connolly
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The Patriots’ offensive line problems have been well documented this season and Connolly’s struggles have been even better documented. He’s old, injured and just not playing well at all. The Patriots need to get younger and better on the offensive line, so expect Connolly to not return to the team.

4. Danny Amendola

Danny Amendola
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4. Danny Amendola

Danny Amendola
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It’s time to end the Danny Amendola experiment. Brought in to replace Wes Welker, Amendola has failed to live up to any expectations Patriots fans could have had. He has seemingly finally found his niche as a kick returner, but he’s getting paid like a starting wide receiver. At the end of the season, barring some miraculous postseason catch, I’d fully expect the team to cut ties with the wideout.

3. Darrelle Revis

Darrelle Revis
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3. Darrelle Revis

Darrelle Revis
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One of the two players all of Patriot nation is holding their breath on. Revis has returned to Revis Island lore and has finally given the Patriots a true shutdown corner. But he is a free agent at the end of the year and the market for a shutdown corner could drive up Revis’ asking price. Hopefully there will be enough money in the bank to bring back the Island maker.

2. Devin McCourty

Devin McCourty
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2. Devin McCourty

Devin McCourty
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Here’s the other player the Foxborough faithful would love to come back. Since moving to safety, McCourty has been one of the best free safeties in the league, despite the fact that the Pro Bowl ballot lists him as strong safety and thus he received no votes. He’s also due for a large pay day and it’s very possible he could find more money elsewhere.

1. Jerod Mayo

Jerod Mayo
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1. Jerod Mayo

Jerod Mayo
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Before I say anything, know that I love Jerod Mayo. But sadly the last two seasons have shown a) he is injury prone, and b) the Patriots have skilled linebackers who can take his place. Obviously you always want the best player playing but in this case, it might make the most sense to try to trade Mayo and get some picks for him. I’d hate to see him go, but the team doesn’t really need him anymore.

Peter Rogers is a New England Patriots writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @petahrahgas, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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