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5 positions Patriots must address in free agency

By Connor Fulton

Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ladarius Green Chargers
Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Ladarius Green (89) scores on a two point conversion during the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Wide receiver/tight end

The Patriots need another potent offensive weapon at Brady’s disposal. That may come in the form of a new wide receiver, or tight end. Remember how effective the offense was in the 2014 postseason when Brandon LaFell was a legitimate threat on the outside? That’s what the Patriots need (and LaFell didn’t do that in 2015, so it’s time to look elsewhere, at least for competition in training camp).

If the Pats are looking for height at wideout, 6-foot-4 Andre Holmes of the Oakland Raiders could be their guy at a decent price. With all those promising pass catchers in Oakland, Holmes may find himself looking for a new employer, and the Patriots could be a good suitor.

10 Most valuable players from Patriots’ 2015 regular season

Oh, and the Scott Chandler experiment at tight end didn’t really work out in 2015, either, so the Patriots are in the market for a new face at that position.

The tight end market isn’t all that deep, but Ladarius Green is an enticing option. Standing at 6-foot-6 (Rob Gronkowski’s height), Green would allow the Patriots to toy around with two-tight end sets in 2016. Green isn’t a great blocker, but that’s alright—Michael Williams has those duties covered.

Next: 10 Long-term positives from Patriots’ 2015 season

So there you have it. Running back, offensive tackle, inside linebacker, cornerback and a pass catcher are the five positions of need the Patriots should try solving in free agency before the 2016 NFL Draft.

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