NFL Free Agency: Who Should New England Target Next?

Jan 11, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

If you had to give yesterday a song title, it would probably be, ‘It Was A Good Day’, by Ice Cube. The Patriots pulled off one of, if not the best signing in franchise history, as they signed cornerback Darrelle Revis to a one year, $12 million contract. This fills a huge need for them, but believe it or not, there is still more they need to do. Here are a few guys the Pats should go after to continue building up their roster for the 2014 season.

1. Emmanuel Sanders

Sanders visited Jacksonville yesterday, and it sounds like he really liked it there (for some reason). But Bill Belichick and company should still try to sign this young speedster. Their receiving corps is extremely weak, but if Sanders were signed, Tom Brady’s offense would be back in business. Sanders is versatile, quick, elusive, and more importantly, he has the speed to take the top off of the defense. That is something that has been missing in New England ever since Randy Moss left town, and it has cost them big time in the postseason.

2. Julius Peppers

The biggest need left on the defensive side of the ball is a veteran pass rusher. Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich are entrenched as the starters, but they need someone that can come in and give them a break. Peppers not only can do that, but he can be productive as well. We know all about his pass rushing prowess, and if the two sides can work out a reasonable contract, I think this would be a match made in heaven. Peppers could also come in on third downs, giving the opposing offense a three defensive end look, something that New England had success with last year.

3. Julian Edelman

I would rather have Sanders, but I wouldn’t mind seeing Edelman back in Foxboro next season. He has a great rapport with Tom Brady, and his ability to make people miss after the catch is truly amazing. The Ravens are supposedly New England’s biggest competitor for Edelman, as they are need of a talented slot receiver as well.

4. Brandon Browner

Browner is scheduled to visit Foxboro today, and I seriously hope he decides to stay. If he can return to the level he was playing at in 2011, New England would challenge Seattle for the best secondary in football. He is suspended for the first four games of the season, which should lower his price, and I think it would be a worthy risk to take if I was Bill Belichick.

5. Jared Allen

Peppers is a much better fit, but Allen can still rush the passer. The only problem with signing him, is he will want a lot of money, and probably won’t want to sit behind Jones and Ninkovich. But he is talented, and an edge rusher is next on the Patriots list.