NFL Tickets
After their heartbreaking loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC championship game, it’s time for the New England Patriots to look ahead to next season. A ton of tough decisions are going to be made, and retooling the roster for the last few campaigns of Tom Brady‘s illustrious career is going to be paramount.
Here’s a look at five players New England must consider in free agency. Obviously, they won’t be able to sign them all, but even one or two could drastically improve the Patriots’ chances of winning a ring in 2017.
5. Cordy Glenn - OT - Buffalo Bills
Getty ImagesGoing on the idea that they indeed release Vollmer, the Patriots should make a run at Buffalo Bills OT Cordy Glenn. In order to win another Super Bowl, protecting Brady is essential, and Glenn is the best available player in free agency to do so.
The Patriots allowed Tom Brady to be hit 20 times by the Denver Broncos in the AFC championship game, which was the most any quarterback in the NFL had been hit all season. Offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo paid for the terrible showing with his job not 24 hours later, but the unit's woes are hardly all his fault. Sebastian Vollmer could end paying also, as he wasn't healthy down the stretch, and the Patriots could save about $3.6 million by releasing him.
Going on the idea that they indeed release Vollmer, the Patriots should make a run at Buffalo Bills OT Cordy Glenn. In order to win another Super Bowl, protecting Brady is essential, and Glenn is the best available player in free agency to do so.
4. Josh Norman - CB - Carolina Panthers
Getty ImagesJosh Norman is a perfect fit, and if the Carolina Panthers win the Super Bowl, there's a solid chance they will let Norman walk. Signing the top player available at a certain position isn't usually a strategy New England employs, but in order to make another run at a ring with Tom Brady and Co. the Patriots must go to extreme lengths over the offseason.
The New England Patriots missed Darrelle Revis in 2015. The Patriots ranked 17th in passing yards allowed, and gave up a middle-of-the-road 24 TDs through the air. It's entirely possible New England will lose DBs Tarell Brown, Nate Ebner and Tavon Wilson to free agency, but even if they keep one of the three, they are going to need to add an elite cornerback to lead the secondary.
Josh Norman is a perfect fit, and if the Carolina Panthers win the Super Bowl, there's a solid chance they will let Norman walk. Signing the top player available at a certain position isn't usually a strategy New England employs, but in order to make another run at a ring with Tom Brady and Co. the Patriots must go to extreme lengths over the offseason.
3. Alshon Jeffery - WR - Chicago Bears
Getty ImagesTom Brady is 38 years old, and probably only has two, possibly three seasons left in him of playing at a high level. If New England decides to patch the offensive line together with options that come much cheaper than the aforementioned Cordy Glenn, then they must add another weapon to the pass attack. Imagine what Brady could accomplish with Julian Edelman in the slot, Rob Gronkowski at tight end, Dion Lewis as his jack-of-all-trades back, as well as Alshon Jeffery out wide. If Brady got any kind of protection, the Patriots' offense would be virtually unstoppable.
2. Doug Martin - RB - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsLeGarrette Blount likely won't be back with New England next season, so pairing an every down running back with Dion Lewis (assuming he's healthy) is going to be a necessity. If the Patriots are unable to add the players they want at wide receiver and offensive line, they could help Tom Brady out by taking some pressure off of him with a solid chain-mover like Doug Martin.
1. Russell Okung - OT - Seattle Seahawks
Getty ImagesRussell Okung could be a cheaper way to help fortify the offensive line. He's not elite by any means, but would likely provide adequate value for what New England would ultimately have to spend. Clearly, he's no Cordy Glenn, but he would suffice if other additions were also made.
Share 
