The New England Patriots are coming off of their earliest playoff exit in a decade, as they were eliminated from the Wild Card Round by the Tennessee Titans earlier this month.

During the 20-13 loss, it was painfully obvious that the Patriots were lacking offensive talent. Sure, injuries played a role, but New England certainly needs more weapons if it wants to get back to contending for a Super Bowl next season.

Let's also assume that Tom Brady will be returning to the Pats in 2020, so I am not going to cop out and include him on this list.

So, here are three players the Patriots should already be targeting in free agency.

3. A.J. Green, Wide Receiver

Typically, a talent like A.J. Green would be much higher on this list, but there are risks here.

Green did not play at all in 2019 due to ankle issues, and he was also limited to just nine games in 2018 as a result of a toe injury. As a matter of fact, since 2016, Green has played in just 35 of a possible 64 contests.

He may be one of the NFL's best wide receivers when he is healthy, but staying healthy has been difficult for Green in recent years.

Still, there is no doubt that Green could end up being one of the offseason's best signings, and New England should absolutely be taking a look at him.

Outside of soon-to-be-34-year-old Julian Edelman, the Pats' receiving corps is pretty bare. Yes, there is N'Keal Harry, who is entering his second season, but he is entirely unproven.

The Patriots need help at wide out, and Green is one of the best there is at the position when he is right.

2. Robby Anderson, Wide Receiver

Again, the only reason why Robby Anderson is listed ahead of Green is due to health concerns.

Since entering the NFL with the New York Jets back in 2016, Anderson has missed just two games. He has also been pretty productive and is coming off of a solid 2019 campaign in which he caught 52 passes for 779 yards and five touchdowns.

While Anderson is yet to reach 1,000 yards in any one season, keep in mind that he has been playing in an anemic Jets offense that has not had any stability at quarterback.

Sam Darnold may have a bright future, but he is yet to play a full season, and New York's horrific offensive line has not allowed the Jets' aerial attack to shine regardless.

Anderson would give New England exactly what it needs: a deep threat who can put some pressure on the defense.

1. Austin Hooper, Tight End

It was clear as day that the Pats badly missed Rob Gronkowski this season, as Matt LaCosse and Ben Watson simply were not getting the job done at tight end.

Luckily for the Patriots, there will be numerous options at tight end to choose from this March, and Austin Hooper is probably the best of the bunch.

Hooper has spent the first four years of his career with the Atlanta Falcons and has developed into one of the league's best at his position, making the Pro Bowl in 2018.

This past year, Hooper hauled in 75 receptions for 787 yards and six scores, which would have been a godsend to New England's laboring offense.

Hooper won't be cheap, but he would be worth it.