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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 Leonard Hankerson
Oct 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Leonard Hankerson (85) runs past Houston Texans defensive back Rahim Moore (26) for a long catch and run in the third quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Leonard Hankerson

Hankerson actually suited up for the Patriots in their 33-16 win over the Tennessee Titans in 2015, but he didn’t see any passes thrown his way before being released and signed by the Bills.

One of the more puzzling transaction stories of 2015 centered on Hankerson. Before getting hurt at midseason, Hankerson was having himself a season with the Atlanta Falcons having caught 26 passes for 327 yards and three touchdowns. But then he got injured, and things changed.

Hankerson was picked up by the Pats, but only very briefly. He appeared in one game for the Bills, as well, but again didn’t catch even one pass in Week 17 against the Jets.

Hankerson is at least somewhat knowledgeable about the Patriots’ offensive system having studied the playbook a bit in 2015. He may be worth signing to a low-cost deal and introducing into the training camp competition with the likes of Brandon Gibson, Brian Tyms, Keshawn Martin, Brandon LaFell and any other wideouts the Patriots acquire during the offseason.

Next: Ranking all 9 uniform combos in Pats history

So there you have it. Harvin, Ivory, Matthews, Davis, Coples, Rambo, Ridley and Hankerson are AFC East veterans that should be on the Patriots free agency brainstorming list.

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