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Top 3 Positions the Patriots could target in FA

By Jaydeen Allen

Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs off the field after the NFL game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs off the field after the NFL game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Possible Targets

Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs off the field after the NFL game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs off the field after the NFL game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /


Matt Forte

Many have predicted Matt Forte would be a great fit in New England. He is a 30 year old running back who still has a lot to prove and would thrive with a contender. Forte has shown great ability on every down, especially his receiving ability. Though all these attributes are something the Patriots would love, Bill Belichick zags when people predict he would zig.

Verdict: Unlikely

Lamar Miller

When talking about Lamar Miller, the one thing that immediately comes to mind is how much the Dolphins under-utilized him this season. He has shown his capabilities to be a workhorse back with great receiving ability, but there were too many times this season were the Dolphins abandoned the run early. When Miller had under 90 yards, the Dolphins were 3-10. When Miller had over 90 yards, they were 3-0.

It has been reported the Dolphins would like to keep him but it’s Miller’s decision on whether or not he will stick around on a team with it’s third new head coach within the last 5 months.

2016 Patriots Free Agency: 5 dream targets

Verdict: Unlikely

Christ Ivory

Chris Ivory has done his damage to the Patriots over the past few seasons since arriving from New Orleans, and as Bill Belichick loves to do, he may think of signing a division opponent’s player that has had success against his team (ex. Darrelle Revis 2014, Scott Chandler 2015). Ivory is a traditional ground-and-pound running back and would be an the ideal fit based on size (6’0 ft, 222 lbs) and speed, he may come with a higher price than Blount.

Verdict: Possible, but don’t get your hopes up

Dark Horse: Stevan Ridley

A reunion with Stevan Ridley, former Patriot, would make sense. After suffering a torn ACL in 2014 against the Buffalo Bills, Ridley made his season debut in Week 9. He did not make the impact he would’ve hoped for on the Jets, thanks to a deep running back roster (Chris Ivory, Bilal Powll, Zac Stacy, Stevan Ridley). With a full offseason ahead of him to continue to get back to where he was before, the Patriots could give him another shot at a one-year deal due to his familiarity with the system.

Verdict: Possible

Next: Offensive Tackle

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