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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 Candidates

Dec 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard Clint Boling (65) blocks versus the Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (51) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard Clint Boling (65) blocks versus the Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (51) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

A trade for Barkevious Mingo

Bingo. With Jerod Mayo retiring, the Patriots will need to invest in looking for another linebacker to add to an already dominant duo of Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins. With Michael Lombardi having worked in the Browns organization as a GM and VP of player personnel, he had an extensive look at Mingo and is aware of his skill. Also, the Browns were also looking to trade Mingo before the trade deadline last season, so they could be looking to shop him again.

Verdict: Likely

Rolando McClain

The Patriots were looking to sign McClain last season, but were ultimately beat out by the Cowboys who signed him to a one year deal and became a great piece to their defense. New England pursued the 26-year old last season because of depth issues. McClain demonstrated he has good football IQ on the field and has the ideal size for a linebacker the Patriots like, but just doesn’t have the speed. After having a strong season, it’s likely the Cowboys will again retain McClain and sign him to a longer deal, keeping him along side Sean Lee.

Verdict: Unlikely

Brandon Marshall 

After winning a Super Bowl with arguably one of the best defenses in the league since the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, the Broncos have multiple free agents to sign on defense. Von Miller, who will likely one of the highest paid defensive players in the league, will be their number one priority. Next falls defensive ends Malik Jackson and Derek Wolfe, who are likely to be signed, which leaves linebackers Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan. One will get signed and the other will likely walk in free agency. The Broncos would like to keep both, but thanks to the depth that they have available at the position, it won’t be a huge loss. It likely the Broncos will look to keep Trevathan, but Marshall performed very well this season too in coverage and run support.

Verdict: Possible

Next: Final thought

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