The New England Patriots’ 2017 season ended with plenty of question marks. Their Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles exposed several issues and left fans wondering what happened. Still, there has been no better team in the NFL over the last 20 years than the Patriots, and there are many options as NFL free agency approaches.
They always find a way to recover from tough losses, and there is no reason to think the 2018 offseason will be any different.
According to Spotrac.com, the Patriots have $19.6 million in cap space. That number doesn’t include tight end Rob Gronkowski’s possible retirement or their likely release of Martellus Bennett. There are teams with more money, but the Patriots will have significant buying power this offseason.
Here is a look at the Patriots’ free agency prospects:
Current Salary Cap Space: $19,602,974 (as of March 7, 2018)
Current Free Agents: LT Nate Solder, DT Alan Branch, CB Malcom Butler, RB Rex Burkhead, CB Johnson Bademosi, WR Matthew Slater, T Cameron Fleming, WR Danny Amendola, RB Dion Lewis, FS Nate Ebner, RT LaAdrian Waddle, OLB James Harrison, DT Ricky Jean Francois, DE Geno Grissom, OLB Marquis Flowers
5. RB Doug Martin
Running backs come and go often in New England, and this offseason is no different. The Patriot always seem to find a running back that fits their offense, and they often come in the form of a veteran looking to rebuild his career.
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Doug Martin fits the bill.
He’s had his struggles both on and off the field, but there is still plenty of mileage left in his legs. Martin received under 200 carries in four of his six seasons in Tampa. The Patriots should be able to sign him at a reasonable price. If not, former San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde could be on their radar as well.
4. CB Nickell Robey-Coleman
The Patriots need a slot corner, and few performed as well for the money as former Los Angeles Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman. He’s due for a raise, but Robey-Coleman knows the division and would do well in the Patriots’ system. Robey-Coleman excelled as the Rams’ slot corner last year. His toughness and underrated tackling ability earned him playing time despite his rather small 5’8″, 178-pound frame.
3. TE Jimmy Graham
There are several free agent tight ends available, but none of them are as talented Jimmy Graham. He’s starting to get up in age, but in the right offense, Graham is still a weapon. If Rob Gronkowski retires, expect the Patriots to kick the tires on Graham. They have a history of rejuvenating struggling stars, and they should be able to get Graham at a reasonable price. Spotrac lists Graham’s market value at $6.7 million per season.
2. LB Avery Williamson
The Patriots’ problems stopping the run were exposed at different points throughout the season and nearly cost them in the 2018 AFC Championship Game. They need help in the linebacking corps, and Avery Williamson is a solid option to fill that void.
Williamson ranked as one of the best in the NFL at stopping the run last season. His overall PFF score of 85.6 put him high on the list of available linebackers.
Williamson does have some issues in pass coverage. He’s not a perfect option, but he’ll fill major void in a league with several solid running games. The former Titan won’t come cheap with an estimated market value of $9.1 million per year. However, the Patriots need a run stopper in the middle, and Williamson fits the bill.
1. LT Nate Solder
Sometimes, the best option is to stay within. Left tackle Nate Solder remains one of the most important pieces on the Patriots' roster. His influence in the locker room is well-known, and his performance on the field still sets the example for young players on the roster.
Yes, he’s struggled with injuries recently, and he’s not coming off of his best season overall. However, Solder still ranks as one of the top tackles available in free agency.
The Patriots would be absolutely foolish to let him go. He’s worth every penny of his estimated $13.2 million market value. Sometimes, value is found in more than just on-field play. It’s about all of the intangibles that come as well.
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