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Patriots free agency: Team narrowly misses out on Marvin Jones

By Connor Fulton

Dec 13, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 33-20. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 33-20. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patriots free agency Marvin Jones
Dec 13, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 33-20. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

The start of New England Patriots free agency is underway, and it looks like the Patriots made a run at the top wide receiver on the free agent market, Marvin Jones.

The cat is out of the bag: the Patriots desire a top-tier wideout in free agency. It’s a bummer they missed out on Jones, but there are still a few other solid options available. Namely, Rishard Matthews and Mohamed Sanu, both of whom have been linked to the Patriots.

Now that Jones has signed with the Lions and Travis Benjamin with the Chargers, the attention turns to Sanu and Matthews.

MUST-READ: Update on Patriots free agency news

There is reportedly mutual interest between Sanu and the Patriots. This writer has been calling for the Patriots to land Sanu for weeks now. Hopefully, it happens. Sanu appeals to the Patriots because of his versatility (he can run, throw and catch) and his background as a Rutgers product.

MUST-READ: 6 things we hope happen in Patriots free agency

Matthews would also be a good signing. He landed on our list of 8 AFC East free agents the Patriots should target because he is coming off a career year and his skills as an outside receiver are transferrable to the Patriots’ offense. There is a need for an outside threat to compliment Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski.

MUST-READ: Patriots free agency rumors: Rishard Matthews looks possible

So while it would have been nice to acquire the top free agent on the market, the Patriots still have time to gather resources and make an offer for Sanu or Matthews. Sanu is the top priority, and then Matthews.

Next: Ranking the Top 22 Free Agency Targets for the Pats

Stay tuned here on Musket Fire for coverage on every twist and turn in the Patriots’ offseason.

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