2016 Free Agency: 6 Players over 30 Patriots may consider

January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) runs past St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins (21) for a touchdown during the second quarter at Levi
January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) runs past St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins (21) for a touchdown during the second quarter at Levi /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
2016 Free Agency James Ihedigbo
Dec 28, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) fumbles the ball after a tackle by Detroit Lions safety James Ihedigbo (32) in the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

2. James Ihedigbo (32)

Here we have yet another former Patriot who the Patriots may be tempted to sign again. Admittedly, this writer is partial to Ihedigbo because of his UMass alma mater.

It’s more likely than not that the Patriots will move on from Tavon Wilson in free agency, leaving a spot open on the depth chart at safety and special teams. In just one season with the Patriots in 2011, Ihedigbo was a source of energy in the locker room and on the field—it would be nice to have those intangibles of Ihedigbo working in the Patriots’ favor again.

Top 10 QBs in Patriots history

The Patriots gave Ihedigbo his first big break after three quiet seasons with the New York Jets. As a starter in 12 of 16 games for the Pats in 2011, Ihedigbo accumulated 46 tackles and led the Patriots out onto the field before every game. He was a fan favorite, and this writer would love to see him back in Patriot blue wearing No. 44 again.

There’s a good chance the Detroit Lions will move on from Ihedigbo in free agency, as he was benched halfway through the season.

Next: 1. Calvin Pace