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Patriots free agency: 6 possibilities under 25

By Connor Fulton

Nov 15, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) gives New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty (32) a stiff arm after a pass reception during the second half at MetLife Stadium. New England Patriots defeat the New York Giants 27-26. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Nov 15, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) gives New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty (32) a stiff arm after a pass reception during the second half at MetLife Stadium. New England Patriots defeat the New York Giants 27-26. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /
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Patriots free agency Tony Jefferson
Arizona Cardinals strong safety Tony Jefferson (22) intercepts a pass inteded for Baltimore Ravens tight end Crockett Gillmore (80) as free safety Rashad Johnson (26) looks on during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Tony Jefferson (24)

Jefferson made our 2016 NFL free agency all-star team because he put forth some truly impressive numbers in his third NFL season, racking up a pair of sacks, three forced fumbles, five passes defended, two picks and a touchdown.

Sporting News noted that Jefferson jumped nine points to 86 overall in Madden NFL 16 at the end of the 2015 season, indicating that he is quickly becoming one of the best safeties in the NFL.

MUST-READ: 10 Long-term positives from Patriots’  2015 season

Although the Patriots are all set at starting safety with Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung, it never hurts to accumulate outstanding defensive backs. As a strong safety, Jefferson would make sense as a depth option behind Chung. Although his pass coverage has improved significantly, Chung still struggles at times against the pass; Jefferson excels in that area.

However, don’t get too excited. As a restricted free agent, Jefferson will almost certainly return to the Arizona Cardinals in 2016 because the Cards will have a week to match any offer made to their rising star strong safety.

Next: A free agent from each team the Pats would love to sign

So there you have it. Keep an eye on Randle, Brown, Darkwa, Miller, Tye and Jefferson moving as Patriots free agency nears.

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