Here’s a look at eight free agents or trade targets who would provide excellent value for the New England Patriots. In theory, New England could sign these players with the opportunity to help them revitalize their careers.
Jamie Collins, LB (free agent): Recently released by the Browns, Collins could return to the New England, where he started his career. His departure was complicated, with former Patriots executive Michael Lombardi criticizing Collins on the way out of town. But New England sniffed around Collins at the trade deadline in 2018, according to The Athletic. A reunion might be in order, and it might end favorably for both parties.
Kevin White, WR (free agent): Almost nothing good has happened to White beyond getting selected seventh overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. He seemed like a promising, physically gifted pass-catcher when he entered the NFL out of West Virginia. His highlights are still pretty freakish. He has never impressed with route-running, but perhaps the Patriots can find a role for the oddball like they did with Cordarrelle Patterson.
DeVante Parker, WR (trade target): The Dolphins have been trying to trade for him for quite some time. Whether they release him outright or decide to trade him, the Patriots could be interested. Unlike White, Parker has concrete evidence that he can play well in the NFL. Parker has definitely been inconsistent, but his flashes of potential could be enough for New England to mold him into the No. 1 receiver he was drafted to be.
Tyler Eifert, TE (FA): With Eifert, it has always been injury issues. He has never completed a season, and has missed 34 regular season games over the last three seasons. There’s no knowing if he’ll be able to run or change direction like he once could. But if the Patriots put Eifert on a prove-it deal, the 28-year-old may be happy to get a shot at functioning well in New England’s offense. He and Rob Gronkowski would be a fun tandem.
Shane Ray, LB (FA): He was touted one of the top prospects in 2015 before getting busted for using marijuana in the days leading up to the draft. As a result, he fell to 23rd and the Denver Broncos, which seemed like a place where he could flourish (for all the same reason that Bradley Chubb did flourish).
Aaron Lynch, DE/LB (FA): Lynch was a San Francisco 49ers’ fourth round pick in 2014. The 26-year-old has tallied 14 sacks since then. He was physically gifted but lacked the necessary work ethic heading into the draft. All of those problems persisted. Perhaps the Patriots, knowing that he’s in a desperate place, can bring the best out of him on a one-year deal.
Malik Jackson, DT (FA): A cap casualty, Jackson plays a position where the Patriots desperately need talent. Defensive tackles Malcom Brown and Danny Shelton disappointed in 2018, and will likely depart in free agency as a result. Incumbent starter Lawrence Guy needs a partner in crime. For the right price, Jackson would be a nice complement.
Blake Bortles, QB (potential free agent): Bortles is technically still on the Jaguars’ roster. They’re hoping to trade him, so that they don’t have to eat Bortles’ enormous cap hit. (They foolishly extended his contract before 2018, only to decide later that season that they didn’t want him anymore). The Patriots won’t want him with his current contract. But if he hits free agency, New England might kick the tires on the 26-year-old quarterback, who might be an interesting candidate for development as a backup.
