Oct 30, 2011; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brandon Lloyd (83) celebrates after making a touchdown reception during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE
The Patriots have a lot of needs, particularly on defense. Their secondary was one of the worst in the NFL last year, and they?ll need to make huge strides this year in order to try to make the extra push towards a Super Bowl Championship.
Another place the Pats are looking to improve is at wide receiver. They already put the franchise tag on Wes Welker, one of the best slot receivers in the league, and they have one of the best tight end tandems the league has ever seen. They still need someone who can stretch the field and offer them an outside receiving threat, something they haven?t had since the departure of Randy Moss.
Former Titans CB Cortland Finnegan might price himself out of the Patriots? budget, but he would be an ideal fit for their secondary. He?s a tough, emotional leader on defense, and he would instantly improve their defensive backfield. Carlos Rogers and Brandon Carr would also be potential options, but also might prove to be a little too expensive for the Patriots.
There are a few more choices at wide receiver, and the Patriots might be better off going that route, if they?re going to make one big free agent splash.
The seemingly ideal fit for the Patriots looks to be WR Brandon Lloyd. His speed is exactly what the Patriots are looking for, and he has worked with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels before in both Denver and St. Louis. He believes he can succeed in McDaniels? system, and it sounds like he?d love to end up in New England.
If they can?t get Lloyd, the Pats could go after Mike Wallace. He?s a restricted free agent, and the first round tender might scare off some teams. The Patriots, however, have the draft picks to spare, and he?s most likely better than anyone that they?d be able to grab with the 31st pick.
Last but not least, the Pats are still working on retaining their own free agents, including center Dan Connolly and DE Andre Carter. Both players had huge roles in their success last year, particularly Carter, who tied for the team lead in sacks with 10, despite missing the end of the season due to injury. His replacement Mark Anderson also had 10 sacks, and he?s a free agent as well.
The Patriots have plenty of draft picks, and they?ll be able to make some huge improvements there. They can supplement that in free agency, and they should be able to make a strong run towards another Super Bowl championship.
?Preview provided by Pat Gordon. For more New England Patriots coverage,?visit Musket Fire.?
Tags: New England Patriots, popularSource: http://nflspinzone.com/2012/03/12/nfl-free-agency-preview-2012-new-england-patriots/
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