2012 NFL Free Agency: Previewing the New England Patriots

by WesHanson on Feb 22, 2012 10:00 AM PST in 49ers Opponents

There is no way that I'm going to start writing a post about the Patriots and not make the claim that the 49ers would have killed them in the Super Bowl. Having watched the game, I think that the Patriots are one of those teams that the 49ers could easily prey upon.

But bitterness aside, it's time to evaluate where they are heading into Free Agency as they are a 49ers opponent next year. The Patriots are actually in a pretty good situation heading into Free Agency. They have a ton of cap space; this website (which looks at all of the AFC East) estimates that they have around $20 Million. Moreover, they have a lot of in-house Free Agents that they can resign and keep their strengths intact.

Mark Anderson, at only 28, had 10 sacks and could continue to improve. Bringing him back helps shore up an extremely suspect pass defense. Actually, I am pretty interested to see in what direction the Patriots go in this regards. Toward the end of the season, they started shifting some players around and the defense got better. But, with how atrocious it was to start the season, surely they are going to look toward FA for some help, especially since they have the money to do so.

On offense, the most obvious move they can make is to franchise Wes Welker. Given his success this year, the Patriots will more than likely want to just keep him on the proverbial leash. Speaking of receivers, their Front Office will have to decide whether or not to bring Deion Branch back (my instinct says that they won't) and if Chad Ochocinco is worth the cap space. They face a similar decision with Free Agent BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

Unrestricted Free Agents: Mark Anderson, Deion Branch, Andre Carter, Dan Connolly, Shaun Ellis, Kevin Faulk, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Gary Guyton, James Ihedigbo, Nate Jones, Dan Koppen, Niko Koutouvides, Antwaun Molden, Matt Slater, Gerard Warren, Wes Welker, Tracy White.

Restricted Free Agents: Brian Hoyer, Bret Lockett.

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excellent caption for the photo

Follow @FLPReliableCPR

by mcwagner on Feb 22, 2012 10:20 AM PST reply actions

Thanks.

When I started writing this post, I knew that was the exact caption I should use.

by WesHanson on Feb 22, 2012 10:27 AM PST up reply actions

Most likely they'll release Chad Ochocinco and Branch

and bring B. Lloyd and a couple of young WRs.

by Ni9er on Feb 22, 2012 10:42 AM PST reply actions

I was wondering if they would make a play for Lloyd. They have the cap space to do it, but you’ve gotta imagine that they are going to try and shore up their defense with that money first.

by WesHanson on Feb 22, 2012 11:25 AM PST up reply actions

might be interesting....

to kick the tires on ochocinco….i know, i know….kinda butterfingers at times but alex smith is not the most accurate qb and ocho usually makes the highlight grab vs the ‘easy catch’….ONLY if he came on the cheap cheap and we dont make any other noise in signing somebody else…more than likely we’ll get deion branch after nobody wants him though..

by MUAJxxCEEM on Feb 22, 2012 11:02 AM PST reply actions

Well the Patriots would have to release him first. There’s a chance they might, but I really don’t know how good of a chance.

by WesHanson on Feb 22, 2012 11:24 AM PST up reply actions

Giants were the better team

but I would have enjoyed the game better (I’m pretty sure) if their best offensive weapon, Rob Gronkowski, wasn’t injured and relegated to decoy status. Oh well, there’s always next year.

I appreciate your opinion on the Patriots and where they stand in free agency. Of the free agents they picked up last year – Brian Waters, Mark Anderson and Andre Carter were clearly the top performers, and were good character guys too.

I’m hoping they reach an agreement with BenJarvus Green-Ellis, as he may not be flashy but he was productive, and usually could be counted on for positive yards, even with battling turf toe all year. Plus, that no-fumbling trait is huge.

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Feb 23, 2012 7:59 AM PST reply actions