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2016 Patriots Free Agency: 8 Possible AFC East Signings

By Connor Fulton

Sep 20, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Percy Harvin (18) is tackled by New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Percy Harvin (18) is tackled by New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patriots free agency Chris Ivory
Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) breaks away from New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /

7. Chris Ivory

Here on Musket Fire, we’ve spoken at length all offseason about the benefits of the Patriots signing Ivory. Plucking the New York Jets’ best back would not only bolster the Patriots’ backfield, but it would be addition by subtraction of a rival’s offensive weapon.

One thing about Ivory that is true: he packs a punch. He’s coming off his best season as a pro having rushed for 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns in 2015. That was actually Ivory’s first 1,000-yard season. The former New Orleans Saints running back would be the answer to the Patriots’ power back problem should LeGarrette Blount depart in free agency, as he is expected too. Ivory would be an upgrade over Blount, anyway.

2016 Patriots Free Agency: 5 dream targets

The other factor at play here is the gamesmanship between AFC East rivals. The Patriots and Jets are always shuffling players, from Danny Woodhead to Stevan Ridley (more on him later) to Darrelle Revis. Signing Ivory from the Jets would just be the latest instance of the Patriots trying to get inside the Jets’ heads.

Next: 6. Rishard Matthews

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